A MARK OF EXCELLENCE
In Texas “Board Certification” is a mark of excellence and distinguished accomplishment. Within the Texas legal community, Board Certification means an attorney has substantial, relevant experience in a select field of law as well as demonstrated, and tested, special competence in that area of law. In 1973, the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (“TBLS”) was created by order of the Texas Supreme Court.
As of 2017, there were over 100,000 attorneys licensed to practice in Texas. Only 7,350 attorneys have earned the right to be publicly recognized to be a Board Certified specialist in one of 23 fields of expertise. A mere 1% are double Board Certified. Board Certified lawyers earn the right to publically represent themselves as a specialist in a select area of law. In fact, they are the only attorneys allowed by the State Bar of Texas to do so. This designation sets them apart as being an attorney with the highest, public commitment to excellence in their area of law.
REQUIREMENTS
In Texas, Board Certification is not a one-time event. It requires ongoing involvement in the specialty field which is periodically substantiated with references from peers in that field. It also requires annual professional refreshment through “TBLS” approved continuing education course work to stay abreast of current trends in the law.
The process is voluntary and can only take place after an attorney has been in practice for five years, with a minimum of three years’ experience in the specialty field. Before one can even apply for the privilege of Board Certification, these additional requirements must be met:
1. For “Civil Trial Law” – The applicant shall have tried a minimum of 20 contested civil cases in a court of record in Texas involving a sum of actual damages in controversy in excess of $25,000;
2. For “Personal Injury Trial Law” – The applicant shall have tried as lead counsel at least 10 contested civil cases which were submitted to the trier of fact in a court of record in Texas. Five of the 10 cases must have been personal injury Jury Trials;
3. Pass a difficult written examination administered by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization on a variety of topics in that specialty field; and
4. Written recommendations from opposing counsel and Judges which verify the applicant’s expertise in that specialty field.