Becoming A Certified Law Student: Is It Worthwhile?

Becoming a certified law student in California allows students to gain practical experience in the legal profession. Under the supervision of a member of the State Bar of California, certified law students can represent clients in court, negotiate, and give legal advice. This opportunity provides valuable skills and knowledge that can be beneficial for those aspiring to become lawyers or trial attorneys. However, eligibility requirements must be met, and the certification is only valid for a specific period. The path to becoming a certified law student involves fulfilling academic prerequisites and gaining approval from the assigned judge and supervising attorney.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible to become a certified law student, an applicant must fulfil the following requirements:

• The applicant must have successfully completed one full year of studies (a minimum of 270 hours) at a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or the State Bar of California, or both, or have passed the first-year law students' examination.
• They must have been accepted into, and be enrolled in, the second, third, or fourth year of law school in good academic standing or have graduated from law school, subject to the time period limitations specified in the rules adopted by the Board of Trustees of the State Bar.
• They must have either successfully completed or be currently enrolled in and attending academic courses in evidence and civil procedure.
• They must submit an application for certification on a form established for that purpose by the Court.
• They must provide a copy of a Notice of Student Certification or Recertification from the State Bar of California, or a certificate from the registrar or dean of their law school, accredited by the American Bar Association or the State Bar of California. This certificate should state that the applicant has completed at least one-third of the graduation requirements and is continuing their studies, or if they are a recent graduate, that they have registered to take or are awaiting the results of the California State Bar Examination.
• They must obtain certification from a member of the bar of the Court who will serve as their supervising attorney. This attorney must be admitted or otherwise permitted to practice before the Court, assume professional responsibility for the student's work, and assist and counsel the student in their preparation.
• The certified law student must also obtain approval from the assigned judge to represent a client under the supervision of their supervising attorney.

Benefits of certification

Becoming a certified law student comes with several advantages. Firstly, it provides practical experience in representing clients and negotiating on their behalf, all under the supervision of a licensed attorney. This opportunity allows future lawyers to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Secondly, certification enhances employability. Certified law students can work as paid interns or clerks, gaining valuable work experience and earning an income simultaneously. This financial aspect is particularly beneficial for those facing significant student loan debt from law school.

Thirdly, certification offers a competitive edge when applying for jobs, especially in the public sector. It demonstrates initiative, a strong work ethic, and a practical understanding of the law, making it an attractive quality for prospective employers.

Additionally, the certification process allows students to specialize in their areas of interest, such as criminal law, corporate law, or entertainment law. This early exposure to specific legal fields can help students make more informed career choices and develop valuable expertise.

Lastly, becoming a certified law student provides a supportive environment for learning and growth. Supervising attorneys are responsible for guiding, mentoring, and assuming professional responsibility for the student's work. This means that certified law students can take on real-world cases with the safety net of an experienced legal professional, allowing them to build confidence and refine their skills.

Responsibilities of a certified law student

A certified law student in California can undertake a variety of tasks under the supervision of a member of the bar of the court. These tasks include:

• Negotiating for and on behalf of the client, subject to the approval of the supervising attorney.
• Giving legal advice to the client, with the approval of the advice given and the plan of negotiation by the supervising attorney.
• Appearing on behalf of the client in depositions, with the approval and under the direct and immediate supervision of the supervising attorney.
• Appearing on behalf of the client in any public trial, hearing, arbitration, or proceeding, with the approval and under the direct and immediate supervision of the supervising attorney.
• Appearing on behalf of a government agency in the prosecution of minor criminal offenses, with the approval of the court and the written approval of the supervising attorney, who must be immediately available to attend the proceeding.

To be eligible for certification, a law student must have completed one full year of studies (a minimum of 270 hours) at an accredited law school or passed the first-year law students' examination. They must also be enrolled in the second, third, or fourth year of law school in good academic standing or have graduated from law school. Additionally, they must have completed or be enrolled in academic courses in evidence and civil procedure.

Becoming a certified law student provides valuable experience and can be a great way to gain a better understanding of the legal profession and develop important skills. It can also help to build connections and increase employability in the legal field.

Responsibilities of a supervising attorney

Becoming a certified law student allows you to gain practical experience in the field of law. In California, a certified law student is someone who has a currently effective certificate of registration from the State Bar. To be eligible, you must have completed one full year of studies at a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or the State Bar of California, or have passed the first-year law students' examination.

Now, onto the responsibilities of a supervising attorney.

A supervising attorney is a licensed member of the state bar who agrees to oversee a certified law student's work. They are responsible for ensuring that the student's work is carried out under their supervision and that the student is identified as such to the client. The supervising attorney must also sign all pleadings and appear with the student in all trials and proceedings, unless their presence is waived by the client and judge.

Additionally, the supervising attorney should provide appropriate supervision and assistance as needed and notify the law school and the relevant board if the supervisory relationship is terminated. They are also responsible for confirming the student's examination status and abiding by the rules set by the state bar.

In Minnesota, the supervising lawyer is responsible for ensuring that the law student practitioner or supervised practitioner has sufficient legal education and adequate supervision to perform lawyering tasks effectively and confidentially, while also protecting the interests of the client.

Certification withdrawal

The process of withdrawing from a certified law student program and the consequences of doing so may vary depending on the specific institution and location. However, here is some general information regarding certification withdrawal for law students.

In the state of California, a certified law student is eligible to have their certification withdrawn if they fail to comply with the requirements of the State Bar certified law student program. The specific rules regarding certification withdrawal are established by the Board of Trustees of the State Bar.

Withdrawing from a certified law student program or law school in general may have financial implications. For example, at CUNY Law, withdrawing from classes or school may result in owing money that needs to be returned to financial aid sources. According to federal regulations, if a student withdraws from all classes, stops attending before the term's end, fails to complete all parts of the term, or does not pass any class, they may no longer be eligible for the full amount of federal financial aid originally awarded. Instead, they will only be eligible for the "earned" portion of the aid for that term.

Additionally, at Michigan State University College of Law, a student who completely withdraws from the College and wishes to return must apply for readmission to the Faculty Academic Standards Committee.

It is important to consult the specific policies and procedures of your law school or certified law student program to understand the implications of withdrawing from the program and the necessary steps to take.

Frequently asked questions