WHAT IS A BOARD CERTIFIED ATTORNEY?
The Texas Board of Legal Specialization recognizes attorneys in various areas of law, who because of experience, training and knowledge are awarded certificates of special competence.
Q: What are the general requirements for board certification?
A: An attorney must have:
- Been licensed at least five years
- Spent three years of practice in the specialty field
- Devoted 25-50% of practice to field of specialty
- Handled a wide variety of cases in field
- Attended continuing legal education seminars
- Received approval of judges and colleagues
- Passed a written examination
Q: What areas of law have a board certification program?
A: Currently the Texas Board of Legal Specialization recognizes the following fields of law for board certification:
- Administrative
- Bankruptcy
- Civil Appellate
- Civil Trial Criminal Estate Planning and Probate
- Family
- Immigration and Nationality
- Labor
- Oil, Gas and Mineral
- Personal Injury Trial
- Real Estate
- Tax
Q: How many attorneys are currently Board Certified?
A: There are approximately 5000 Texas attorneys now board certified out of a total State Bar Membership of almost 55,000.
Q: How long does an attorney remain certified?
A: Certification is for a period of five years. To remain certified after that time, every five years the attorney must apply for recertification, meeting the requirements for continuing legal education, peer review and substantial involvement in the specialty field.
Q: How does the consumer know whether an attorney is board certified?
A: A board certified attorney is entitled to indicate certification on the business card and letterhead, display of the Certificate of Special Competence, and by listing the certification in legal directories and telephone listings under "Attorneys (or Lawyers) - Board Certified".
