What Board Certified Means
What Board Certified Means
The difference between lawyers and board certified lawyers
Board certification recognizes attorneys’ special knowledge, skills, and proficiency in various areas of law, professionalism, ethics in practice.
“Board certification is a valuable credential that is becoming a significant trend in the legal profession,” said Florida Bar President Frank Angones Jr. “Specialization recognizes lawyers’ expertise and professionalism, and is a natural progression for lawyers who can demonstrate high skill levels in particular areas of law.”
Board Certified attorneys are the only Florida lawyers allowed to identify or advertise themselves as “Florida Bar Board Certified” and as specialists or experts. 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.
A lawyer who is a good-standing member 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 22 certification fields. Approximately 4,300 Florida lawyers are board certified. Minimum requirements for certification are listed below and each area of certification may contain higher or additional standards.
- Minimum of five years in law practice
- Satisfactory showing of substantial involvement in the field of law for which certification is sought
- Passing grades 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
- Satisfaction of the certification area’s continuing legal education requirements
Matt Powell is board certified by the Florida Bar as specialist in Civil Trial Law. This means the Florida Bar and their peers agree Matt has the highest skills in personal injury trials measurable by the Florida Bar. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Matt Powell at 813-222-2222