What Does It Mean To Be A Certified Legal Specialist In Arizona?*

The Arizona Board of Legal Specialization identifies lawyers who have demonstrated superior knowledge, skill, integrity, professionalism and competence in a specific area of law, to better serve the public. The Board certifies attorneys in eight areas of law. To obtain certification, lawyers must meet specific requirements.

What are the general requirements for Board Certification?

To qualify for certification, an attorney must:

• Be licensed to practice law for at least 5 years (7 years for criminal and real estate certification)
• Be licensed in Arizona for at least 2 years
• Devote the equivalent of 50% of a full-time law practice in the specialty field
• Handle a specific number of cases in the specialty field
• Demonstrate integrity, professionalism and a high degree of competence in the specialty field
• Receive favorable peer review from attorneys, judges or other professionals in the specialty field
• Pass a written examination

How many attorneys are currently certified?

Out of a total State Bar membership of more than 17,500 active members, approximately 750 Arizona attorneys are Board certified.

How long does an attorney remain certified?

Certification is for a period of 5 years, after which time the attorney may apply for recertification. Attorneys must demonstrate that they meet the requirements of continuing legal education and substantial involvement in the specialty field on an ongoing basis.

Paul A. Ramos and Todd K. Coolidge are Certified Criminal Law Specialists through the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization.

*Cited directly from the AZ Bar website

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