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Residential Externship: Metro East Criminal Justice Experiential Learning Program

Third-year students from the Southern Illinois University School of Law live and take classes on the Southwestern Illinois Justice and Workforce Development Campus while working at various state and federal offices.

In the semester-long Metro East Criminal Justice Experiential Learning Program, students gain immersive experiences in the justice system, and the community benefits from the legal services the students provide under the supervision of practicing attorneys. In accordance with Supreme Court Rule 711, students will make court appearances, counsel clients, negotiate settlements and prepare documents.

The program provides a unique opportunity for SIU Law to collaborate with other campus tenants, including the Illinois State Police Forensic Institute, the Southern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission, a police training academy offered by Southwestern Illinois College, and other nonprofit organizations.

Director of Experiential Education

Associate Professor Shelly Page

cheryl.page@siu.edu

Students will have access to the following: 

  • The Metro East, State and Federal Offices and Courts
  • Three Problem-Solving Courts
    • Drug Court
    • Mental Health Court
    • Veteran's and Servicemember Treatment Court
    • Additionally
      • Dedicated Domestic Violence Courtrooms
      • Juvenile Restorative Justice Diversion Program - "Teen Court"
  • State Police Forensics Training and Lab, Police Training Academy, and Community Involvement 

Positions are available in: 

  • US Attorney's Office
  • Federal Defender's Office 
  • State's Attorney's Office
  • Public Defender's Office 

Requirements and Details:

  • SIU Law 3L Students Only 
  • Minimum 2.600 GPA
  • 9 Credit Hours Taught In-Person
  • Housing Included