Law students can take advantage of earning a specialized certificate while in law school. Each certificate carries its own set of guidelines and offers its own value for highlighting a student’s expertise or area of focus. Third-year certification allows third-year law students to try real cases under the supervision of a licensed lawyer.

Certificate in Trial Advocacy

To qualify for the certificate in trial advocacy students must earn a “C” or better in the courses listed below and maintain at least an average 2.5 GPA.

Completed Courses:

  • Evidence
  • Basic Skills in Trial Advocacy
  • Advanced Trial Advocacy
  • Pretrial Practice and Procedure
  • ADR, Negotiation or Mediation
  • Scientific Evidence, Advanced Evidence or Digital Evidence
  • Pre-approved Litigation Externship

Third-Year Certification

Requirements for the third-year certificate vary by state. Alabama has the following requirements:

  1. Successfully complete 54 semester hours
  2. Successfully complete first-year courses
  3. Successfully complete Basic Skills in Trial Advocacy with a "C" or better in the course
  4. Registered as a student with the Alabama Bar and have been cleared by Character and Fitness