Whether representing underprivileged citizens in housing court, helping overturn a wrongful conviction, arguing for a client in an unemployment compensation case, or providing pro bono support to an immigrant applying for citizenship, you will have opportunities to gain practical skills under the guidance of top legal practitioners.

We offer three types of experiential courses—clinics and practicums, externships, and simulations. Each integrates doctrine, theory, skills, and legal ethics. Students receive ample professional feedback and are also asked to self-evaluate. For JD students, each course counts toward the ABA’s 6-credit experiential learning requirement.

Other opportunities to gain experience, which do not count towards the experiential learning requirement, include serving on the editorial board of one of our six law journals, participating in moot court competitions, or observing oral arguments at one of the state and federal courts in Greater Boston. Many international students are eligible to participate in optional practical training upon completion of their degree, an ideal option for those seeking to gain hands-on experience in the US legal market.

Clinics & Practicums

Gain hands-on experience working with real clients on current cases or policy matters. JD students are guaranteed at least one clinical experience in their second or third year.

View All
4 students engaged with someone off camera in LLM classroom at BU Law

Experiential Learning for Graduate Students

Graduate & International Programs provides a variety of experiential learning opportunities tailored to the needs of students in our LLM and master's degree programs.

Learn More

Related Stories

McKenzi Baker ('21)
Equity

Bringing Ideas to Life

An entrepreneurial spirit and a helping heart lead McKenzi Baker—and her clients—to realize their dreams.

Shared from
The Record
Keenan Hunt-Stone ('24)
Student Life

A Switchback toward Progress

Keenan Hunt-Stone (’24) sees the law as his best path forward for impactful change.

Shared from
The Record
Detail of a mosaic quilt
Critical Race Theory

New Practicum Builds on Antiracism Efforts at BU Law

Students work on racial justice projects with community partners in experiential course taught by Caitlin Glass.

Shared from
The Record
Collage of images: Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson delivering the BU Law commencement address; portrait of Robert Volk; Jaimee Francis ('24) and Brianna Jordan ('24); Barbara Jones, dean of the School of Social Work and Angela Onwuachi-Willig, dean of the School of Law grabbing a selfie with BU President Melissa Gilliam
BU Law News

Reflecting on 2023

Key moments from this year.

Shared from
The Record
Jeremy Brunner ('24) with his brother with a lake in the background
Giving

Forging His Own Path

Robert T. Butler scholarship allows engineer to pursue IP law career.

Shared from
The Record
Two students sit at a table in the foreground. Professor Andy Sellars lectures in the background.
Experiential Education

BU Law Introduces BU/MIT Student Innovations Law Clinic

Created from the Startup Law and Technology Law Clinics, the newly unified clinic offers a one-stop shop for BU and MIT students engaged in innovative and entrepreneurial activities.

Shared from
The Record
Collage of 15 new full-time BU Law faculty
BU Law News

BU Law Welcomes 16 New Full-Time Faculty for 2023–24

BU Law is pleased to greet new faculty with expertise ranging from criminal law to tax policy and legal writing.

Shared from
The Record
Read More
Two female students talking on comm ave waiting for the T as the green line approaches in the background

Why Study in Boston?

Here are but a few reasons: Boston is a major hub for law, business, medicine, technology, and government. It’s an international city with vibrant cultural, art, social, and entertainment communities. It comprises an eclectic mix of neighborhoods, from historic to modern to trendy, with a wide range of housing options for students. Boston is one of the world’s foremost centers of education and research. The list goes on.

Explore The City