Eligible law students may be authorized to practice law as a Certified Limited Practice Student under the supervision of a practicing attorney pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 38(d). The Supreme Court Rule states that the purpose is “to encourage law schools to provide clinical instruction of varying kinds and to facilitate volunteer opportunities for students in pro bono contexts.”  Rule 38 certification may be obtained through the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law under the following circumstances:
 

Most of the clinics within the Clinical Program require Rule 38(d) Certification. Students must  be registered in a clinic to obtain Rule 38(d) Certification through the Clinical Program. The program administrator will provide instructions for Rule 38(d) Certification once a student has registered for a clinic.
 

Some externship placements require Rule 38(d) Certification. After enrolling in the Externship Program, the program administrator will provide instructions for Rule 38(d) Certification, if applicable. 
 

Students interested in Rule 38(d) Certification for non-credit, must first secure a supervising attorney who is an active member of the State Bar of Arizona and has practiced law as a full-time occupation for at least two years.  A Certification Packet is available on this website, however it is the responsibility of the student to process the certification, including filing it with the Clerk of the Arizona Supreme Court and to be familiar with and abide by the requirements of Rule 38(d).
 

Eligibility for Rule 38(d) Certification:
To be eligible to become a certified limited practice student, a law student applicant must:

• have successfully completed legal studies amounting to at least three semesters;
• neither ask for nor receive any compensation or remuneration of any kind for services rendered by the certified limited practice student from the person on whose behalf the services are rendered, but this shall not prevent a supervising lawyer, legal aid bureau, law school, public defender agency, or the state from paying compensation to the eligible law student, nor shall it prevent any such lawyer or agency from making such charges for its services as it may otherwise properly require; 
• certify in writing that the student has read and is familiar with the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct and the rules of the Supreme Court of Arizona and statutes of the State of Arizona relating to the conduct of attorneys; and 
• be certified by the dean of the accredited law school where the student is enrolled (or was enrolled on graduation), or by the dean’s designee, as being in good academic standing, of good character, and as having either successfully completed or being currently enrolled in and attending, academic courses in civil procedure, criminal law, evidence, and professional responsibility.

 

For questions contact:

Zelda Graham
roselda.graham@asu.edu
480-965-4893