Vanderbilt students may pursue a range of public interest experiential opportunities, including clinics, practicums, externships, and pro bono programs and projects.
Through the clinical program, students have the opportunity to represent clients in state and federal court; to represent clients in transactions; or to complete substantive research in support of international institutions, domestic government agencies, or international tribunals. All students work under the close supervision of a faculty member.
The Externship Program allows students to receive course credit for working pro bono in summer and semester externships with faculty-approved legal employers throughout the U.S. and abroad. Students gain valuable work experience by directly immersing themselves in legal offices. During the summer, students can apply for a Vanderbilt summer stipend instead of seeking course credit.
Pro bono activities provide students with the opportunity to build their legal skills, explore other areas of the law, and network with legal professionals. Vanderbilt Law offers a voluntary Pro Bono Pledge, opportunities to engage in pro bono service, and the Access to Justice Initiative.
Students worked for legal employers in 20 states, Washington, D.C., and as a UN Special Rapporteur on the Prevention of Torture. The students receive stipend support or earn course credit.
The newest iteration of our Access to Justice class had Vanderbilt and Rehabilitation Center students working together in small groups to engage in a bi-directional learning experience.
Danielle Simmons '28 participated in Vanderbilt Law's Pro Bono Spring Break program in Jackson, TN, to help serve rural communities. Follow along with her journey in our Instagram Day in the Life.