(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:
Local Rules |Northern District of Indiana Page | 76
Civil Rule 83-9
(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.
Local Rules |Northern District of Indiana Page | 77
Civil Rule 200-1
