What are the Differences between a Board Certified Lawyer and one who is doing General Practice Law?
What are the prerequisites for attorney board certification?
Verdict One is more than just a listing of general practice attorneys. We go one step further than most other web sites and list those attorneys who have attained “board certification” in their area of expertise. That means when you select an attorney through Verdict One, you’re getting a lawyer who has been recognized as a true expert in his or her legal area.
Generally, a board certified attorney differs from a general practice attorney by achieving the following additional steps: recommendations from judges; recommendations from colleagues; 3-5 years of practice; completion of approved trial experience; passing a qualifying written exam.
For example, an attorney pursuing the family law specialty in the state of Florida is required to get a minimum of three references from judges and three references from attorneys in order to qualify for the specialty. Those references must swear that they are personally knowledgeable about the attorney’s competency in family law and that they have observed him or her perform reputably in family law recently. In addition, the attorney would have to have substantial practice in family law for the previous three years and must have had more than fifty percent of his cases in that area. Specifically, he or she must have served as lead counsel in at least 20 trials to verdict or judgment and an additional 40 matters involving taking evidence. After submitting all of this information and requesting the recommendations, the attorney's file is reviewed to assess whether he or she possesses the level of skill, knowledge, and experience in trial advocacy within the family law specialty, and whether he or she has the proper ethics, integrity and dedication to clients necessary to achieve board certification. Then the attorney must take an examination to verify knowledge of the specialty legal area. All of these qualifications must be met in order to be considered “board certified” in family law!
One advanced credentialing organization deserves special note, the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. This organization uses the term "Fellow" to designate members that have been qualified by the same or more rigorous criteria as board certification and so are included with our group of elite attorneys.
All Verdict One attorneys are certified experts in their fields. That means that you’re getting the highest quality, most knowledgeable attorneys available.
Are There Board Certified Lawyers in my State?
Some states do not yet provide board certification, and other states don’t provide them in all legal specialties. Board certified attorneys and similarly qualified professionals are certified by state bar associations in fifteen states. In addition, a number of national organizations provide certifications which follow the American Bar Association guidelines. More and more attorneys are becoming specialty certified, so If you don't find what you're looking for, please check back.
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