"Certified Trial Attorney" is a
designation granted by the New Jersey Supreme Court to attorneys who
demonstrate sufficient levels of experience, education, knowledge
and skill in criminal and/or civil trial practice. The Supreme
Court, through its Board of 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.
What are the requirements for
board certification?
An attorney must meet the following
requirements to become Board Certified:
- Must be a member in good
standing for at least 5 years.
- In the 3 years prior to filing
an application, must have taken continuing legal education
courses.
- Must show a substantial
involvement in the preparation of litigated matters and
demonstrate primary responsibility for a specific number of
completed trials in New Jersey Superior Court.
- Must demonstrate an
unblemished reputation by submitting a list of attorneys and
judges who will attest to the applicant's character and ability.
- Must pass written examination
covering various aspects of trial practice.
Why does New Jersey have a program
for certification in trial law?
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.
How long does an attorney remain
certified?
Certification is good for seven
years. To be recertified, an attorney must apply for recertification
every seven years and meet requirements that are similar to
certification.
How may attorneys are certified in
New Jersey?
As of December, 2006, out of
approximately 60,000 active lawyers in New Jersey, 1,534 currently
hold Board
Certification in various specialized fields of law.
How does the consumer know if an
attorney is board certified?
Although many practicing trial
attorneys now advertise in newspapers, on television, and in 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.
When fighting for
your personal freedom call on New Jersey attorney, John F. Renner,
an experienced federal and state criminal defense
attorney.
