The Florida Supreme Court recently established construction law as the 20th practice field now available to attorneys for board certification. Attorneys interested in construction law board certification will soon be able to apply at The Florida Bar Web site at www.flabar.org.
The Florida Supreme Court in May 2004 amended Florida Bar rules to add construction law to the existing Certification Program, which it described in its opinion “as a resource for the public to identify lawyers who have met established standards in particular practice areas and who are committed to excellence and professionalism in the practice of 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 be issued an appropriate certificate identifying the lawyer as a “Board Certified Construction Lawyer.”
Lawyers certified in construction law deal with matters relating to the design and construction of improvements on private and public projects including construction dispute resolution, contract negotiation, preparation, award and administration, lobbying in governmental hearings, oversight and document review, construction lending and insurance, construction licensing, and the analysis and litigation of problems arising out of the Florida Construction Lien Law and the federal Miller Act.
Minimum requirements for construction law certification include:
• At least five years of law practice of which at least 40 percent has been spent in active participation in construction law
• At least three years of practice immediately preceding application
• Satisfactory peer review assessment of competence in the construction law field as well as character, ethics and professionalism in the practice of law
• At least 45 hours of continuing legal education within the three years preceding application
• Passage of a written examination demonstrating knowledge, skills and proficiency in the field of construction law.
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.
For application deadlines and more information on the 20 legal specialty areas available for certification please visit www.flabar.org or contact The Florida Bar’s Legal Specialization & Education Department at (850) 561-5842.