Eligibility for certification after graduation is given strong consideration in the hiring process. Those who do not meet this requirement or are not members of the Florida Bar will be considered; however, the opportunity for employment may be diminished and will be conditioned upon admission to the Florida Bar. In order to qualify for certification under Chapter 11 of the Florida Bar Rules, students must graduate from "...an American Bar Association approved ... law school . . .". Additionally, students must have successfully completed prior to graduation a law school practice program, which is defined as "... a credit bearing clinical program coordinated by a law school in which students directly provide representation to clients in litigation [in certain courts or administrative tribunerals or in which students appeared on behalf of certain government agencies in criminal or civil matters] under the supervision of a lawyer."

The Supreme Court will not make exceptions to this rule. Please note that the key factors are:

• Participation in a clinical program must be for academic credit. Volunteer or paid internships will not qualify even if the student was certified in another state and represented clients or the government.
• The program must involve representation of actual clients or certain government agencies. Please note that Trial Practice/ Advocacy, Moot Court and/or Mock Trial competitions do not qualify under this Rule.

If you are uncertain as to whether or not you meet the requirements of the Florida Post-Graduation Certification Rule, please contact Gunnar Stewart at 305-547-0561.