Local Rule L.R. 83-9: Student Practice

N.D. Ind. L.R. 83-9 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) the United States Attorney's office; or

(ii) the Federal Community Defender's office; and

(3) in the case of a law student:

(A) is in good standing at an accredited law school;

(B) 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:

(1) the presiding judge must approve the appearance;

(2) 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) the representation is professionally inadequate; and

(B) substantial justice requires the suspension.