Q: What is a certified civil trial attorney?
A: Certified Civil 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 civil trial practice. The Supreme Court, through its Board on 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.
Q: What does it mean when an attorney is certified?
A: A certified attorney is more than just an attorney who specializes in a particular area of law. A New Jersey attorney who is certified by the Supreme Court as a civil trial attorney must have:
Been a member in good standing of the New Jersey bar for over five years
Fulfilled ongoing continuing legal education requirements
Demonstrated a substantial level of experience in civil trial law
Been favorably evaluated by other attorneys and judges familiar with his or her work
Taken and passed a written examination in civil trial law
Q: Why does New Jersey have a certification program?
A: The certification program helps the public find attorneys who have demonstrated proficiency in specialized fields of law. Certification helps lawyers by giving them a way to make their experience known to the public and to other lawyers. Certification also encourages the maintenance and improvement of attorney competence in specialized fields of law.
Q: How many attorneys are currently certified in New Jersey?
A: As of March 2014, out of approximately 75,000 active lawyers in New Jersey, 1,600 currently hold Board certification. Routinely it is under 2% of the lawyers.
Q: What if I have more questions or need to find out more about certification?
A: Anyone in need of more information regarding the certification program should address his or her questions to:
Supreme Court of New Jersey Board on Attorney Certification
P.O. Box 970
Trenton, NJ 08625-0970
609-984-3077