Certifications

NATIONAL BOARD OF
LEGAL SPECIALTY CERTIFICATION

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.

The National Board of Trial Advocacy now certifies other specialties and is part of the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification.