Practicums

In Pepperdine's practicum courses, students work in specialized field placements under supervision of experienced practitioners and with enhanced rigor and focus from expert faculty at either Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) or the Ventura County Public Defender's Office.

Public Interest Practicum

The Public Interest Practicum is a field placement program through which School of Law students work with NLSLA in its practice representing individuals in its various practice areas, including Housing, Bankruptcy, Family Law (focusing on domestic violence practice), Public Benefits, Immigration, Disaster Relief, Self-Help, and Clean-Slate advocacy. Under supervision of NLSLA attorneys, students' work includes client intake and evaluation, interviews, advice and counsel, advocacy and representation, policy and legal research, and legal writing.

Note: Students interested in the Public Interest Practicum must indicate their practice area of interest in their letter of application. See the Practicum Enrollment for more information.

Therapeutic Justice Practicum

The Therapeutic Justice Practicum is a field placement program through which School of Law students earn academic credit for their work with the Ventura County Public Defender representing clients in Veterans Treatment Court, Mental Health Diversion Courts, and other Collaborative Courts. Students will work under expert supervision of the public defenders, in person and remotely, for defendants in diversionary, therapeutic programs, gaining significant experience in client interviewing, advising, and counseling; case evaluation and analysis; and advocacy. Some students may be able to support defenders in court.

Application Process

To apply, interested students should submit a letter of application to express and explain their interest in the work, a resume and a writing sample to the Clinical Program Manager.