CA AB1155

Requires California law schools (ABA-accredited or California-accredited at UC or independent institutions) to allow law students to receive compensation from externship sites while simultaneously earning academic course credit, effective August 1, 2026

Defines compensation broadly to include travel costs, stipends, minimum wage, hourly wages, or additional benefits set by employers

Does not mandate that externship sites pay students; the decision to offer compensation remains at the employer's discretion

Preserves existing law school requirements for externship course credit and site approval criteria, with no changes required beyond permitting paid placements

Applies to J.D., LL.M., and J.S.D. students at law schools that receive or benefit from state-funded student financial assistance, but excludes paralegal certification programs