A Board Certified attorney is an attorney who has demonstrated special competence in a particular field in which the Texas Board of Legal Specialization has certified their competence.

The Texas Board of Legal Specialization is authorized by the Supreme Court of Texas to certify attorneys in 17 specific areas of law. *Board certified attorneys have met specific requirements and passed a day long written examination. This very rigorous and demanding certification process is both individual and voluntary. It helps insure that the citizens of Texas receive the highest quality legal services.

Certified Personal Injury Trial Law attorneys have handled various aspects (including jury trials) of matters such as vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, or defective products which cause physical or mental injury to a person. The attorney must also have extensive knowledge of the law of evidence, procedure, and other substantive law in the trial of civil cases.

To become Board Certified in a specialty area, an attorney must have:

• Been licensed to practice law for at least five years,

• Devoted a required percentage of practice to a specialty area for at least three years;

• Handled a wide variety of matters in the area to demonstrate experience and involvement;

• Attended continuing education seminars regularly to keep legal training up to date;

• Been evaluated by fellow lawyers and judges;

• Passed a 6-hour written examination.

Board Certification is a voluntary designation program for attorneys. Initial certification is valid for a period of five years. To remain certified, an attorney must apply for re-certification every five years and meet substantial involvement, peer review and continuing legal education requirements for the specialty area.