What is a "Certified Trial Attorney?"
"Certified Trial Attorney" is a
designation granted by the New Jersey Supreme Court to attorneys "who are
able to demonstrate sufficient levels of experience, education, knowledge and
skill in criminal and/or civil trial practice. The Supreme Court, through its
Board on Trial 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 of the New Jersey bar 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 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 on 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 many attorneys are certified in New Jersey?
As of 2004, out of approximately 41,000 lawyers in
New Jersey, approximately 1077 were certified civil trial attorneys.
How does the consumer know if an attorney is
Board certified?
Although many practicing trial attorneys now
advertise in newspapers, on television and in the 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.
What if I have more questions or need to find
out more about Certification?
Anyone in need of more information regarding the
certification program should address his/her questions to:
CN 970
Trenton, NJ 08625
1-609-984-3077
PINILISHALPERN,
LLP
237 South Street
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: (973) 401-1111
Fax: (973) 401-1114
E-Mail: wpinilis@certifiedciviltrialattorney.com
E-Mail: ghalpern@certifiedciviltrialattorney.com
