3L
Law & Legal abbreviation · Legal Profession
| Stands for | Third-year law student |
|---|---|
| Categories | Law & Legal |
3L stands for Third-year law student, a legal profession abbreviation.
Law student in the final year of a US Juris Doctor program, typically completing electives, clinics, externships and graduation requirements while preparing for the bar exam that follows graduation.
Example: The 3Ls are already choosing bar prep courses for the July exam.
Usage notes
An old saying describes the three years this way: first they scare you to death, then they work you to death, then they bore you to death. Many states let 3Ls appear in court under student practice rules while supervised by a licensed attorney.
Related abbreviations
More legal profession abbreviations
- 1L – First-year law student
- 2L – Second-year law student
- ABA – American Bar Association
- ABS – Alternative business structure
- ACC – Association of Corporate Counsel
- AGC – Associate general counsel
- ALI – American Law Institute
- ALSP – Alternative legal service provider
- AmLaw – The American Lawyer
- AOR – Attorney of record
- Atty. – Attorney
- AV – AV Preeminent rating
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This entry is for general education and is not legal advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.