Experiential Learning is the heartbeat of Charleston Law’s student experience

Experiential learning is the heartbeat of Charleston School of Law.

Internships, externships, clinics, and pro bono opportunities offer students hands-on experience of the day-to-day practice of law.

Parker Lewis, a 3L and Fayetteville, Georgia native, spent this past summer as a legal clerk and extern at Matejka Law Firm, a boutique law firm in Summerville that practices real estate and business law.

“I got hands-on experience right away,” she said. “I walked through the door, and they handed me a contract to review. I drafted an insane number of legal documents.”

Lewis’s experience mirrors what Charleston Law has developed through its experiential learning programs. The externship program is designed to strengthen students’ practical and personal skills such as professionalism and confidence.

“You begin to see where those parts of the law you’ve talked about in class fit in; I have more clarity about what’s happening inside the classroom now,” said Lewis. “Law school is preparing me with legal knowledge to practice law, but the externship is giving me practical experience.”

“I also participated in client consultations to see what the personal relationships side looks like and how tangible it is in people’s lives,” she said. “That was something I don’t think I would have gotten outside of that externship in school.”

A Limestone University graduate, interned with a construction company’s legal department while earning her degree in English and Writing. “I loved it,” she said. “I went back for a second summer. I liked in-house counsel. I liked the environment. I thought it was a career that would challenge me intellectually.”

Lewis began applying to multiple law schools “based on location.” Charleston School of Law was one of those places.

“I think it’s obvious why,” she said. “The beach is a plus. Ultimately, I decided to come here because the admissions people made me feel like they really cared about me. We got the grits package. That made it personal for me.”

Lewis has also invested in student organizations on campus, including Women in Law, First Generation Law Students Association, and the Entertainment, Art and Sports Law Society. 

“Keeping a balance is a trick for sure,” she said. “There are times when it feels like a lot, but I’ve been fortunate enough to be around people who are willing to jump in and pick it up.”

Despite the heavy workload at times, Lewis said the opportunity is a major benefit. “They help you connect. It’s another form of networking and building interpersonal skills that will help you in the professional world when you need to connect with clients and attorneys.”

Lewis, who will graduate in May 2027, is pursuing opportunities to practice intellectual property law in New York.