You’ll attend hearings and conferences, join in strategy sessions and accompany federal government attorneys to formal and informal gatherings and meetings. You’ll research law, prepare memoranda, draft federal rules and otherwise engage in the day-to-day professional lives of your externship host. Students have previously externed at the:
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Energy
- Department of Justice
- Department of State
- Department of the Treasury
- National Indian Gaming Commission
- National Mediation Service
- Peace Corps
- Senate Agriculture Committee
- Senate Banking Committee
- Senate Finance Committee
- Veterans Administration
- D.C. Public Defender
- World Bank
Students who participate in the GOAL program receive:
- Enhanced employment opportunities as lawyers in government service upon graduation
- A comprehensive understanding of the role of professional ethics in government settings, including a focused examination of the specific standards of ethical conduct applicable to lawyers in government service and to generic ethical principles arising from both the core values of society at large and the Jesuit tradition
- Skills to facilitate and improve strategic planning, creativity, collaboration and consensus building
- A set of core competencies to promote the capacity to assume leadership roles
- An understanding of the role of attorneys within large and diverse governmental organizations
Curriculum
In addition to a full array of law courses, you’ll take courses in government law and case-study regulatory programs. No later than the second year, you’ll be expected to master the refinements of administrative processes.
While in the nation’s capital as a third-year law student, you’ll take two courses to enhance your practical experiences: One examines issues of leadership and features speakers in top leadership positions throughout D.C.; the other examines specific ethical issues encountered by attorneys in public service.
You’ll also attend seminars on practical aspects of a Washington, D.C., career—everything from maximizing networking opportunities, to the value of nuanced communication and even proper attire for success. Because of Creighton’s Washington connections, you’ll be invited to receptions and events where you’ll meet professionals in your area of interest. Our students have visited the White House and the Pentagon, met with both U.S. senators from Nebraska and attended Creighton law alumni gatherings at prominent D.C. law firms.
The degree requires completion of at least 35 credits of study, 13 of which may be satisfied by successfully completing a list of courses taken for law school credit.
In sum, to secure both degrees, you must assemble a total of 106 credit hours. The receipt of a JD degree is a necessary prerequisite to receipt of the Master of Science degree in the GOAL program.
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