Externships at Mercer Law School offer invaluable opportunities for students to gain real-world legal experience through work placements off campus. Judicial externships involve students conducting research and writing assignments for judges, as well as attending legal proceedings. This hands-on approach helps students improve their legal skills, knowledge, and professional identity.
Professor Pat Longan, the William Augustus Bootle Chair in Professionalism and Ethics, oversees the judicial externship course at Mercer Law, while professors Tim Floyd and Sarah Gerwig also contribute to the program's success. Since its inception in 2001, the program maintains an enrollment of eight to 10 students per semester. Externships typically last one semester, supplemented by weekly meetings and reflective writing assignments under Professor Longan's guidance.
Mercer Law alumni significantly influence the program by hosting externship students. Tyler Kelly, the Mercer Law Review Editor in Chief, is working with Judge Marc T. Treadwell at the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Georgia. Kelly believes this experience, which includes drafting orders and bench memoranda, will enhance his legal writing skills and advocacy.
Abigail Letts, interested in transactional law, joined the Hon. David Mincey III at Bibb County Superior Court, where she appreciated the wealth of knowledge and experience gained.
Rich Morrison, a first-generation college student, completed externships at the State Court of Bibb County and the Barrow County District Attorney’s Office. He highlighted the opportunity as a major influence on his legal education and development.
Jordan Mae Savage, another student, gained substantial experience from her externship at Houston County Superior Court. She worked on family law cases and will start her career as a first-year associate at Smith, Welch, Webb, and White in McDonough.
Professor Longan, an advocate for greater professionalism in law, emphasized the positive impacts these externships have on aspiring legal professionals. He has dedicated his career to instilling professionalism in students, which Morrison attests to, acknowledging Longan's role as a mentor and supporter in his legal journey.