Student Practice

(a) Generally. A law student or law-school graduate may represent parties (including by appearing for, negotiating on behalf of, and advising parties) in civil and criminal matters pending in this district if the student or graduate: (1) is supervised by a bar member; (2) is either: (A) a staff member of a clinic: (i) organized by a city or county bar association or an accredited law school; or (ii) funded under the Legal Services Corporation Act; or (B) participating in a legal-training program organized by: (i) (ii) the United States Attorney’s office; or the Federal Community Defender’s office; and (3) in the case of a law student: (A) (B) is in good standing at an accredited law school; has completed the first year; (C) meets the academic and moral standards established by the school’s dean; and (D) has been certified by the school as having met these requirements. (b) Supervision. The supervising bar member must examine and sign all pleadings filed on a client’s behalf.

But the student or graduate may, without the supervisor present, negotiate on behalf of or advise a client. (c) Appearance in Court. A student or graduate may appear in court under this rule subject to the following: Local Rules |Northern District of Indiana Page | 76 Civil Rule 83-9 (1) (2) the presiding judge must approve the appearance; if the case is a criminal or juvenile case carrying a penalty exceeding six months, the supervisor must be in the courtroom; and (3) the judge may suspend a trial at any stage if the judge determines that: (A) (B) the representation is professionally inadequate; and substantial justice requires the suspension. Local Rules |Northern District of Indiana Page | 77