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 program to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements to participate including 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 two items that must be uploaded upon submission of your application. Your online application must include the following uploaded documents:
All items must be submitted before an application can be considered complete.
The original PTLS application should only be used if it is your first time participating in the program or if your employer has changed.
The PTLS Extension–Date Only application should only be used if you have been previously certified and need to extend your certification period under your current supervising attorney and employer. There is no fee required for this application.
The PTLS Extension–Supervising Attorney Change application should only be used if you are adding or changing a supervising attorney for the same employer. The fee of $25 is required for each supervising attorney added or changed.
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 delay your certification of participation in the program.
Visit the Admissions Applicant Portal to submit a Practical Training of Law Students Application.
Retain a copy of the rules governing the PTLS program.
For questions please contact the program at:
Practical Training of Law Students (PTLS) The State Bar of California 180 Howard Street San Francisco, CA 94105 Phone: 415-538-2300 Email: PTLS@calbar.ca.gov
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