Attorney

Legal Advice * Advocacy * Dispute Resolution

Board Certification for Texas Attorneys

Receiving "board certification" in Texas certifies that a lawyer has special expertise in a particular area of legal practice. While it is a voluntary process, I have gone through the process in order to demonstrate to my clients and to prospective clients, that I have expert qualifications in the areas I practice.

Board certification in Texas is governed by an agency of the State Bar of Texas, which is the licensing authority for all attorneys in Texas. The name of the certifying agency is The Texas Board of Legal Specialization. In addition, the Texas Board of Legal Specialization can certify other organizations that meet certain standards to also be certifying organizations. As of now, the only organization that I am aware of that has been certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization is The National Board of Trial Advocacy.

The process to gain certification in a particular area of legal practice varies from one area to another. The requirements for the three board certifications that I have are similar, so I will summarize them and, hopefully, that will give you some idea as to how certification is achieved in other areas of legal practice.

To be board certified first requires that I have practiced in an area of special expertise for a period of time long enough to have gained sufficient experience in the practical aspects of legal practice in that area, five years being the minimum. The second requirement is passing a written test demonstrating competence in the particular area of law for which certification is sought. In addition, the lawyer must demonstrate that he or she has no ethical violations or grievances filed against him or her. The lawyer must also provide references from other lawyers, including lawyers who have been on the opposing side of matters handled by the lawyer seeking certification. The certifying board will also investigate the applicant's competence by sending questionaires to lawyers whose names are not revealed to the applicant. In the case of the three areas in which I am certified, recommendations from judges are also required.

I am board certified in Personal Injury Law and Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and in Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Board Certification in Civil Trial Law certifies that I have special expertise in the law involved in trying civil lawsuits. Civil lawsuits are any kind of lawsuit that is not criminal law. It includes things like suits over contracts, credit litigation, litigation involving patents, copyrights, and trademarks, and other complex cases.

Board certification in Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy is similar to Civil Trial Law certification, with an emphasis on advocacy in the trial stage of the litigation. It is also awarded by a national organization, and so is not limited to Texas.

Board certification in Personal Injury Trial Law is also a trial certification, and encompasses special expertise in handling cases resulting from someone being injured. This certification is available to lawyers with special experise in representing plaintiffs or defendants in personal injury lawsuits.