What Is Board Certification?

The words Board Certified, Specialist, Expert, and the letters B.C.S. for Board Certified Specialist mean that a Florida lawyer has special knowledge, skills, and proficiency in a specific field of law. In Florida, only board certified lawyers may identify themselves by using these terms or the board certification logo.

The Supreme Court of Florida established Florida's board certification program so that consumers can identify qualified legal specialists. Board certification's stringent requirements for legal expertise and professional conduct give the public objective standards by which to evaluate attorneys.

Florida Bar certified lawyers have been evaluated as to their ability and experience in their practice fields and professionalism within the legal community.

When you hire a board-certified civil trial lawyer, you are represented by a lawyer who has:

• Practiced law for at least five years
• Actively participated in the specialty of a civil trial – 50% or more – during the three years immediately preceding application
• Conducted at least 15 contested civil areas in courts of general jurisdiction, including cases before juries as lead counsel and as the trier of fact on some or all of the issues
• Been evaluated for competency and professionalism by judges and peers
• Completed 50 hours of continuing legal education within the three years immediately preceding application
• Passed a written examination demonstrating knowledge, skills, and proficiency in the field of a civil trial to justify the representation of special competence in this area of law to the legal profession and to the public.

A directory of Florida Board Certified lawyers is available at www.FloridaBar.org/certification.