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The future of legal education

At Washburn Law, we believe that the future of legal education lies in innovative, hands-on experiences that prepare our students for the real world. The Third Year Anywhere® program is a pioneering initiative designed to do just that. Launched in Fall 2019, this program allows students to complete their final year of law school in the geographic location where they plan to practice, gaining invaluable real-world experience and making professional connections that will serve them throughout their careers.

A modern way to do law school

The Third Year Anywhere® program was created with the forward-thinking vision of bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application. Recognizing the evolving needs of modern law students, Washburn Law became the first institution to offer such an extensive and immersive program. Since its inception, the program has significantly impacted students by enhancing their practice-readiness, providing critical networking opportunities, and often reducing the financial burden of law school. Our graduates enter the workforce with a unique advantage: hands-on experience in the specific legal market they aim to join.

It's where you want to be®

Third Year Anywhere® isn't just a program; it's an opportunity to shape your future in the legal profession. Whether you aspire to practice in a bustling metropolitan area or serve a rural community, this program offers the flexibility to pursue your dreams. Students can choose from placements in six sectors: corporate, government, higher education, judicial, law firm, and public interest. Additionally, there are opportunities in underserved rural locations, allowing you to make a meaningful impact where it’s needed most. This global approach ensures that wherever you see your career taking you, Washburn Law can help you get there.
Student stands in front of Court of Appeals in Washington D.C.

Unparalleled practical experience

The Third Year Anywhere® program offers unparalleled practical experience. Working 20 hours per week under the supervision of experienced attorneys, students handle significant legal work, increasing their responsibility and honing their skills. This hands-on experience not only boosts your confidence but also makes you a more competitive candidate in the job market.
Unparalleled practical experience

Financially savvy

For many students, the financial aspect of law school can be daunting. Third Year Anywhere® can alleviate some of that burden. By living in the area where you plan to practice, you might have the opportunity to stay with family, reducing living expenses. Moreover, if you secure a paid placement, you can earn income while completing your degree. This dual benefit of gaining experience and financial relief makes the program a smart choice for many aspiring lawyers.
Financially savvy

Student perspective:

Felix Hill, current Third Year Anywhere® student, talks about his experience
Third Year Anywhere allowed me the opportunity to get real-world experience as a student. I am originally from Texas and decided to return to my home state to work at the prosecutor's office. The school placed me in the driver's seat when deciding where to go and what to do. The externship allowed me to skip the line in front of other law students at other law schools because now I have personal contacts, a work history and exposure to the field of criminal prosecution that others simply don't. Washburn Law makes applying for the program simple, easy and straightforward.
Felix Hill in graduation regalia.

Information for employers

Employers participating in the Third Year Anywhere® program benefit from the fresh perspectives and eager dedication of Washburn Law students. As a supervising attorney, you will have the opportunity to mentor a future lawyer, contribute to their education, and evaluate their potential as a future hire. Our program is designed to ensure that both students and employers have a rewarding and productive experience.
FAQ

The program is open to students who have completed their second year of law school. Interested students must submit a Declaration of Interest by the sixth week of their third semester and a formal application by the fourth week of their fourth semester. Admission is competitive and based on academic performance and readiness for practical experience.

Yes, not all students are eligible for a Third Year Anywhere® externship placement. Students must submit an application to the faculty externship coordinators who select students based on multiple factors including academic performance, desire to practice law in a location outside of the Topeka metro area, and a demonstrated record of meeting deadlines and performing at or above expectation.

Students can choose from placements in six sectors: corporate, government, higher education, judicial, law firm, and public interest. Additionally, there are opportunities in underserved rural locations.

No, Washburn Law student externs can be supervised by an attorney independent of any formal externship program that companies, organizations or law practices may have.

The nature of the work that the student will be doing is the focus of the externship. So as long as the student will be doing work that is primarily legal work in nature, it does not matter what the title is of the supervising attorney or where the supervising attorney is positioned in the corporate organization.

Students will work 20 hours per week and earn 12 academic credits for their externship. Additional credits will be earned through online courses offered by Washburn Law to meet the J.D. degree requirements.

Washburn Law has a menu of online courses taught by Washburn Law faculty. You will enroll in online courses at Washburn to complete the credits that you need to earn the degree.

Yes, the ABA Council on Legal Education now permits students who are earning academic credit in an externship to be compensated for their work in the externship. Washburn Law requires that all law firm placements require compensation. Placements outside of law firms may be paid or unpaid, depending on the arrangement with the employer.

Yes, but students who relocate to live with family at no cost and are paid for their externship work can reduce the cost of attendance in the third year. On average students who live with family and are compensated for externship work can save $25,000 in the third year of law school.

Students enrolling in online courses may have to use remote proctoring software for testing. If needed, the software will be provided to the student at no charge.

No, the supervising attorney will certify to the Washburn Law faculty supervisor that the student extern has performed acceptably in the externship and the Washburn Law faculty supervisor will award academic credit to the student for completion of the externship.

Generally, students in the Third Year Anywhere® program will not need to return to campus, as all necessary coursework and seminars are conducted online.

If you encounter issues with your placement, you can contact your faculty supervisor at Washburn Law to discuss reassignment to appropriate coursework or another placement.

Participation in the Third Year Anywhere® program is competitive and limited to students whom the faculty believes possess the academic ability and moral character to perform well in a placement. Nonetheless, should a circumstance arise that causes a site supervisor to want to terminate the externship prior to the end of the academic year, your faculty supervisor who will reassign you to appropriate coursework.

Participating in the Third Year Anywhere® program gives you practical legal experience, builds your professional network, and increases your readiness to practice law immediately after graduation. It also provides an opportunity to reduce your financial burden by earning income and possibly living with family during your placement.

Maybe. However, the purpose of the externship is to provide practical experience and not to provide a platform for securing post-graduate employment with the company or organization providing the externship opportunity. Nonetheless, we recognize that externship supervision can be an effective tool for helping employers meet talent acquisition goals so we welcome externship supervisors' consideration of student externs for post-graduate employment.

Yes, students enrolled in Third Year Anywhere® are not eligible to sit for the New York bar due to that state's 15 credit hour limitation on distance education.
Program directors Shawn Leisinger

Shawn Leisinger

Associate Dean for Centers and External Programs

 Shawn Leisinger

Craig Martin

Professor of Law