by Anthony DeMatteo
Staff Writer
A state board that certifies Florida attorneys as experts in more than 20 different specialities met Friday at the Hyatt.
The Board of Legal Specialization and Education is composed of 16 members who decide whether attorneys are issued certifications as experts in fields including Marital and Family Law, Health Law and Business Litigation.
The board, started by the Florida Supreme Court in the 1980s, meets six times a year in locations throughout Florida.
Committees, with members appointed by Florida Bar President Hank Coxe, recommend lawyers for certification to the board. For attorneys to claim expertise in an area of the law, they must be board certified after passing a written exam.
According to board Chairman Chris Knopik, about 7 percent of Florida Bar members hold board certifications.
That percentage has stayed consistent as Bar membership has risen.
Knopik said most attorneys apply for certification having practiced law for between five and 15 years.
“For the most part, we have a limited segment of the Bar in that part of their career when it’s of interest to them,” he said. “Many lawyers also don’t concentrate enough on a particular area to say ‘I’m substantially involved in this one area.’”
Those holding certifications undergo reviews every five years, including a peer review, comments from judges and examinations of whether board standards have been met.
“Those who seek certification probably view it as a career objective,” he said. ”Some do use it as a way to differentiate themselves from their colleagues.”
Knopik was certified in the early 1990’s. He said Florida, California and Texas have the most developed certification boards.
“I think we’re probably the top,” said Legal Specialization and Education Director Dawna Bicknell.
Knopic said the process helps the public identify qualified attorneys and helps lawyers refer clients to lawyers appropriate to represent them.
“If I have a potential client contact me about a particular matter outside my area of expertise, I refer to board certified lawyers,” said Knopik. “I don’t refer that client to those not certified because I want to make sure that client gets good service and that the law works for them.”
Martin Kahn, a board member who worked 14 years as a Miami judge, said when he was on the bench, he appreciated knowing that board certified lawyers trying cases were held to professional standards practices that are part of maintaining certification.
The board’s vice chairman, Jacksonville’s Mike Tanner, of Tanner and Bishop, said he expects the number of certified lawyers to grow as word spreads of certification’s benefits.
“The judges are aware of it,” said Tanner. “I get people asking me if I’m board certified before I’m hired – not everyone, but it’s growing.”
Jacksonville attorney Jake Schickel is the former board president and the 2006 Board Certified Lawyer of the Year.
Knopik said the board consistently reviews issues, such as judges maintaining certification and ensuring that requirements of attorneys’ trial appearances are in line with a civil court system where trials are becoming less frequent.
“It provides many lawyers with an aspirational goal,” said Knopik. “I do think that, for many, the process of applying and then preparing for an examination does make them a better lawyer.”