
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.
»
More information on HLP apprenticeships
Does HLP take more time? Do I have to pay more?

