The State Bar of California's Practical Training of Law Students (PTLS) program certifies law students to provide legal services under the supervision of an attorney.
Students interested in the PTLS program should read the Rules Governing the Practical Training of Law Students and all instructions for certification (below). For additional assistance, send an email to PTLS@calbar.ca.gov.
An applicant intending to file a PTLS application must first be registered as a law student with the State Bar of California’s Office of Admissions. Begin your registration if you are not already registered.
Your application for certification must include four items you must submit at the same time. It will help if you print out and review the application instructions and checklist. Your completed application must include:
All items must be submitted together. Any documents received separately will be returned.
The Student Application should only be used if you have NOT been previously certified by your current employer. If you have been previously certified and need to extend your certification under your current supervising attorney, submit the Extension of Period of Supervision form ONLY. No fee is required.
If your supervising attorney at your current employer changes, you must complete the appropriate form and submit a $25 fee. The State Bar does not accept personal checks. A cashier’s check, travelers’ check or money order in U.S. dollars must be payable to the State Bar of California.
You will receive a reply by email (sent in care of your supervising attorney) within one month of the date the State Bar receives a complete and accurate application. If the application is not completed accurately, it will be returned to you.
Retain a copy of your application and rules governing the PTLS program.
For questions contact the program at:
Practical Training of Law Students (PTLS) The State Bar of California 180 Howard St. San Francisco, CA 94105 Phone: 415-538-2117 Email: PTLS@calbar.ca.gov
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