"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 31, 1997, out of approximately 65,150 lawyers in New Jersey, 1,300 were Board Certified.

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.