Baylor Law Field Placements
Baylor Law School’s Field Placement Program allows students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world legal work. Through this program, students gain valuable experience working alongside lawyers and judges while developing essential skills for legal practice.
Field placements help students enhance their legal knowledge, analytical abilities, and professional judgment. They observe how lawyers and judges utilize legal principles, strategies, ethics, and judgment in their decision-making processes. Additionally, students gain a clearer understanding of their own strengths, interests, and professional goals.
Depending on the placement, students may develop skills in client interviewing and counseling, investigation, dispute resolution, legal research and writing, as well as trial and appellate advocacy.
Judicial field placements are available in several local courts. Students interested in criminal law can gain experience through placements with the Limestone County District Attorney’s Office or the McLennan County District Attorney’s Office. They may also work with Lone Star Legal Aid in Waco, where they assist clients under the supervision of a staff attorney.
In-House Practice Field Placement Program
Baylor Law also offers an In-House Practice Field Placement Program during the fall and spring quarters. This program introduces students to the work of in-house counsel through both fieldwork and classroom instruction.
Students spend at least 72 hours observing and working under the supervision of an in-house attorney in the private sector. The classroom component addresses legal and ethical issues commonly faced by corporate law departments, covering topics such as working with outside counsel, addressing conflicts of interest, preserving attorney-client privilege, drafting and negotiating contracts, and conducting internal investigations.
