Law Students

The Importance of a Temporary Trial Card
By:  Latoya Merida

Hi, my name is Latoya Merida and I am a third-year law student at Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Currently, I am participating in the Criminal Legal Clinic where my 3L student bar card enables me to represent clients facing misdemeanor charges, with a licensed attorney observing me. Going to court everyday, explaining extradition rights to the clients, negotiating pleas with the prosecutors, and going before the judge are all necessary skills for my career path that I cannot learn in the classroom. Although the class component of a law school journey is important, practical experience is a necessity as well.

The 3L student bar card is a resource that I would encourage all students to take advantage of during their law school career. After graduation, our opportunities to shadow a licensed attorney and have them observe us and offer feedback lessen tremendously. More importantly, employers value students who have practical experience that will not require as much training.

To apply for the temporary trial card, you must be a third-year law student or an unlicensed law school graduate who wants to work in the courtroom with a licensed attorney. The student must fill out an application with a $15 fee. The supervising attorney will also be required to fill out an authorization and release form.

Please click here to complete the application process.

Opportunities such as internships, externships, and clinics usually offer students the opportunity to get a 3L bar card. Take advantage of this opportunity and the knowledge obtained from this experiences can only enhance our abilities and contribute to the success of our legal careers.

Latoya Merida, is a student at Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston, Texas.