Putting theory into practice.
The summer after their first year, University of Baltimore School of Law students have the opportunity to gain their first legal experiences in courtrooms, judicial chambers, law offices, public interest organizations and government agencies through the Experience in Legal Organizations, or EXPLOR, program.
The program, which began in 1994, serves as a testament to the strength of the School of Law’s alumni network and to its reputation for excellence within the Maryland legal community.
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How does the EXPLOR program work?
Following their first year of law school, students are placed with legal employers throughout the state and spend 16-20 hours per week for 8-10 weeks as volunteer legal externs. Employers provide students with opportunities to perform substantive legal research and writing, to observe legal proceedings and to participate in client meetings and negotiations. Employers also offer mentoring and exposure to the legal profession.
The EXPLOR program runs from May to August. Participating students must attend an orientation that prepares them for their summer externship. Both employers and students are asked to complete evaluations of the experience at the conclusion of the program. -
What types of placements are available?
The Law Career Development Office makes every effort to match students and employers according to interests and compatibility.
Judges from around the state participate in EXPLOR, including Maryland circuit and district court judges from every county, Maryland Court of Appeals and Court of Special Appeals judges, and U.S. District Court and U.S. Bankruptcy court judges.
A wide range of public interest organizations participate in EXPLOR, including:- AARP Foundation
- Baltimore City Bar Association Legal Services to the Elderly Program
- Civil Justice Inc.
- Community Law Center
- Epilepsy Foundation of America
- Heartly House Inc.
- Homeless Persons Representation Project
- House of Ruth’s Domestic Violence Clinic
- Maryland Legal Aid
- Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service
- Mecca's Place
- Mid-Shore Pro Bono Inc.
- Women’s Law Center of Maryland
Participating government agencies include:
- Baltimore City Social Services, Legal Services Division
- Housing Authority for Baltimore City
- Maryland Department of Budget and Management
- Maryland Office of the Public Defender (various offices)
- Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office (various offices)
- Maryland State Ethics Commission
- Social Security Administration, Office of the General Counsel
- Social Security Administration, Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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What are the program requirements?
Participating students must be in good academic standing and have completed two semesters of law school.
Students are committed to the EXPLOR placement once a match has been made. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times and to be available at least two days a week for 8-10 weeks.