Certifications

NATIONAL BOARD OF TRIAL ADVOCACY

Board certification demonstrates that a lawyer has met the objective criteria to qualify as a specialist in the field.  The American Bar Association and the Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Certification of Attorneys as Specialists have accredited the NBTA to certify lawyers as specialists.  Only specialists certified by the NBTA are permitted to use its logo and name.

The Supreme Court of the United States has noted that the "NBTA has developed a set of standards and procedures for periodic certification of lawyers with experience and competence in trial work. Those standards, which have been approved by a board of judges, scholars, and practitioners, are objective and demanding. They require specified experience as lead counsel in both jury and nonjury trials, participation in approved programs of continuing legal education, a demonstration of writing skills, and the successful completion of a day-long examination. Certification expires in five years unless the lawyer again demonstrates his or her continuing qualification."  Peel v. Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Comm. of Illinois (1990), 496 U.S. 91, 111, 110 S.Ct. 2281, 110 L.Ed.2d 83.  Thus, "a certification of specialty by [the] NBTA would indicate a level of expertise with regard to trial advocacy in excess of the level of expertise required for admission to the bar generally."  Id. at 96.

Ohio Super Lawyers 2010

Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a rigorous, multiphase process that combines peer evaluations with third party research.

In 2008, a special master appointed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey found that “[The Super Lawyers selection process] is a comprehensive, good-faith and detailed attempt to produce a list of lawyers that have attained high peer recognition, meet ethical standards, and have demonstrated some degree of achievement in their field.”

Ohio Super Lawyers 2010 listed only 5% of the licensed, active lawyers in private practice in Ohio.

Only eighteen Ohio lawyers, including Adam E. Carr, were recognized as insurance coverage experts in Super Lawyers Corporate Counsel Edition 2010 (a national publication).