Experiential Learning

Brandeis School of Law offers several for-credit experiential learning opportunities designed to extend students' understanding of the legal profession beyond the classroom. These hands-on upper-level educational experiences give students the ability to engage with the community, widen their professional networks and practice essential legal skills in a supportive and collaborative environment, preparing them to be effective and engaged members of the legal community after graduation.

All students must complete at least 6 credit hours of experiential learning opportunities, at least 2 of which must be earned in "live-client courses," i.e., clinics or externships. Live-client courses demand substantial dedication, requiring 56 hours of work per credit hour earned; e.g., to earn 3 credit hours requires 168 work hours.

Greenebaum Public Service Program

The Samuel L. Greenebaum Public Service Program offers students valuable hands-on experience through volunteer legal placements and funded summer fellowships. Whether working with legal aid organizations, government agencies, or advocacy groups, students apply their legal education to serve the public good while building practical skills and professional connections. Public service work through this program complements clinics and externships and helps fulfill Justice Brandeis's mission of justice and community engagement.

Learn more about the Greenebaum Public Service Program

Clinics

Brandeis School of Law offers six in-house clinics where students gain hands-on experience representing real clients and handling real cases under expert faculty supervision. Whether advocating for survivors of domestic violence, defending tenants facing eviction, mediating family court disputes, or assisting immigrant clients, students build core legal skills while serving the community. Clinics satisfy the live-client experiential credit requirement and prepare students for practice through meaningful, pro bono legal work.

Learn more about our Law Clinics

Central High School Partnership

As part of UofL’s Signature Partnership Initiative, the Central High School Partnership connects Brandeis law students with students in the Law and Government Magnet Program at Central High School. Through courses like Street Law, Civil Liberties, and legal writing workshops, Brandeis students teach, mentor, and support high schoolers while earning academic or public service credit. The partnership promotes diversity in the legal profession and builds real-world teaching, communication, and leadership skills.

Learn more about the Central High School Signature Partnership

Externships

Brandeis School of Law externships give students the opportunity to earn course credit while working alongside practicing attorneys, judges, and legal professionals in real-world settings. Unlike clinics, externships are supervised by attorneys in the field and take place at courts, agencies, nonprofits, and corporate legal departments throughout the region. With placements in public interest, criminal justice, in-house counsel, and more, students gain practical experience, build professional networks, and explore potential career paths.

Explore Externship Opportunities

Simulation Courses

Simulation courses likewise offer students a dynamic, hands-on approach to legal education, bridging theory with real-world practice, though in a more traditional classroom setting. Through simulated scenarios, students engage in immersive experiences, ranging from trial practice and contract drafting to negotiation and client counseling sessions.

Simulation courses provide a safe space for students to develop crucial legal skills, such as effective communication, critical thinking and strategic decision-making, under the guidance of expert faculty. By actively participating in simulations, students gain practical insights into the complexities of legal practice, preparing them to navigate the challenges they will encounter in their future professional careers.