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It can be confusing when trying to choose an attorney
to meet your legal needs. You may have never needed an attorney
before, so you ask a friend to refer you to someone or you look in the
Yellow Pages where hundreds of attorneys are listed. Perhaps you
search the Internet, where thousands of attorneys are listed. But how
do you choose one attorney over another and how can you be sure that
you will choose the right attorney to handle your particular legal
problem?
Finding the right attorney is to the benefit of both you and the
attorney you choose. That is why the Supreme Court of New Jersey has
directed the Board on Attorney Certification to administer the
attorney certification program in an effort both to protect consumers
from false advertising and to raise the level of competence of
attorneys in this State. This program is designed to help you make an
informed decision when seeking and selecting a lawyer.
The Board on Attorney Certification was established by the Supreme
Court of New Jersey in 1980 for the purpose of helping consumers find
attorneys who have a recognized level of competence in particular
fields of law. Attorneys may be designated by the Supreme Court as
"certified attorneys" if they are able to demonstrate sufficient
levels of experience, education, knowledge and skill in a specific
area of law or practice; have passed a rigorous examination; and have
been recognized by their peers as having sufficient skills and
reputation in the designated specialty.
The Supreme Court, through recommendation by the Board, currently
certifies attorneys in four areas: civil trial law, criminal trial
law, matrimonial law, and workers' compensation law.
An attorney must meet the following requirements to become certified:
- has been a member in good standing of the
New Jersey Bar
for at least five years;
- has taken a specific number of continuing legal education
courses in the three years prior to filing an application;
- demonstrates substantial involvement in preparation of litigated
matters;
- demonstrates an unblemished reputation by submitting a list of
attorneys and judges who will attest to the applicant's character
and ability; and
- passes a written examination covering various aspects of
practice in the designated specialty.
If you would like more information on Board Certified
Attorneys, please see the
New Jersey Board on
Attorney Certification. |
