Frequently Asked Questions about the Honors Lawyering Program (HLP)

How is HLP different from traditional law school programs?

• The Honors Lawyering Program takes a unique approach to legal education, integrating the theory, skills, and values learned in the classroom with actual work in the legal community — a modern version of the traditional apprenticeship.
• As an HLP student, you attend a regular first-year curriculum, participate in an intensive skills-focused summer session, and work at a full-time fall apprenticeship. In the spring, you return to full-time classes. In your third year, you complete a second apprenticeship and have the option to enroll in additional, practice-based courses.
• The extraordinary summer program prepares you for your apprenticeships. You study in a simulated law firm environment, taking unique course offerings that blend substantive law with essential lawyering skills.
• All HLP students qualify for certification under the Practical Training of Law Students program through the California State Bar and may appear in court.

Why should I join HLP?

• You want to learn by doing.
• You want to develop strong connections in the legal community.
• You want to experience an innovative learning environment that advances your career.

What do I do during the first HLP summer?

• You represent real clients with real legal issues, under the supervision of experienced faculty who are also practicing attorneys.
• HLP courses meet in small sections of only 12-26 students.
• The courses integrate lawyering skills training with the substantive law curriculum.
• You draft legal documents, make oral arguments, and more.
• You learn the essential skills and values to practice law effectively.

What is an HLP professional apprenticeship?

• The apprenticeship is a full-time, semester-long job.
• You experience the real world of legal practice and learn the importance of professionalism in a work environment.
• Staff members guide you in identifying and applying for apprenticeships in private law firms, companies, courts, government agencies, and public interest organizations.

Does HLP take more time? Do I have to pay more?

• No, you graduate in May of your third year and pay the same tuition as other law students.
• You are eligible to participate in the full range of law school offerings including law review, specialization certificates, litigation competitions and the joint JD/MBA program.