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Want to jump the gun and get away with it? The California State Bar Practical Training of Law Student (PTLS) program allows law students to provide legal services if supervised by an attorney.
The way that the PTLS certification typically works out for law students is by expanding the role that law students play as a summer associates. For instance, whether or not you are certified through the PTLS program can determine your eligibility to make an appearance in court, yes, perhaps even without your supervising attorney.
Becoming certified through the PTLS program doesn't just give law students practical experience. It also has significant benefits for attorneys. For obvious reasons, the PTLS program works well for attorneys who want to do more with less and the billing for a PTLS certified summer associate could be a cost savings for clients. However, attorneys supervising PTLS certified law students assume professional responsibility for the work product of the law student, so the "P" in PTLS is the real deal.
Being certified through the PTLS program will almost certainly be an edge when it comes to beefing up your work experience as a law student. Also, gaining the trust of an attorney to the extent that she will be professionaly responsible for your work product will also say a great deal to your future prospective employers.
Tips and more information about the PTLS certification program:
Ask the law firm your interviewing with if they participate in the PTLS certification program.
You may have a better chance at the PTLS program with small firms or solo practitioners.
The California State Bar PTLS website.
PTLS rules.
PTLS email.
PTLS phone: 415.538.2175.
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