2. 85% of our students are working, some work in law offices and courts, can they complete the number of hours in their own offices? What are the rules on externship for law students who are already working in trial courts? Will their hours working in the court be considered?

No, hours working in court will not be credited to CLEP. CLEP is a law school activity; exercise of profession is different from law practice; hours spent as a student is not the same as hours spent as an employee. ——–Please refer to Sec. 2 of the...

6. Is it possible that law schools will just offer Level 2 Certification for its CLEP during 4th year? In the process, CLEP subjects are spread out in the curriculum. This may possibly save time, other resources and allow students the appropriate/sufficient time to be academically ready for the program.

Yes. The law school may opt for Level 1 or Level 2 certification only or both. It is desirable, however, that the law school will offer both certifications later so that more students may be certified as law student practitioners. ——– See Sec. 4 of...

1. We have several students working in the government. Considering the issue on conflict of interest, they might have issues regarding compliance with CLEP. Also, if they were to sign pleadings, especially those working in the Judiciary, do they have to secure authority to engage in limited “law student practice” from SC or the EJ?

No, the certification issued by the EJ as required by the Rule should be sufficient. The work done in their respective employment is not practice of law within the purview of CLEP. Otherwise, it will defeat the purpose of CLEP (i.e. provide legal service because...