Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Legislative Internship Program and the Legislative Clinics?

All four programs are one-semester clinical courses open to second-year and third-year students. The Legislative Internship Program is a fieldwork based program where students work in the office of a Senator or Representative in the Massachusetts legislature. The Legislative Clinics (the Legislation Policy & Drafting Clinics, Africa i-Parliaments Clinic, and the Legislative Counsel Clinic are in-house clinics where students work on projects under the guidance of BU Law clinical faculty.

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What are the requirements of the Legislative Internship Program?

The Legislative Internship Program requires 12-20 hours per week fieldwork in the office of a Senator or Representative in the Massachusetts legislature. As an intern, you also participate in a weekly seminar and prepare a weekly journal and a final paper.

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How many credits do I receive for the Legislative Internship Program?

You will receive 6-8 credits total (3-5 pass/fail credits for the fieldwork depending on how many hours you work, and 3 graded credits for the seminar). The seminar grade is based on seminar participation, a final paper, and weekly journals documenting students' externship experiences.

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What is the difference between the Legislative Internship Program and the Legal Externship Program?

The two programs are similar. Both involve a field placement, a seminar, a weekly journal and a final paper. The principal differences lie in the type of field placement and the content of the seminar and paper. In the Legislative Internship Program, you do your fieldwork in the Massachusetts legislature with a state Senator or Representative. The seminar and final paper will focus on issues relevant to the legislature, including legislative process, legislative problem-solving, and legislative research and drafting. In the Legal Externship Program, on the other hand, students intern at nonprofits and government organizations, and the classroom component focuses on professional responsibility issue. Unlike the seminar for the Legal Externship Program, the seminar for the Legislative Internship Program does not satisfy the Professional Responsibility requirement.

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How do I choose a placement?

Prior the the beginning of the semester, Professor Sean Kealy compiles a list of possible internships based upon projected enrollment and, when possible, the legal interests of the students.  The list of possible placements is diverse, designed to bring different perspectives to classroom discussions (internships in both chambers, both parties, different types of committees, etc.).  During the first week of the semester, students pick from the list the internship they feel is the best “fit.”  For example, a student may select a placement with a like-minded legislator. Not all legislators will be participating in the program each semester, but we will make every effort to ensure a compatible placement.

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May I find my own placement?

In some cases. Speak with Professor Sean Kealy if you have a particular placement in mind.

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Does the final paper for the Legislative Internship Program satisfy the Upperclass Writing Requirement?

No.

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How do I apply for the Legislative Internship Program?

Students apply through the on-line application system which will be available on the Clinical Programs website following the Clinical Programs Open House, which takes place in the beginning of April each year. Applications are at the end of April for participation in the following academic year.

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How do I receive more information about the Legislative Internship Program?

Interested student scan learn more about the Legislative Internship Program at the Clinical Programs Open House. Until then, you are also welcome to contact Professor Sean Kealy at skealy@bu.edu.

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