In order to be eligible to become a CLI, a law student must do two things:

Obtain Florida Bar clearance for a CLI which takes approximately 3-6 months.

There are 2 options available:

Option 1-“Student Registration” for Florida Bar Admission:

This filing status begins the processing track for bar admission in Florida. It also provides the registrant clearance that is one of the eligibility requirements for participating in a Certified Legal Internship program. If filed by the earliest deadline provided under rule 2-23.1(a), the filing fee is $75. Students who anticipate pursuing admission to the Florida Bar upon graduation should choose this option.  From the Florida Bar Exam Home page click on “checklists,” and then select “Register as a First Year Student.”

Option 2- “Certified Legal Intern (CLI)” Registration:

This filing status provides CLI clearance only; it does not pursue admission to practice law in Florida. If filed within the first 250 days of beginning law school, the filing fee is $75; if filed after the first 250 days of beginning law school, the filing fee is $150. From the Florida Bar Exam Home page click on “checklists,” and then select “Register for Certified Legal Internship Clearance only.”

Note: Filing a Student Registration (Option 1) or a Certified Legal Intern clearance (Option 2) does not guarantee clearance by the Florida Bar to become a Certified Legal Intern. Detailed information about background will be required as well as “character and fitness” approval by the Florida Board of Bar examiners to become a Certified Legal Intern. Since this process can take a while, it is strongly suggested this application process begins in the first semester of law school.

Be enrolled in a law school practice program

The student must receive clearance from the Florida Bar. To receive clearance, the student must be duly enrolled in a law school practice program in the United States that  is approved by the American Bar Association. Additionally, the student must have completed at least 4 semesters or 6 quarters of legal studies, and have earned no less than 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours – or the equivalent thereof – of academic credit.  The student will register for the school’s Criminal Law Clinic or Externship, and complete an application for CLI certification with the school’s clinic/externship staff. The Dean of the law school will certify the student, and will contact us for our agreement to supervise and then the clinic/externship staff will submit the CLI application to the Florida Supreme Court for approval.