United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

In this placement, students learn as externs in the chambers of a Judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Working alongside judicial law clerks and court staff, assigned externs learn through exposure to the processes associated with judicial decision-making and through courtroom observation. Externs also engage in legal research and writing, drafting bench memoranda and assisting in the crafting of judicial opinions.  Students interested in honing appellate advocacy skills and exploring appellate court procedure may wish to apply for this externship.

Anticipated Fall 2013 Placements: Judge Bernice B. Donald

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hours per week)

Prerequisites/Co-Requisites: Professional Responsibility, Evidence 

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Tennessee

In this placement, each student is assigned to the chambers of a U.S. District Court Judge, a U.S. Magistrate Judge, or a U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge in the Western District of Tennessee. Working alongside judicial law clerks and court staff, externs learn through exposure to the processes associated with judicial decision-making and through courtroom observation. Externs also engage in legal research and writing, drafting bench memoranda and assisting in the crafting of judicial opinions and determinations on matters arising in pretrial, trial and post-trial contexts.  Students interested in exploring litigation strategy, honing advocacy skills, and surveying trial court procedure may wish to apply for this externship.

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hours per week)

Anticipated Fall 2013 Placements:

Chief Judge Jon S. McCalla, U.S. District Court
Judge S. Thomas Anderson, U.S. District Court
Judge Charmiane G. Claxton, U.S. Magistrate Judge
Judge Tu M. Pham, U.S. Magistrate Judge
Judge Diane K. Vescovo, U.S. Magistrate Judge
Chief Judge David S. Kennedy, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge
Judge Paulette J. Delk, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge
Judge George W. Emerson, Jr., U.S. Bankruptcy Judge

Prerequisites/Co-Requisites: Professional Responsibility, Evidence

Preference: For Bankruptcy Court Judges – Problems in Bankruptcy and/or Debtor-Creditor

U.S. Immigration Court – Memphis 

The Memphis Immigration Court falls under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge which is a component of the Executive Office for Immigration Review under the Department of Justice.  Student externs will be presented with the opportunity to develop their research, writing, and analytical skills, and increase their knowledge of immigration law.  During the semester, externs may be able to observe removal hearings and work on cases involving several forms of relief from removal, including asylum, adjustment of status, and cancellation of removal.  Assigned externs will work directly under the supervision of a Judicial Law Clerk and will also work with the court’s judges.

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hours per week)

Preference: Immigration Law

In this placement, students learn as externs in the chambers of a Tennessee Supreme Court Justice, a Tennessee Court of Appeals judge, or a Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals Judge.   Working alongside judicial law clerks and court staff, externs learn through exposure to the processes associated with judicial decision-making and through courtroom observation. Externs also engage in legal research and writing, drafting bench memoranda and assisting in the crafting of judicial opinions.  Students interested in honing appellate advocacy skills and exploring appellate court procedure may wish to apply for this externship.

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hours per week)

Anticipated Fall 2013 Placements:

Justice Janice M. Holder, Supreme Court of Tennessee
Judge Holly Kirby, Tennessee Court of Appeals

Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: Professional Responsibility, Evidence

Shelby County Circuit Court

In this placement, students learn as externs in the chambers of a Shelby County Circuit Court Judge or a Shelby County Chancery Court Chancellor. Working alongside judicial law clerks and court staff, externs learn through exposure to the processes associated with judicial decision-making and through courtroom observation. Externs also engage in legal research and writing, drafting bench memoranda and assisting in the crafting of judicial opinions and determinations on matters arising in pretrial, trial and post-trial contexts.  Students interested in exploring litigation strategy, honing advocacy skills, and surveying trial court procedure may wish to apply for this externship.

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hours per week)

Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: Professional Responsibility, Evidence. Externs must be available on Friday mornings for Circuit Court motions dockets.

Criminal Justice Externships

United States Attorney’s Office

In this placement, students learn as externs in the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Tennessee.  The United States Attorney's Office serves as the principal litigator for its judicial district and is responsible for coordinating multiple agency investigations within the district.  The United States Attorney’s Office prosecutes violations of federal criminal statutes, defends the government in civil actions, seeks enforcement of a variety of civil enforcement statutes, and institutes proceedings for the collection of fines and penalties.  Typical assignments for externs will involve assisting with all aspects of case preparation, including researching legal issues, drafting/writing motions, briefs, responses and various pleadings, providing trial support to Assistant U.S. Attorneys, and assembling exhibits for trial.  Students also observe trials in the District Court and appellate arguments at the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hours per week)

Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: Professional Responsibility, Evidence, Criminal Procedure 

Federal Public Defender’s Office

In this placement, students learn as externs in the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Tennessee.  The Federal Public Defender’s Office represents indigent clients against convictions at trial, or where appropriate, by bargaining for plea agreements, and if a client is convicted, by obtaining a just and fair sentence.  Student externs may have the opportunity to perform legal research, write memoranda, motions, and briefs, and to participate in client interviews and preparation for court appearances.  They may also work one-on-one with attorneys and investigators and gain exposure to all stages of criminal cases including initial appearances, plea negotiations with the U.S. Attorneys Office, trials and appellate work. 

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hours per week)

Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: Professional Responsibility, Evidence, Criminal Procedure

Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office

In this externship, students are placed in the Office of the Shelby County District Attorney General. Each extern is assigned to one of the many specialized units of the DA’s Office and works under the supervision of a prosecutor within the assigned unit. Responsibilities assigned to externs may include such tasks as researching and preparing pre-trial memoranda, responding to criminal defense motions, and contacting victims and witnesses regarding interviews, trial dates and various other matters. Externs may also prepare trial exhibits and observe felony jury trials. In most instances, externs handle limited court matters (e.g., preliminary hearings) under the supervision of a supervising prosecutor, provided the extern is licensed under Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 7, Section 10.03 (the Tennessee Law Student Practice Rule).

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hours per week)

Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: Professional Responsibility, Evidence, Criminal Procedure

Preferred: Trial Advocacy

Shelby County Public Defender’s Office

In this placement, students learn as externs in the Office of the Shelby County Public Defender. Each extern is assigned to one of the many specialized units of the Public Defender’s Office and works under the supervision of an assistant public defender within the assigned unit. Responsibilities assigned to externs include such tasks as researching and preparing pre-trial memoranda, responding to prosecution motions, and contacting witnesses regarding interviews, trial dates and various other matters. Externs will also observe and participate in court matters under supervision. Externs may also handle limited court matters (e.g., preliminary hearings) under the supervision of a supervising attorney, provided the extern is licensed under Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 7, Section 10.03 (the Tennessee Law Student Practice Rule).

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hours per week)

Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: Professional Responsibility, Evidence; Criminal Procedure

Tennessee Office of the Post-Conviction Defender

In this placement, students learn as externs with the Tennessee Office of the Post-Conviction Defender (PCDO). The PCDO is a specialized statewide public defender office funded by the State. The PCDO represents indigent Tennessee death-sentenced inmates in post-conviction and other collateral proceedings. The job of the PCDO is to review and litigate the fairness and constitutionality of a capital defendant’s conviction and sentence. This entails an exhaustive review of the underlying capital trial and direct appeal. The PCDO is charged with thoroughly investigating the availability and strength of various defenses in both the guilt/innocence and sentencing phases of the capital trial and evaluating potential post-conviction claims such as actual innocence, ineffective assistance of defense counsel at trial, and prosecutorial misconduct. This work requires client and witness interviews; collection and review of all relevant records including trial transcripts, police records, defense attorney and prosecution files, and institutional records; forensic investigation; development of social histories; arrangements for medical and psychological evaluations; legal research; drafting of pleadings and briefs; and preparation for post-conviction trials and appellate arguments.

Externs assigned to the PCDO will assist in legal research and writing, and participate in other aspects of case preparation. Externs meet with clients on death row and often have opportunities to observe witness interviews and attend court proceedings.

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hours per week) - NOT OFFERED IN FALL 2013

Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: Professional Responsibility, Evidence, Criminal Procedure

Preference: Students who express a genuine interest in criminal defense or in representing the marginalized.

Administrative Agency Externships

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of the Chief Counsel (Memphis OCC Litigation Unit)

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Office of the Chief Counsel in Memphis, Tennessee (Memphis OCC Litigation Unit) handles all litigation for ICE involving administrative removal/deportation, asylum and Torture Convention claims from many different countries throughout the world, and other relief from removal.  The Office of Chief Counsel also provides legal advice to operational components of the Department of Homeland Security, and to the U.S. Attorney’s Office throughout its area of responsibility.  Memphis OCC Assistant Chief Counsels are in court an average of four to five days per week, covering a docket in excess of 6,000 administrative cases each year.  

Externs placed with the Memphis OCC Litigation Unit will gain insight into immigration law from the perspective of the federal government.  Assigned externs will also observe the manner in which immigration law touches on many different legal areas.  Among other opportunities, externs will perform legal research and writing; work on and assist in the preparation of court filings, and assist in the preparation for and attend immigration hearings.  Externs may also be given the opportunity to litigate hearings under the supervision of an Assistant Chief Counsel.  

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hours per week)

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – Hearings Unit
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – Legal Unit

Students in this placement will serve as externs in the Memphis Field Office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Students will be assigned to either the Hearings Unit or the Legal Unit of the EEOC Office. The Hearings Units employs three administrative judges who conduct hearings and render decisions with respect to EEO complaints that are brought by Federal workers.  The role of the extern in the Hearings Unit will be similar to that of a judicial law clerk. The extern will conduct legal research on specific topics at the direction of the administrative judge, write decisions in conjunction with the administrative, and prepare for and attend hearings, settlement conferences, and other case-related events.

Externs in the Legal Unit will learn under the supervision of trial attorneys engaged in litigation against employers for violations of Title VII, the ADEA and the ADA. Externs will perform legal research and writing, assist in interviewing claimants or witnesses, help prepare discovery responses based on those interviews, and help prepare claimants or witnesses for deposition. In addition to the legal assignments, externs will be given the opportunity to observe different aspects of agency functions, including intake interviews, depositions, mediation sessions, administrative hearings, court hearings, and trials.

Credits Offered: 2 or 3 Credits (8 hrs/week or 12 hrs/week)

Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: Evidence, Fair Employment Practice or Federal Courts

Preference: Preferred: Administrative Law, students should have a sincere interest in employment law or litigation.

Memphis Housing Authority – Legal Department

The Memphis Housing Authority Legal Department field placement provides legal guidance and representation to the Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners and Executive Director.  It handles all legal affairs related to the Memphis Housing Authority, including but not limited to labor negotiations, contracts, employment, construction, evictions, bankruptcies, and civil litigation.  The Legal Department also administers the agency loss-prevention program and is responsible for the oversight of the Protective Service Department.

Among other assignments, externs assigned to MHA’s Legal Department will perform legal research; draft briefs, memoranda, letters, and other documents; draft and review contractual agreements; and prepare presentations to MHA personnel and departments.  Externs will observe and participate in court proceedings, negotiations, meetings, trainings, and counseling sessions.  It is anticipated that MHA externs will work on cases pending before both the federal and state courts.

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hours per week)

Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: Professional Responsibility, Evidence

National Labor Relations Board

Students in this placement will learn as externs in the Region 26 office of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in Memphis. Externs will work on unfair labor practice cases and may assist on matters relating to challenges and objections in workplace representation elections. It is anticipated that externs will perform research of labor law issues, conduct factual investigations, draft relevant documents, and assist in the preparation and handling of hearings and workplace elections.

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hours per week)

Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: Professional Responsibility, Labor Law

Preference: Preferred: Administrative Law, students should have a sincere interest in labor law.

Health Law Externships

A growing number of Health Law Externships will offer students interested in health law and in-house legal practice the opportunity to earn academic credit for legal work performed under the immediate and ongoing supervision of attorneys in the legal departments of local healthcare organizations. Students enrolled in these externships will be exposed to the wide variety of legal matters handled by these offices, examples of which include matters involving administrative and regulatory law, hospital risk management, clinical research compliance, labor and employment law; business contracting; formulation and implementation of hospital and corporate policy; healthcare legislation, policy, and reform; and preventative/prophylactic training and counseling.

Among other assignments, it is anticipated that externs will perform legal research; draft memoranda, letters, and other documents; draft and review contractual agreements; and prepare presentations to hospital personnel. Externs will also learn through observation of and participation in day-to-day practice activities, including legal proceedings, negotiations, meetings, trainings, and counseling sessions. When possible, externs will work with client departments and departmental staff to gather information and to gain insight into and understanding of clinical, business, and health care operations.

Credits Offered:2, 3 or 4 Credits (12 hrs/week or 16 hrs/week)

Anticipated Fall 2013 Placements:

Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: Professional Responsibility

The Memphis City Attorney’s Office externship course will introduce students to the legal issues facing attorneys who represent the City of Memphis in civil litigation, transactional, and policy-related matters, and the role of lawyers in municipal government generally. It will also expose students to the intricacies of the City Attorney’s role as counselor and advocate for Memphis, its governmental offices, and its employees. Students selected for this placement will be assigned to either the litigation unit or a transaction unit within the City Attorney’s Office.  

Depending on the division within the City Attorney’s Office to which they are assigned, externs may be asked to prepare internal legal memoranda (for example, analyzing legal issues or policy implications for the City Attorney or client agency officials); draft motion papers; assist with discovery; review proposed rules or legislation; or review drafts of transactional agreements. Externs will also have the opportunity to attend and, as appropriate pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 7, Section 10.03 (the Tennessee Law Student Practice Rule), conduct meetings with government officials, client or witness interviews, legislative hearings, depositions, court appearances, negotiation sessions, or other events relating to their work under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Among other areas of substantive law, externs may be asked to assist on matters relating to employment discrimination, labor relations, housing, tort actions filed against the city, eminent domain, zoning, city politics, and administrative processes.

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hours per week)

Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: Professional Responsibility (for all), Evidence (for Litigation Unit)

Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority – Office of General Counsel

This Externship course will offer students the opportunity to earn academic credit for legal work performed under the immediate and ongoing supervision of the General Counsel to the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority. Students enrolled in this externship will be exposed to the wide variety of legal matters handled by the Airport Authority’s General Counsel, examples of which include matters involving business contracting (including contract drafting, negotiation, and interpretation); administrative and regulatory law (e.g., aviation law), risk management (e.g., premises liability issues), labor and employment law (e.g., worker’s compensation issues), formulation and implementation of rules and policies (e.g., adoption of a local preference rule for purchasing), and preventative/prophylactic training, advice, and counseling.

Among other assignments, it is anticipated that the extern will perform legal research; draft, review, and opine on contractual agreements; and draft memoranda, letters, and other documents. Externs will also learn through observation of and participation in day-to-day practice activities, including legal proceedings, negotiations, meetings, trainings, and counseling sessions. When possible, externs will work with client departments and departmental staff to gather information and to gain insight into and understanding of the Airport Authority’s operations and structure.

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hours per week)

Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: None

The City of Memphis EEO/Labor Relations Coordinator works under the direction of the Manager of EEO/Labor Relations to administer EEO and Labor Relations programs for the City in compliance with local, state, federal discrimination and employment regulations.  Among its other responsibilities, the Coordinator administers EEO, ADEA, and Equal Protection Act (EPA) programs for the City; researches and investigates Title VII and other EEO complaints; analyzes and makes recommendations based on statistical employee utilization data particularly relating to EEO compliance; conducts investigations of sexual harassment and violence allegations in the workplace; administers MOUs with labor organizations and addresses labor relations matters advising the appropriate procedure based on facts; assists in negotiations and impasse situations; counsels City division directors and other members of upper management; mediates on EEO and other labor relations issues; represents management in arbitration cases; drafts and revises personnel and employment policies; and prepares and conducts sexual harassment, new hire, and other EEO-related training classes.  

Among other assignments, externs assigned to the City of Memphis EEO/Labor Relations Coordinator will perform factual and legal investigation of EEO and labor relations complaints; draft research memoranda, correspondence, briefs, and other documents; and prepare training and educational materials for presentations to city management and employees.  Externs will also have opportunities to observe and participate in court proceedings, arbitrations, mediations, trainings, and counseling sessions.  

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hours per week) 

Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: None 

Memphis City Council – Office of Councilman Lee Harris 

An extern assigned to the Memphis City Council will have the opportunity to work directly with members of the City Council.  The assigned extern will gain valuable exposure to municipal government and improve his/her legal skills, particularly in the areas of research and drafting.  Working under the supervision of Councilman Lee Harris, an extern may assist in the drafting of legislation, attend Council meetings and hearings, prepare background briefing papers for Council members, and participate in legislative/policy decisions by Council staff. 

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hours per week)

Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: None

Education Law Externships

University of Memphis – Office of University Counsel

The University Counsel Externship course will offer students interested in higher education law and in-house legal practice the opportunity to earn academic credit for work performed under the immediate and ongoing supervision of attorneys in The University of Memphis Office of Legal Counsel. Students enrolled in this externship will be exposed to the wide variety of legal matters handled by the Office of Legal Counsel on behalf of its University client, examples of which include matters involving labor and employment disputes, academic and student issues, athletic and research compliance, business and real estate transactions, contract drafting and review, formulation and implementation of University policies, and intellectual property. Externs will actively engage in legal research and writing while learning through observation of and participation in hearings, negotiations, client meetings, and other practice events.

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hours per week) - ONLY OFFERED DURING SUMMER

Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: Professional Responsibility, Evidence

Community Legal Office Externships

Community Legal Center (CLC) Immigration Law Externship

The CLC Immigration Law Externship exposes students to a wide variety of legal issues and processes arising in matters pending before the United States Immigration Court in Memphis, Tennessee. Under the ongoing supervision of the licensed staff attorney(s) working in the Community Legal Center’s Immigration Justice Program, externs will assist in advising, counseling, and advocating on behalf of low-income immigrant clients in cases involving asylum, U-Visas, T-Visas, change of status; cancellation of removal; and voluntary departure. Within this placement, externs may perform client interviews, undertake factual and legal research; collect and review records; develop expert testimony and evidence; draft written petitions, briefs and others submissions; and/or participate in the representation of clients at trials, hearings, and other proceedings before the U.S. Immigration Court under the immediate and personal supervision of the licensed CLC attorney(s). Ultimately, this externship is designed to give students further exposure to immigration law and administrative advocacy, while adding to the substantive knowledge and skill set necessary to help them serve clients, including the underrepresented immigrant population in and around Shelby County, following graduation.

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hrs/week) - NOT OFFERED IN FALL 2013

Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: Professional Responsibility, Evidence

Preference: Immigration Law, students should have a sincere interest in immigration law.

Community Legal Center (CLC) Divorce Law Externship

Students enrolled in the CLC Divorce Law Externship course will work under the immediate and ongoing supervision of a licensed CLC staff attorney to assist low-income clients in obtaining uncontested divorces in the Circuit and Chancery Courts of Shelby County, Tennessee. Within this supervised placement, externs will perform client interviews, undertake factual and legal research; collect and review records; develop witness testimony and evidence; draft pleadings and other written submissions; and participate in the representation of clients at hearings and other court proceedings. Ultimately, this externship will be designed to give students further exposure to family and domestic relations law, while adding to the substantive knowledge and skill set necessary to help them serve clients in and around Shelby County, following graduation.

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hrs/week) - NOT OFFERED IN FALL 2013

Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: Professional Responsibility; Evidence

Preference: Family Law, students should have a sincere interest in family law.

Legal Aid of Arkansas – West Memphis Office (pending faculty consultation)

Legal Aid of Arkansas (LAA) is a public interest, not-for-profit law firm dedicated to providing equal access to justice in civil matters for low-income Arkansans through legal representation, advocacy, community partnerships, education, and outreach.  Substantive practice areas include consumer law, family law, housing, public benefits, expungement, wills, and other related poverty-law issues. 

Student externs placed with Legal Aid of Arkansas’s West Memphis Office will be presented with opportunities to hone legal writing and researching skills and gain first-hand experience with clients in areas such as client intake, investigation, representation, community education, and outreach.  Students who have completed their 2L year (60 credits) may be able to gain in-court experience by obtaining a limited practice license under Arkansas Rule Governing Bar Admission15 (Student Practice). 

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hours/week) - 

Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: Professional Responsibility; Evidence

The Memphis Area Legal Services Externship allows students to receive academic credit for one semester of work atMemphis Area Legal Services (MALS), a nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income and elderly people in Western Tennessee. MALS helps clients who are faced with legal problems that harm their ability to have such basics as food, shelter, income, medical care, and personal safety. This placement is available to second- or third-year students. Students work under the close supervision of MALS staff attorneys to perform client interviews, undertake factual and legal research; collect and review records; develop witness testimony and evidence; draft pleadings and other written submissions; and participate in the representation of clients at hearings and other court proceedings.

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hours/week)

Anticipated Fall 2013 Placements:

Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: Professional Responsibility, Evidence

Banking and Urban Development Law Externships

Orion Federal Credit Union  -- Office of Legal Counsel and Compliance

Founded in 1957 as Memphis Area Teachers’ Credit Union, Orion Federal Credit Union has grown to become the largest credit union in Western Tennessee, with more than 50,000 members, and over $500 million in assets.  Orion FCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned Orion offers a full spectrum of banking options ranging from savings and checking accounts to auto, mortgage and personal loans to almost everyone who lives or works in the greater Memphis area.

Student externs placed with Orion FCU’s Office of Legal Counsel and Compliance will support the Office’s work in the area of banking law.  Among other charges, the Office works to ensure compliance with all applicable banking statutes and regulations from the Federal Reserve, NCUA, HUD, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; review of loan documents and modification for specific loan promotions; draft modification and forbearance agreements for commercial loans; file claims against estates and review other probate matters; and create procedures for state law matters related to decedents’ accounts, safe deposit boxes, etc.

Beyond exposure to the Office of Legal Counsel and Compliance’s banking law practice, student externs will assist in the Office’s general practice, which includes contract drafting, review, and modification; review of possible EEOC-law violations; management of litigation referred to outside counsel and handling of smaller litigation matters; and provision of legal opinions on general business matters.

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hours/week)

Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: None 

Downtown Memphis Commission 

The Downtown Memphis Commission (DMC), formerly known as the Center City Commission, is an organization whose charge is to “advance Memphis and Shelby County by making Downtown Memphis a better place to work, live, learn, invest and visit.”  The DMC is an independent, non-profit development agency that is primarily funded by a special assessment on commercial properties in the Central Business Improvement District (CBID), the area referred to as Downtown Memphis, and fees paid by private Downtown developers. The City of Memphis and Shelby County governments established the DMC to capitalize on Downtown's role as the economic, cultural, and governmental heart of the city and county. The DMC is the official partnership between local government and the private business community in Downtown's development.

Working under the supervision of Commission President Paul Morris, an attorney, as well as in partnership with Commission’s outside counsel, student externs will perform legal research relating to matters such as parking regulations, sign laws, anti-blight laws, and sidewalk regulations.  Externs may also help with drafting and revising a new code provisions the DMC will be proposing to the City Council.  In addition, assigned externs will attend board meetings and other meetings and confer on policy strategy with members of the DMC staff.  It is further anticipated that externs will help implement the DMC’s anti-blight strategies, including physical inspections, surveys, collecting evidence, drafting enforcement letters, and hearings.  Externs will also be provided with the opportunity to review real estate leases and other contracts negotiated and entered into by the DMC. 

Credits Offered: 2 Credits (8 hours/week) 

Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: None