What does it mean to be “Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney”?

How do you choose one attorney over another? Choosing the right attorney to meet your legal needs is a difficult task.

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. The Attorney Certification process is designed to help you make an informed decision when selecting a lawyer.

The Board on Attorney Certification “certifies” attorneys that demonstrate a 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.

How does an attorney become “Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney”?

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 want additional information about what it means to be a Certified Civil Trial Attorney, you may visit the New Jersey Board on Attorney Certification: http://www.njbac.org/.