By Jim Berchtold
1. Supervised practice is coming!
Nevada’s new Comprehensive Licensing Examination will require bar applicants to complete at least 40 hours of supervised practice representing a pro bono client under the guidance of a licensed attorney. Although the new bar exam launches in January 2027, law students can begin meeting the supervised practice requirement in January 2026 through Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada’s new Pathways to Practice Program.
2. The Pathways to Practice Program provides two paths to completing supervised practice.
Pathway one pairs students with an experienced Legal Aid Center attorney who supervises them on an active Legal Aid Center case.
Pathway two pairs students with a seasoned private sector attorney who will supervise, mentor, and co-counsel with them on a pro bono case provided by Legal Aid Center.
3. You are critical to making supervised practice successful!
Legal Aid Center will invite current pro bono attorneys—and seek new volunteers—to supervise law students through the Pathways to Practice Program. Participating attorneys will be matched with a student and assigned a pro bono case. Attorneys who wish to work directly with their law clerks can register as supervisors through the State Bar of Nevada, while the clerk enrolls in the Pathways to Practice Program.
4. Supervisors will play a meaningful role in shaping future lawyers!
Supervisors will mentor students on client counseling, issue analysis, and effective advocacy. They will guide students through meeting with the client and at least three lawyering tasks as the case progresses, sharing practical skills and professional insight. As a bonus, this early engagement allows attorneys to identify promising future colleagues while supporting access to justice.
5. Attorneys interested in participating can contact the Pro Bono Project at Legal Aid Center (www.lacsn.org/pbcontact).
Supervisors and students will receive support from the Pro Bono Project and malpractice coverage from Legal Aid Center. CLE credit for supervision and pro bono work is also available.
More information is available on Legal Aid Center’s website, www.lacsn.org/supervisedpractice.
About the author
Jim Berchtold is the Director of Supervised Practice at Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, where he heads up Legal Aid Center’s supervised practice and law student initiatives.
About the article
This article was originally published in the Communiqué (Jan. 2026), the official publication of the Clark County Bar Association. The printed magazine was mailed out to CCBA members 12/30/2025.
The Communiqué (Jan. 2026) focuses on “Five Things” with short articles on interesting topics written by bar members for bar members. Authors were instructed to choose only five things to highlight, to be quick to the point, and to keep the length of their piece to less than 500 words. Also featured is a variety of content from the printed publication’s recurring columns and highlights on bar activities. Select content is available to read online now. See https://clarkcountybar.org/about/member-benefits/communique-2026/communique-jan-2026/.
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