Applications » Law Clerk Program (APR 6)

The Law Clerk Program is an alternative to law school authorized under rule 6 of the Washington Supreme Courts Admission and Practice Rule (APR) 6. It is a four-year program designed to provide educational and practical experience through a combination of work and study with an experienced lawyer or judge. Completion of the program would qualify you to take the Washington lawyer bar examination pursuant to the requirements under APR 3(b) Qualifications for Bar Examination.

Qualifications

To qualify for the program applicants must have good moral character, a bachelor's degree, and regular paid full-time employment in Washington with a lawyer or judge who has at least 10 years of active experience and will serve as the applicant's primary tutor. Applicants find their own employment; neither the WSBA nor the Law Clerk Board can assist with finding an employer/tutor. Employment is a requirement to apply for the program. Applicants must have qualifying employment with the tutor when applying. Employment offered contingent upon enrollment in the program is not acceptable.

To Apply

• Read the APR 6 Rules and Regulations to be sure the law clerk and tutor applicants are eligible.
• Complete the online application and application fee by the appropriate deadline.

Applications are due 60 days prior to each Law Clerk Board meeting. WSBA may ask you for more information. WSBA will assign an individual Law Clerk Board member to meet with you before the board's review. You will be notified of the board's decision within one week after the board's meeting.

News and Updates

On June 28, 2020, the Washington State Bar Association approved a Resolution affirming the value of the APR 6 Law Clerk Program.

Advanced Standing, Foreign Credentials

When you apply, you may petition for advanced standing in the program based on law school courses completed. The courses may be from either an approved or unapproved law school, but only law school courses may be considered. Undergraduate and paralegal courses, and employment experience will not be considered for advance standing credit. If you have completed undergraduate studies and/or law school in another country, you should provide an education credential evaluation report.

Enrollment

The Law Clerk Board makes determinations on enrollment and advanced standing in the program. Once you are enrolled, a fee payment is required each calendar year (currently $2,000/year). The Law Clerk Board and WSBA staff monitor participation in the program, but the law clerk and tutor study independently as they complete the course of study required by the regulations. A minimum of 32 hours per week performing the duties of a law clerk, including work and study, is required. The tutor is required to give at least three hours each week of personal supervision to the law clerk, which should include discussion of the law and cases and the critical analysis of the law clerk's written assignments.

Limitations

You do not earn a J.D. degree by completing the Law Clerk Program. The program is not accredited by the American Bar Association. It meets the requirements for eligibility to sit for the bar exam in Washington state only and may not satisfy requirements for admission in other states; admission requirements are established on a state-by-state basis. For more information about other state’s requirements, contact the National Conference of Bar Examiners.