The PTLS Program for Law Students in California

By Maggie

Lately I've been thinking about all of the things I wish I'd known before I started law school. I definitely would have approached it differently, had I seen the bigger picture or had any idea of how crafting my curriculum could work, or how your choice of classes affects opportunities you can have throughout schooling AND in employment... 

In an effort to help other students, I'm hoping to post a few blog pieces with advice and clarification. This will be pretty specific for Berkeley Law students, but it could be helpful for others.

First up, the "PTLS" Program. If you want to get real trial experience while you're in law school, this is a great opportunity. I had never heard of it until my supervising attorney at the DA's office my 1L summer mentioned it.

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Here's what you need to know:

1. Register with the California State Bar. Now.

Website: https://www.calbarxap.com

Cost: $113.00 (payable by credit card - see linked fee website)

You will need your "Admissions File No." for all PTLS paperwork.

2. Take Civil Procedure and Evidence as soon as possible. 

You can't speak in court until you've taken these classes (or are taking them concurrently with your externship). I would have taken Evidence the second semester of my 1L year so that I could have been certified that summer, if I'd known this. DO IT! ConLaw is beneficial, but this is a much better opportunity. Plus, evidence is fun.

3. The PTLS Application

It consists of 4 different documents. Download the three forms from the PTLS website (linked).

a. Declaration from Supervising Attorney

You have to have a job with a specific attorney who is registered with the state bar and is willing to vouch for you.

b. Declaration from Dean of Law School

At Berkeley, you send this to the registrar, not the Dean.

Go online (doesn't work with Safari browser) to:

Berkeley Law > Registrar > Forms > Request for Personalized Letter of Verifications > Order Online

(https://www.law.berkeley.edu/php-programs/registrar/forms/verificationrequestform.php)

Select "Complete Attached Form" and upload the form from the PTLS website.

Enter your Email address, and they will email you the completed form. The fields are impossible to see, but just click and start typing (see image below).

c. Student Application

You need your CA Bar Admissions File No. for this. Then just fill it out and sign it.

d. $55 Application Fee

This must be a cashier's check, traveler's check, or money order made payable to "The State Bar of California." 

You mail this all in TOGETHER as a HARDCOPY application to:

The State Bar of California 

Office of Admissions

PTLS Program

180 Howard Street

San Francisco, CA 94105

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RENEWAL AND CHANGING EMPLOYERS

In a few days, you'll get an email with a certification letter and number for a specified time period. The certification expires.

BUT...

If you keep the same supervising attorney at the same employer --> You can renew without a fee.

If you change your supervising attorney at the same employer --> You can renew with a $25 fee.

If you change employers --> You have to start all over again and pay a $55 fee.

The PTLS coordinators are actually really responsive to email. I wouldn't bug them, but if you have a problem, I've had good experiences with renewal and extension of my certification.

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I hope that information is helpful!!

Maggie Tides Design

By Maggie

Ah! So I took a leap of faith and put some of my art pieces up for sale.
You can check out my work on my new website and Etsy shop:

www.maggietidesdesign.com

How did this happen?!
The process of creating art again and of putting it up for everyone to see has been really powerful.  It has given me the opportunity to reminisce and reflect on where I am, where I've been, and where I want to be.

I've been really lucky to have exposure to and instruction in art. I took art lessons from a neighbor-lady when I was really little. I remember learning the color wheels and playing with different mediums - watercolor, oil paints, ink and pencil. In 5th grade I was part of an exchange program where I got to spend an entire afternoon making and learning about art. I won a congressional art competition in high school and a college scholarship based on art I'd done. I love using my hands (and brain) to organize space and colors in beautiful ways.

I remember getting ready to graduate from high school and wondering how I could make a living on my own. I tried to strategize what education would give me the most options while still being enjoyable and rewarding. I remember getting an acceptance letter from an art history program and turning it down because I didn't think I could make a living with it.

I ended up going to the University of Southern California (fight on!), and I loved it. I studied Architecture, and it was an incredible education in graphic design, physical space, and construction methods. My architecture studies have been a huge influence on my thinking. At graduation, I was named a Renaissance Scholar because of my diverse accomplishments - and boy were they right. Spazoid Scholar might have been equally appropriate ;)

A philosophy degree, a two-year stint in the non-profit sector, and two years of law school later, my visualization and graphic skills have atrophied. I have really, REALLY been missing art. Occasional sketches weren't cutting it, so at the beginning of this year, I resolved to do ONE creative thing a week. I purchased a design program for my computer and told myself (much like a gym membership) - because I need creative exercise, I will pay for this program and then I will use it. Except, unlike my gym membership, I've actually been using it!!

Anyway, long story somewhat shorter, I have been having a blast making designs for friends and family. On a whim I threw together a portfolio website. And on April 1, I decided - what the heck - let's put some of this stuff up on Etsy. And holy guacamole - it sold! 

THANK YOU for the incredibly warm response. It feels amazing to know that other people will be enjoying my artwork, and I can't wait to keep making fun and beautiful designs. Stay tuned!

Happy Trails,

Maggie

P.S. 

I am saving 5% of proceeds to donate to an environmental charity. I've been researching different organizations - local and national - to make sure the money is well-spent. if you have any recommendations, please pass them along!