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Why Should You Use a
Certified Civil or Criminal Attorney?
Q. What is a “Certified Trial Attorney?”
A. “Certified Trial Attorney” is a designation
granted by the New Jersey Supreme Court to attorneys who are able to
demonstrate sufficient levels of experience, education, knowledge
and skill in criminal and/or civil trial practice. The Supreme
Court, through its Board on Attorney Certification, designates only
those lawyers who apply for certification and who are able to meet
the standards set by the Board and approved by the Court.
Q. What are the
requirements for Board Certification?
A. An attorney must meet the following requirements
to become Board Certified:
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Must be a member in
good standing of the New Jersey bar for at least 5 years.
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In the 3 years prior to
filing an application, must have taken continuing legal
education courses.
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Must show a substantial
involvement in preparation of litigated matters and demonstrate
primary responsibility for a specific number of completed trials
in New Jersey Superior Court.
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Must demonstrate an
unblemished reputation by submitting a list of attorneys and
judges who will attest to the applicant’s character and ability
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Must pass written
examination covering various aspects of trial practice.
Q. Why does New Jersey
have a program for Certification in trial law?
A. The certification program helps consumers find
attorneys who have a recognized level of competence in specialized
fields of the law. Certification also helps lawyers by giving them a
way to make their experience known to the public and to other
lawyers.
Q. How many attorneys are certified in New Jersey?
A. As of December 31, 1997, out of approximately
65,150 lawyers in New Jersey, 1,300 were Board certified.
Q. How does the consumer
know if an attorney is Board certified?
A. Although many practicing trial attorneys now
advertise in newspapers, on television and in the Yellow Pages, only
attorneys certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court are entitled to
use either the designation “Certified Civil Trial Attorney” or
“Certified Criminal Trial Attorney” on their letterhead, business
cards, Yellow Pages listings or in their advertisements.
Q. What if I have more
questions or need to find out more about Certification?
A. Anyone in need of more information regarding the
certification program should address his/her questions to:
Board on Attorney
Certification
P.O. Box 970
Trenton, NJ 08625
1-609-984-3077 |
