Externships for Millennial Generation Law Students: Bridging the Generation Gap
Abstract
This article examines the literature about our newest generation of law students, the Millennials, and offers suggestions to help externship faculty work with supervisors and students to avoid potential problems that may arise from generational differences. After reviewing the literature, the article discusses both positive and negative Millennial generation traits and explains how identified generational problems might arise in externship field placements. The article then offers suggestions from psychologists, managerial literature, and the author's experience to help externship directors and faculty work with field supervisors and students to avoid or resolve issues. The article concludes that members of the Millennial generation exhibit many positive traits that field supervisors should recognize and acknowledge. Field supervisors can better address potential problems from possible negative traits if they understand the Millennial generation's background and perspectives.