The Texas Board of Legal Specialization recognizes attorneys in various areas of law, who because of experience, training and knowledge are awarded certificates of special competence.
Q: What are the general requirements for Board Certification?
A: An attorney must have:
...Been licensed for at least 5 years
...Spent three years of practice in specialty fiel
...Devoted 25-50% of practice to field of specialty
...Handled a wide variety of cases in field
...Attended continuing legal education seminars
...Received approval of judges and colleagues
...Passed a written examination
Q: What areas of law have a Board Certification program?
A: Currently the Texas Board of Legal Specialization recognizes the following fields of law for Board Certification:
...Administrative
...Bankruptcy
...Civil Appellate
...Civil Trial
...Criminal
...Estate Planning and Probate
...Family
...Immigration and Nationality
...Labor
...Oil, Gas and Mineral
...Personal Injury Trial
...Real Estate
...Tax
Q: How many attorneys are currently Board Certified?
A: There are approximately 5,000 Texas attorneys now board certified out of a total State Bar Membership of approximately 55,000.
Q: How long does an attorney remain certified?
A: Certification is for a period of 5 years. To remain certified after that time, every 5 years the attorney must apply for recertification meeting the requirements for continuing legal education, peer review and substantial involvement in the specialty field.
Q: How does the consumer know whether an attorney is Board Certified?
A: A Board Certified attorney is entitled to indicate certification on the business card and letterhead, display of the Certificate of Special Competence, and by listing the certification in legal directories and telephone listings under "Attorneys (or Lawyers) Board Certified".
The Texas Board of Legal
Specialization operates under the authority of the Supreme Court of
Texas. This program is entirely funded by fees and other charges imposed
on attorneys participating in the program. For more information write:
Contact
Internet
Mailing Address
Texas Board of Legal
Specialization
P.O. Box 12487, Capitol Station
Austin, TX 78711-2487
Street Address
Texas Board of Legal
Specialization
505 E. Huntland Dr., Ste. 400
Austin, Texas 78752
Phone
800-204-2222, ext. 1454
512-453-7266 Main
512-453-7220 FAX