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Student Practice Certification for Non-Clinic Students

The North Carolina Student Practice Certification Rule (formerly known as the 3L Practice Rule) allows eligible law students to engage in the supervised practice of law while enrolled in law school. The rule is established by the North Carolina State Bar and is governed by the Rules Governing the Practical Training of Law Students (27 NC Admin. Code 1C, Sections .0200–.0208).

Student Practice Certification provides valuable hands-on experience while ensuring students are appropriately supervised and compliant with North Carolina State Bar requirements.

Who Needs Student Practice Certification?

Student Practice Certification may be required for students participating in:

  • Law school clinics
  • Externships (academic credit)
  • Internships (non-credit)

While working under the supervision of a licensed attorney in a:

  • Law firm
  • Government agency
  • Nonprofit or legal services organization
  • Other qualifying legal organization

Certification is generally required when a student will:

  • Provide legal advice or legal services in matters governed by North Carolina law to eligible clients;
  • Provide legal advice or legal services to government agencies outside of the student's placement organization; or
  • Appear before a North Carolina court, tribunal, or administrative agency on behalf of an eligible client or government agency.

Non-Clinic Student Practice Certification and/or Internship Paperwork Request

The NCCU School of Law Clinical Legal Education Department processes Student Practice Certification requests on behalf of the North Carolina State Bar.

To simplify the process, all Student Practice Certification and internship paperwork requests must be submitted through our online request portal.

Request Portal

  • Complete all required forms before submitting your request.
  • Upload all required documents through the online portal.
  • Emailed submissions will not be accepted.

Please contact Gennell Curry, legal clinic paralegal.

Required Documents for Non-Clinic Placements and Internships

Students participating in internships or placements outside of an NCCU Law clinic or Pathways to Practice (externship program) must submit the following:

Seeking Certification in Another State?

Student practice rules vary by jurisdiction. If your placement is outside North Carolina, you should:

  • Review the student practice rule for that state's bar.
  • Contact the appropriate state bar if you have questions.
  • Work with your supervising attorney to ensure compliance with that state's requirements.

When requesting approval from NCCU School of Law for an out-of-state placement, students must provide documentation of the applicable student practice rule for that jurisdiction.

A list of state bar websites is available below for your convenience.

State Bar Directory

Important Information

Please keep the following in mind:

  • The North Carolina State Bar makes the final determination regarding Student Practice Certification. NCCU School of Law assists with processing certification requests but does not grant final approval.
  • Students and supervising attorneys are responsible for reviewing and complying with the North Carolina State Bar Rules Governing the Practical Training of Law Students.
  • All official certification forms are available through the North Carolina State Bar Forms webpage.

Need Assistance?

For questions regarding NCCU School of Law's certification process, please contact Lakethia Jefferies, director of the Pro Bono Clinic and Externship Program.

For questions regarding eligibility, certification requirements, or interpretation of the Student Practice Rule, please contact:

North Carolina State Bar Student Practice

Phone: 919-828-4620

Email: [email protected]