Senior Certification

Senior Certification

Most jurisdictions have student practice rules that allow law students to appear in court and draft pleadings under the supervision of a licensed attorney. In Nebraska, this rule is referred to as “senior certification.” 

To become senior-certified in Nebraska, you must:

  • Read the Nebraska Supreme Court rules regarding senior-certification;
  • Read the Nebraska Senior Certification Packet from the School of Law registrar regarding Creighton’s process for senior certification
  • Have completed 2/3 of your coursework toward your J.D.; and
  • Submit a letter on your employer’s letterhead to yvonndasummers [at] creighton [dot] edu (Yvonnda Summers), Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. The letter should be addressed to the Creighton School of Law dean. Dean Summers will then prepare for the dean’s signature the paperwork necessary for your application. Dean Summers’ office is in the Administrative Suite on the second floor.

To qualify for student practice in Iowa, you must:

  • Read Iowa Supreme Court Rule 31.15 regarding law student practice; 
  • Have completed at least three semesters of your coursework toward your J.D.;
  • Be part of an “educational program approved by the faculty” of the law school (i.e., your practice must be part of the faculty-approved Externship program or the CFCPI Program);
  • Submit a letter on your employer’s letterhead to yvonndasummers [at] creighton [dot] edu (Yvonnda Summers), Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. The letter should be addressed to the Creighton School of Law dean. Dean Summers will then prepare for the dean’s signature the paperwork necessary for your application. Dean Summers’ office is in the Administrative Suite on the second floor.

For any jurisdiction other than Nebraska or Iowa, first read that state’s rule regarding student practice and then contact yvonndasummers [at] creighton [dot] edu (Yvonnda Summers).