What Skills will I develop as a legal extern at the rcsdf?

RCSDF externs will gain extensive knowledge about the intricacies of the law as it applies to separating and divorcing families, and how to provide alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services for families in this context. Students will provide dispute resolution services for Denver metro area parents seeking to resolve issues about any of the following: parenting time, division of assets, child support, or other domestic relations issues. Externs will receive intensive mediation training before the start of the semester.

Legal externs will also assist parties who are completing legal paperwork, sworn financial statements, and formal agreements. For more information, please see our legal dispute resolution page.

How many hours will I be expected to work?

Legal externs are expected to work 14 to 16 hours per week. Externs are also required to attend a two-week intensive training course prior to the start of the semester. One week of this training will be devoted to clinic procedures, substantive law, and client interviewing. The other will be devoted entirely to mediation training by an expert in family law mediation.

Training for the Fall 2013 semester will run 8-5, Monday through Friday from August 12 to August 23.

How many credits Will I earn?

Legal externs will receive three externship field credits and one class credit. For more information, please visit the legal externship program's website.

Are there Prerequisites?

Students are eligible to apply after completion of thirty credits at Strum College of Law. Completion of Family Law or concurrent registration is required.

How do I apply for a legal externship?

Students applying for this position must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and have successfully completed thirty credits at the Sturm College of Law. Students must also be willing to attend an orientation/training, which will include forty hours of intensive mediation training.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and résumé, as well as indicate whether they are applying for fall or spring semester. These documents should be sent to:

Jeffrey Polatis, Office Manager of the Resource Center for Separating and Divorcing Families.

The RCSDF will not contact applicants who have not been selected for an interview. However, please feel free to contact Jeff with any questions or concerns.