Experiential Learning

Students at the College of Law have a variety of opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real legal situations. This valuable practical experience will give them an excellent head start in their legal career.

Experiential Programs

• Clinics: Third-year students, having earned their limited licenses to practice from the Idaho Supreme Court, represent clients in a variety of different courts under the supervision of clinical faculty. Students advise clients in our Immigration Litigation & Appellate Clinic, Entrepreneurship Law Clinic, Community Law Clinic and Family Justice Clinic. Students gain meaningful real-life experiences while providing quality legal services to underrepresented populations. Private gifts directed toward our clinic programs help support the operation and development of clinic opportunities.
• Externships: Students work for public agencies, nonprofit organizations, or state and federal judges while earning credit.
• Semester in Practice: Third-year students work in approved agencies and nonprofits.
• Pro Bono Program: All students of the College are required to provide at least 50 hours of required law-related service.
• Competitions: Our legal writing, moot court, and dispute resolution competitions allow students to hone their skills through legal writing competitions and courtroom competitions. Students participate in moot court competitions that involve evidence, environmental and Native American Law. Private gifts support registration fees, training and travel for these competitions.
• Idaho Heritage Project: As noted by Dean Kalb in her 2021 Advocate article, “Idaho like most other states, is experiencing a legal services crisis. Half of Idaho’s 44 counties have fewer than 10 attorneys, including those who work for the government. . . For many Idahoans looking to adopt a child, start a business, invest in a piece of land, or draft a will, legal services are inaccessible.” The Idaho Heritage Project – Rural Services Scholarship Fund provides scholarship support for students serving summer internships, externships, or pro bono service in rural communities throughout the state of Idaho. This support allows law students to take positions in our more rural communities, with the hope that these experiences and connections will encourage future practice in these areas.