Public Service Externship Field Supervisor Information
Field Supervisor Qualifications
The Field Supervisor must be a licensed attorney in good standing with a state bar association, judge, or other approved professional. The Field Supervisor must have a minimum of three years practice experience related to the subject matter of the externship. Students must work under the supervision of a field supervisor who is a regular employee of the sponsoring organization. If the Field Supervisor is not a regular employee of the sponsoring organization, the Field Supervisor must agree to assume principal responsibility for the legal matters upon which the student works.
Student training
Sponsoring organizations and field supervisors must ensure that students receive adequate training to competently perform assigned work. Such training should include: (a) an initial orientation regarding office procedures and protocol, available research materials and tools, and background information related to the substantive practice areas involved in the externship; (b) regular information sharing sessions related to an important procedural or substantive practice area; and (c) periodic meetings to answer questions and provide guidance and feedback regarding specific projects.
Field Supervisor Responsibilities
Prior to student registration, the Field Supervisor shall:
- Submit a Confirmation Letter (Sample Form K) to the Public Service Program Coordinator outlining the legal work the student will perform, the number of hours per week the student will work, and the scope of training and supervision that will be provided. The completed confirmation letter should be mailed to:
Susan Lien, Public Service Program Coordinator
University of Washington School of Law
Room 346 William H. Gates Hall
Box 353020
Seattle, WA 98195-3020
To ensure awarding of academic credit, the Field Supervisor shall:
- Communicate with the Faculty Supervisor in person, by telephone, or by email at the beginning and at the end of the externship and meet in person at the externship site at least once each calendar year. One site visit each year is sufficient for ALL students externing at that site that year; however, quarterly site visits are encouraged.
- Plan a series of work experiences for the student that proceeds from introductory to advanced.
- Ensure that the student is adequately trained to competently perform the work assigned.
- Meet with the student, at least weekly, to review and evaluate the student's work. These meetings should provide the student with a broader perspective and greater insight regarding the legal issues raised by the student's work. These meetings should address such matters as:
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alternative methods of handling a particular task;
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the relationship of a particular task to the larger substantive, procedural or practical issues in the case or matter;
- noteworthy ethical or social implications of a task or case; and
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the responsibilities of lawyers as professionals.
- Ensure that the student works 30 hours for each credit. Time spent on clerical tasks (e.g. filing, library updating, and telephone answering) shall not be included in the 30 hours.
- Upon completion of the externship, submit two copies of a Field Supervisor Evaluation of the student to the Public Service Program Coordinator in the Center for Career Planning and Public Service. Choose an evaluation form on the right according to the number of credits of the externship. The Field Supervisor Evaluation is due no later than two weeks after the externship has been completed.
Download the Field Supervisors Handbook 2006-2007 (pdf). For up to date information for Field Supervisors contact
For additional information or assistance, please contact Susan Lien, Public Service Program Coordinator, at pservice@u.washington.edu, or 206-543-6249, 206-616-1365 (fax).