Externship Program

INTRODUCTION

The Porter County Prosecutor’s Office annually selects nine law students (three per semester) to participate in the Prosecutor Externship Program. Interviews at the law School are typically held during January to fill extern positions for the summer, fall and spring semesters of the following school year. The program is currently supervised by Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Brian Gensel.

QUALIFICATIONS

The Law School requires all extern students to have successfully completed Evidence and either completed Professional Responsibility or take it concurrently with the externship. It is also preferred that interested students take Criminal Procedure before or during their externship. The program is open to second and third-year students. Third year students receive priority since second-year students may re-apply during their third year.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Students participating in the Externship will participate in the following areas of prosecutorial duties:

• Research and Writing
  Students will be assigned research projects running the gamut from formal Memoranda of Law to informal “find out what the law is” projects. Students will use traditional and on-line research resources.
• Courtroom Responsibilites
  The Prosecutor Externship is a “hands-on” externship and students will be expected to accompany deputy prosecutors to court and participate in various hearings. Students may be assigned bench or jury trials to litigate, or motions to argue. Students will meet with pro-se litigants and negotiate contracts for Prosecutor deferral programs. Students also have the opportunity to observe “in chamber” conferences between judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys.
• Citizen Appointments
  In situations where police agencies investigate complaints but decline filing criminal charges, aggrieved citizens are given the opportunity to meet with representatives of the prosecutor’s office to discuss their concerns. Student externs meet with these people, explain the criminal justice system and determine whether the dispute is appropriate for criminal prosecution or some other alternative resolution.
• Other Opportunities
  Depending on the semester, students may also assist in organizing felony trials, observe depositions, interview witnesses, prepare charging documents, examine and evaluate evidence and locate documents to be used in prosecutions.

CONCLUSION

Interested students may contact the Career Services Office to find out when the next interview session is scheduled.