Selecting an Attorney
Specializing in Civil Trial
Maybe you never needed the services of an attorney before; but
now you do. Obviously, you want a lawyer who is able to handle your
particular legal situation, and who has expertise in the area of law
relating to your legal needs.
To assist you in finding such a lawyer, The Supreme Court of
Florida directed The Florida Bar to offer a "Board Certification"
program for Florida Bar members. The program is designed to help the
public make an informed decision when seeking and selecting a
lawyer.
While all lawyers are allowed to advertise, only certified
attorneys are allowed to identify themselves as "Florida Bar Board
Certified" or as a "specialist". Certification is the highest
level of recognition by The Florida Bar of the competency and
experience of attorneys in the areas of law approved of
certification by the Supreme Court of Florida.
A lawyer who is a member in good standing of The Florida Bar and
who meets the standards set by the Supreme Court of Florida, may
become a "Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer."
Certified lawyers in civil trial law deal with litigation of
civil controversies in all areas of substantive law before state and
federal courts, administrative agencies and arbitrators. In addition
to actual pretrial and trial process, civil trial law includes
evaluating, handling and resolving civil controversies prior to
initiation of the suit.
Every board certified civil trial lawyer has practiced for at
least five years and been substanially involved -30 percent or more-
in the area of civil trial law during the three years preceding
application. To be certified, the lawyer is required to have
conducted at least 15 contested civil cases in courts of general
jurisdiction during the lawyers's practice, including cases before a
jury and as lead counsel. Credit is given to the lawyer if he or she
has served as a judge.
Each certified lawyer must also have passed peer review,
completed 50 hours of continuing legal education within the three
years proceeding application and passed a written examination
demonstrating knowledge, skills and proficiency in the field of
civil trial law to justify the representation of special
competence.
Board Certification is valid for five years, during which the
attorney must continue to practice law and attend Florida
Bar-approved continuing legal education courses. To be decertified,
requirements similar to those for initial certification must be met.
Not all qualified lawyers are certified, but those who are board
certified have taken the extra step to have their competence and
experience recognized.
Civil Trial certification was approved by the Supreme Court of
Florida in 1982.
(from www.FLABar.org's Certification
Pamphlet)
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