Florida Bar members interested in board certification must submit applications by Aug. 31 for 10 of Florida’s 20 legal specialization areas.
Applications are available at The Florida Bar website at www.flabar.org. Applications for the following specialties are due Aug. 31: Admiralty and Maritime Law, Appellate Practice, Aviation Law, Civil Trial, Elder Law, Immigration and Nationality, International Law, Labor and Employment Law, Marital and Family Law and Tax Law.
A lawyer who is a member in good standing of The Florida Bar and who meets the standards prescribed by the state’s Supreme Court may become board certified in one or more of the 20 certification fields. Minimum requirements for certification are listed below; each area of certification may contain 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; and
• Satisfaction of the certification area’s continuing legal education requirements.
While all lawyers are allowed to advertise, only certified attorneys are allowed to identify themselves as “Florida Bar Board Certified” or as a “specialist.” Certification is the highest level of recognition 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.
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. To be recertified, requirements similar to those for initial certification must be met. Not all qualified lawyers are certified, but those who are board certified have taken the extra step to have their competence and experience recognized.
Applications for the other 10 certification practice areas are due Oct. 31. For more information, visit the Bar website or contact The Florida Bar’s Legal Specialization & Education Department at 850-561-5842.