Revised Deadline to Apply for Certified Law Student Program for 2026 Law School Graduates

Thank you for your feedback regarding the recent amendments to California Rules of Court, rule 9.42(c)(5) and State Bar rule 3.2(B) governing the Certified Law Student Program. After reviewing your concerns and upon further consideration, we have determined that the best interpretation of these amendments is that the 30-day deadline to apply for the Certified Law Student Program applies prospectively only to those who graduated or completed their law studies on or after June 1, 2026, the effective date of the amended rules. The State Bar is in the process of contacting all applicants whose Applications for the Certified Law Student Program were previously denied under the prior interpretation of the revised rules but would have been considered under the former rules and procedures. 

To be consistent with how the former rules were implemented and the prospective application of the amended rules, applicants may apply for the Certified Law Student Program under the former rules and procedures if they meet the following criteria:

• Graduated or completed law studies prior to June 1, 2026;
• Took the July 2026 bar exam, the first bar exam for which they were eligible; and 
• Are awaiting results from the July 2026 bar exam.

Applicants who meet the qualifications and are approved to participate in the Certified Law Student Program will be allowed to continue in the program until results from the July 2026 bar exam are released on November 6, 2026.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this situation. We value the feedback received concerning the effect of these amendments for future graduates as well, and we are evaluating whether to submit for the California Supreme Court’s consideration a change to the rules for future classes of certified law students.

We appreciate your communication and partnership in helping law students and graduates gain practical experience in the legal field.