Robert R. Kuehn (Washington University; Google Scholar), The Employment Benefits of Law Clinics and Externships, 33 Clin. Legal Educ. Newsletter __ (2025):
One of the reasons law students enroll in a law clinic or externship is the belief that the experience will improve their marketability. Surveys of recent law graduates and employers show that students' perceptions of the positive impact of a clinic or externship experience on their job opportunities upon graduation are well founded. The research summarized herein demonstrates that clinics and externships do aid graduates in obtaining their first job and that potential employers value entry-level candidates with law clinic and externship experience. …
Surveys consistently demonstrate that law students, recent graduates, and employers recognize the career advantages of law clinics and externships, with many reporting that these opportunities are integral to securing entry-level positions. Employers across sectors ─ including public interest, government, and private practice ─ place a high premium on candidates with clinic and externship experience, viewing these as critical indicators of a graduate's readiness for the legal profession. Law schools should take note of this extensive empirical evidence and ensure that all their students obtain this important clinical training.
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