Washington DC (Semester-In-Practice)
Program Description
Through our DC Semester-In-Practice Program, students earn academic credit while working full-time at an executive agency, congressional office, non-profit, or trade association setting. While in D.C., students will gain practical experience and training, meet and network with D.C. attorneys including established RWU alums, and explore the many ways that a J.D. degree is used in our nation's capital. This program provides an ideal opportunity for RWU Law students who are considering working in Washington D.C. after graduation to explore and plan for their future.
Placement Support, Seminar, & Credits
Professor David Zlotnick will work with each student to arrange a placement that fits their personal goals. Students will earn 12 fieldwork credits working in their placement and an additional 2 graded credits for a two-hour weekly seminar taught by Professor Zlotnick.
After over 15 years on the full-time RWU faculty, Professor Zlotnick is now based in Washington, working in the Office of Enforcement at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. He has worked in the D.C. legal market as a judicial clerk, law firm associate, federal prosecutor, public interest lawyer, professor, and now as a regulatory lawyer.
To connect with our program director, explore the Faculty Directory.
Close Course Type DescriptionsCourse Types
We have classified RWU Law classes under the following headers. One of the following course types will be attached to each course which will allow students to narrow down their search while looking for classes.
Core Course
Students in the first and second year are required to take classes covering the following aspects of the law—contracts, torts, property, criminal law, civil procedure, and constitutional law, evidence, and professional responsibility. Along with these aspects, the core curriculum will develop legal reasoning skills.
Elective
After finishing the core curriculum the remaining coursework toward the degree is completed through upper level elective courses. Students can choose courses that peak their interests or courses that go along with the track they are following.
Seminar
Seminars are classes where teachers and small groups of students focus on a specific topic and the students complete a substantial research paper.
Clinics/Externships
Inhouse Clinics and Clinical Externships legal education is law school training in which students participate in client representation under the supervision of a practicing attorney or law professor. RWU Law's Clinical Programs offer unique and effective learning opportunities and the opportunity for practical experience while still in law school.
