Iowa Court Rule 31.15 allows law students enrolled at ABA law schools to represent clients as part of a law school clinic program.
Qualifications and Restrictions
Law students must:
Practice
Law student practice is limited to:
Civil and Administrative. Law students may participate in matters that are not criminal or appellate matters under the general supervision of a licensed Iowa attorney. The Iowa attorney does not need to be present unless required by order of the court.
Criminal Law. Defense counsel in a criminal matter in any court is restricted to misdemeanors only and must be under the direct supervision of an Iowa licensed attorney who is personally present.
Appeals Courts. Appeals before the Iowa Court of Appeals or Iowa Supreme Court must be under the direct supervision of a licensed Iowa attorney who is personally present.
Other Matters. All other matters shall be under the general supervision of a licensed Iowa attorney. The Iowa attorney does not need to be present unless required by order of the court.
Requirements and Filings
The following requirements apply:
The Iowa Court Rules do not provide for additional requirements or filings.