How to Obtain a Temporary Trial Card (Third Year Bar Card) in Texas

Texas law students who have completed 60 credit hours and are not on academic probation may apply for a third-year bar card. The temporary trial card allows the student to “participate in the trial of cases in Texas under the supervision of a licensed attorney.” Students who wish to apply for a third year bar card outside of a clinical program should take the following steps:

1. Download and complete the Third Year Bard Card Application. (Word, PDF)

Review pages 1-5.
Complete the student information section of page 6. Page 6 will need to be signed and notarized.
Complete page 7. Page 7 will need to be signed by one of the law school deans.
Page 8 requires information on the student and supervising attorney. Tip: You can find pre-fill most of the requested information for your supervising attorney by searching the Texas Bar Directory. Page 8 will also need to be signed by the supervising attorney.
Complete page 10-12, and have the supervising attorney sign pages 11 and 12. Page 12 will need to be notarized.

2. Download and complete the Authorization and Release (Word, PDF) with the supervising attorney’s information. This will need to be signed by the attorney and notarized.

3. Mail pages 6-8 and 9-12 of the Bar Card Application, along with the Authorization and Release form and a check for $10 made out to the State Bar of Texas to the following address:

The State Bar of Texas

Membership Department

P. O. Box 12487

Austin, TX 78711

4. The turnaround time for third year bar card applications is anywhere from two to five weeks, so make sure you apply early.