TEXAS BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION

What is a Criminal Law Board Certified Attorney

The Texas Board of Legal Specialization was created by, and operates under the authority of, the Supreme Court of Texas. Its members are appointed by the President of the State Bar of Texas. The Board administers the program by which an attorney may earn a certificate of special competence in a particular field of law. The program is voluntary and is funded entirely by fees imposed on participating attorneys.

For more information please write to:
Texas Board of Legal Specialization
P.O. Box 12487
Austin, Texas 78711-2487

or call

(512) 463-1454
(800) 204-2222 ext. 1454
Fax: (512) 477-7719

The consumer can identify a Criminal Law Board Certified attorney in one of many ways. A Criminal Law Board Certified attorney is entitled to indicate certification on business cards and letterhead by stating "Board Certified - Criminal Law - Texas Board of Legal Specialization." The attorney may also display the Certificate of Special Competence awarded by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and list the certification in legal directories and telephone listings under "Attorneys - Board Certified." Initial certification is valid for a period of fiveyears. To remain certified, an attorney must apply for recertification every five years and meet practice, peer review and continuing legal education requirements for the specialty field. An attorney who is Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Criminal Law must have experience in the preparation and trial of serious criminal matters. The attorney must also have extensive knowledge of state and federal constitutional law, evidence, procedure and penal laws involved in the trial of these matters.

To become Board Certified in Criminal Law, an attorney must have:

• Been licensed to practice law for at least five years
• Devoted a required percentage of practice to criminal law for at least three years
• Handled a wide variety of criminal law matters to demonstrate experience and involvement
• Attended criminal law continuing education seminars regularly to keep legal training up to date
• Been evaluated by fellow lawyers and judges
• Passed a day-long written examination

In 2001, Mike became Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. While most attorneys have to practice 10, 15 or 20 years to reach the experience level necessary to achieve Board Certification, Mike met the rigorous requirements and passed the exam after being licensed for 6 years.

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