Eligibility for Certification as a Law Student Practitioner
Law students may be eligible for certification as a Law Student Practitioner provided that the law student meets each of the listed requirements:
- Completed first year of law studies; and,
- Completed or not yet completed two-thirds of law school studies; and,
- Completed legal research and writing; and
- Completed or enrolled in law school courses or clinical instruction programs; and,
- Supervised (directly or indirectly) by an attorney; and,
- Affiliated with one of the below organizations; and,
- the law school clinical program; or
- agency, entity, municipality, or subdivision of the Commonwealth; or
- an organization providing legal services to indigent persons; or,
- law firm providing pro bono services to indigent persons.
- Affirmed their familiarity with the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct, the Massachusetts Rules of Civil Procedure, the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure, and the provisions of S.J.C. Rule 3:03; and,
- Possesses the character, legal ability, and training.
Applying for Certification as a Law Student Practitioner
Applying for Law Student Certification requires that an Application for Law Student Certification is filed with the Supreme Judicial Court Clerk for the County of Suffolk.
The Application asks for:
- Specific academic standing, including expected date of graduation.
- Supervising Attorney and attorney affiliation
- Start Date and End Date
The dean or deans’ designee of the attending law school validates, signs, and dates a completed Application. The completed application is filed with the Supreme Judicial Court Clerk for the County of Suffolk via an attachment to email sjc.mass.bar.admission@jud.state.ma.us.
Certifying a Law Student Practitioner
The Application is received, reviewed, and, if eligible, recorded as certified Law Student Practitioner. The Law Student Practitioner Certification (LSPC) is assigned a case number (SP-2026-####). The law student, law school dean and supervising attorney are notified by email of LSPC.
Law Student Practitioner Certification Scope of Practice
The scope of the practice for a certified law student practitioner strictly depends on a combination of conditions:
- What percentage of law school is complete; and,
- Which courses are completed or are enrolled; and,
- Which type of matters are practiced (civil or criminal); and,
- Which Courts the law student intends to appear; and,
- Which type of supervision is required.
Below provides a usable table organized by Court, Type of Supervision, Type of Matter and Requirements for the law school and law student to determine the appropriate placement.
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Open PDF file, 95.34 KB, LSPC Scope of Practice grid (English, PDF 95.34 KB)
SJC Rule 3:03
FAQs Regarding Certification of Law Student Practitioners (LSPC)
The following frequently asked questions are intended to provide general information for typical inquiries about Law Student Practitioner Certification (LSPC) processes.
Requirements
What are the requirements for certification?
A law student must have completed the first year of law school, completed or not yet completed two-thirds of law school, completed legal research and writing, completed or enrolled in qualifying courses or clinical instruction, be supervised directly or indirectly by an attorney, be affiliated with a qualifying organization, know the relevant Massachusetts professional and procedural rules, and possess the required character, legal ability, and training.
Who determines if I am eligible for certification as a law student practitioner?
Your law school dean or the dean’s designee.
Appearances in court
Can I appear in Massachusetts Appeals Court?
Yes, provided all requirements are met and a notice of appearance is filed.
Can I appear in the Supreme Judicial Court?
Yes, provided all requirements are met and a Motion for Leave to Appear is filed.
How do I file an appearance?
Particular courts have particular appearance procedures. Speak with the supervising attorney or call the clerk of the court.
What is the difference between Direct and General supervision?
Direct supervision requires the supervising attorney to be physically present for appearances; general supervision requires the attorney to be available.
What courts are included in the scope of practice?
Appeals Court; Boston Municipal Court; District Court; Housing Court; Juvenile Court; Land Court; Probate and Family Court; Superior Court; and Supreme Judicial Court.
How and when to apply
How do I apply for certification?
File an Application for Law Student Certification with the Supreme Judicial Court Clerk for the County of Suffolk by email to sjc.mass.bar.admission@jud.state.ma.us.
Who completes the application?
The law school dean or dean’s designee attests, signs and dates the application.
What information does the application ask for?
Academic standing, expected graduation date, supervising attorney, attorney affiliation, start date, and end date.
When can I apply?
You can apply when you meet all the requirements.
Can I apply between semesters?
Yes. If you meet the requirements and file the application within a reasonable time of the beginning of the course, clinical, externship, etc.
Can I file my application before I start my LSPC?
Yes. You can file an application within a reasonable time of the beginning of the course, clinical, externship, etc.
Can I apply without a supervising attorney?
No.
What information does the application ask for?
Academic standing, expected graduation date, supervising attorney, attorney affiliation, start date, and end date.
What is the definition of current year of study?
Each school likely has its own terminology. The most common terms are enrolled and attending 2nd, 3rd, etc. year of study.
Who determines the type of organization?
The law school and or the supervising attorney identify the type of organization.
How do I choose the correct Type of Organization?
Refer to the Definitions to review Attorney(s) affiliated and Commonwealth entity to find the type.
Do I need to learn all Massachusetts Rules & Procedures or just the rules that are for my LSPC?
You must be familiar with the rules & procedures for the court(s) where you will be practicing under your LSCP.
How do I tell my Dean that I have read and I am familiar with the required Massachusetts Rules?
Please consult with your program and/or dean.
Is an electronic or digital signature accepted?
Yes.
Who is the dean’s designee?
Ask the dean.
What if I do not know my start date or end date?
Speak with the law school or supervising attorney. You can provide estimated dates and thereafter file a notice to the SJC with the firm dates.
Can I file an application without having a start date?
No. Applications must be complete.
How do I know what supervision I need?
Your supervision depends on your academic record. Discuss this with your law school and supervising attorney.
What happens after the application is submitted?
The application is received, reviewed, and, if eligible, the student is recorded as a certified law student practitioner (LSPC).
How do I know if my certification is active or expired?
Check the notice from the SJC or email sjc.mass.bar.admission@jud.state.ma.us.
Do I get an ID card or certificate?
No. You will receive an email with a Notice from the SJC.
Can I be certified more than once?
Yes. There is no limit.
When does certification start and end?
It starts on the beginning date and expires on the ending date.
Can certification continue after graduation?
Yes, but only if the LSPC applies for the first available bar exam after graduation.
How long does certification stay active after graduation?
If the LSPC passes the first available bar exam, certification remains active until the LSPC becomes an attorney or for an additional six months, whichever is sooner.
Other
How long does it take to get the Notice from the SJC after filing my application?
Typically between 7 to 10 days, though timing can change depending on application volume.
Can I apply after my certification expires?
Yes. File a new application.
Can I use one certification for more than one affiliation?
Yes. Each affiliation needs its own application.
Do I need to notify the SJC about my upcoming bar exam?
Yes. If you do or do not apply to sit for the next available bar exam; you must notify the SJC.
How do I update my current certification?
Email sjc.mass.bar.admission@jud.state.ma.us with a notice to the SJC with the updates or changes to your certification. Provide, your name, LSPC number and detail the change to your certification.
Does certification stay in effect between semesters?
This depends. It may stay active or may expire depending on the application. Check with your law school.
Is certification available for law students outside Massachusetts?
Yes, if the other state’s law student practice rules are equivalent and applicable.
Are externship field placement programs considered clinical programs?
Refer to the Clinical programs under Definitions. If the definition does not provide a clear answer, the question should be posed to the Dean or the designee to determine the terms and conditions of the externship.