Board Certification for Lawyers:
What Does It Mean?
For more information Call 850/561-5842
or visit FloridaBar.org/certification
| Board certification recognizes attorneys’ special knowledge, skills and proficiency in various areas of law and professionalism and ethics in practice. | Established in 1982 by the Florida Supreme Court, board certification helps consumers identify specialists in various areas of law | |
| Certified attorneys are the only lawyers allowed to identify or advertise themselves as "Florida Bar Board Certified,” experts or specialists. | Certification is the highest level of evaluation by The Florida Bar of the competency and experience of attorneys in the areas of law approved for certification by the Supreme Court of Florida. |
A lawyer who is a member in good standing of The Florida Bar and who meets the standards prescribed by the Florida Supreme Court may become board certified in one or more of the 22 certification fields. More than 4,100 Florida lawyers are board certified. Minimum requirements for certification are listed below; each area of certification may require higher or additional standards.
- A minimum of five years in law practice
- A satisfactory showing of substantial involvement in the field of law for which certification is sought
- A passing grade on the examination required of all applicants
- Satisfactory peer review assessment of competence in the specialty field as well as character, ethics and professionalism in the practice of law
- Satisfaction of the certification area’s continuing legal education requirements
“Florida’s board certification program is one of the leaders in the nation in maintaining the highest standards for excellence and professionalism while adding practice areas for greater public access to legal specialists. The program is predicated on experience and integrity, the foundations that are inseparable from our work as lawyers to advance the administration of justice."
Florida Bar President John G. "Jay" White, III
Board certification is valid for five years, during which time the attorney must continue to practice law and attend Florida Bar-approved continuing legal education courses. For recertification, lawyers must meet requirements similar to those for initial certification. Not all qualified lawyers are certified, but those who are board certified have taken the extra step to have their competence and experience evaluated.
