What is a Board Certified Attorney?
The Texas Board of Legal Specialization recognizes attorneys in various areas of law, who because of experience, training and knowledge are awarded certificates of special competence.
What are the requirements for board certification?
According to the Texas Board of Legal Specialization an attorney must have:
- At least five (5) years practice in the State of Texas.
- A required percentage of practice in the area of specialty for 3 years preceding application.
- Experience in a wide variety of matters related to that specialty.
- Evaluation by Judges before whom the attorney has appeared.
- Evaluation by fellow attorneys, either as co-counsel or adversaries.
- Pass a day long written examination.
How many attorneys are currently board certified?
Currently there are 6481-7007 certified attorneys (the number varies slightly within the statistics provided by the Board of Specialization). This represents slightly less than 10% of all attorneys in the State. There are currently 166 Lawyers that are Board Certified in Administrative Law and three of those 166 are partners in McDonald, Mackay and Weitz, LLP.
How long does an attorney remain certified?
Certification is for a period of five years. Every five years the attorney must apply for recertification, meeting the requirements for continuing legal education, peer review and substantial involvement in the specialty field.
The author has provided this information and opinion for educational purposes only. Obviously, this material cannot address all laws and regulations that may impact all aspects of health care and please note that such laws and regulations are constantly changing. This material should not be used as a substitute for legal counseling and should not be considered as legal advice or a legal opinion. This material is not intended to take the place on legal or professional advice or services and a reader should obtain independent legal advice before undertaking any activity that may be within the scope of any law or regulation discussed in these materials.