New York City Council Externships

Fieldwork Component:

City Council externs have the opportunity to work directly with the lawyers who serve the City's legislative body.  Students gain valuable experience in government and improve their legal skills, particularly in the areas of research and drafting.  During this externship, students conduct legal research, draft legal memoranda and legislation, attend Council meetings and hearings, prepare sections of Committee briefing papers, and participate in the legislative and policy decision-making process with Council staff.

Seminar Component:

Students learn about the City's legislative process, including the roles played by the City Council and the Mayor's Office.  Students study the relevant portions of the City Charter and Administrative Code and analyze state and federal preemption doctrines and case law relating to the powers of the Council.  Additionally, students have the opportunity to draft a piece of legislation and raise questions relating to fieldwork conducted on behalf of the Council.

Seminar meets at City Council, 250 Broadway, 14th Floor Library Conference Room

Fridays 1:00 - 2:50 p.m.

Application Information:

To apply for an externship with the NYC Council, you do not need to secure the placement on your own.  Please fill out the online application for the Externship Program and we will forward it to the New York Council.  We will inform you of the status of your application.