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I'm certified to represent clients before the court in some circumstances as a student practitioner in my jurisdiction. My externship is with a public services office that handles representation for parties facing commitment to the Commonwealth's secure psych facility.

Initially, my supervising attorney and I talked about me working contested cases, however she has lately informed me that this will not occur because the potential liability her office and I may face. While disappointing, I can appreciate her stance on the matter; I certainly do not want my name before the bar oversight board before I take the bar! I still get plenty of litigation experience representing clients in uncontested cases, and I help out, including being second chair, on some contested cases.

I was curious if other student practitioners handled any contested cases as leads. I talked with a few of my classmates, and the most contested thing they've done as leads were bail hearings. The school's clinics are an exception to this, there the students do lead the cases, but that's kind of the point of the clinic.

What has been your experience? Have you been asked to lead any contested cases?

I led 3 contested cases at my clinic. I have no idea how things work outside the clinics though.

I ran about half a dozen contested cases in law school, although I was (a) a clinical student and (b) was practicing in a forum (Social Security appeals) where you don't need to be admitted to represent a client. I did have the lead speaking role at a hearing in federal district court too, although I don't think I was technically the lead attorney because I was admitted PHV under the student practice provisions.