What is a Board Certified attorney?

A Board Certified attorney is an attorney who has substantial and extensive experience in a select area of the law. In addition, they must have references from attorneys who practice in that area of the law vouching for their experience and they must pass a day long test in that area of the law.

The process of becoming a board certified lawyer is voluntary and can only take place after an attorney has been in practice for five years, with a minimum of three years experience in the specialty area.

Board Certification requires an ongoing involvement in the specialty area which is periodically substantiated with references from attorneys in that field. It also requires annual professional refreshment through Texas Board of Legal Specialization approved, continuing legal education course work to stay abreast of current trends in law. The Texas Board of Legal Specialization was established in 1974 by the Supreme Court of Texas at the request of the State Bar of Texas and is the only governing board authorized to certify attorneys in legal specialty areas. There are over 100,000 attorneys licensed to practice in Texas. Only 7,300 have earned the right to be publicly recognized as Board Certified specialists in one of 24 select areas of law. Board Certified lawyers earn the right to publicly represent themselves as a specialist in a select area of the law. In fact, they are the only attorneys allowed by the State Bar of Texas to do so. This designation sets them apart as being an attorney with the highest, public commitment to excellence in their area of law.  Board Certification is a mark of excellence and a distinguishing accomplishment.