John R. Moeller, Jr., P.C.
Why Should You Use A Certified Civil Trial Attorney?
What is trial attorney certification?
An attorney certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey 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 criminal and/or civil trial practice. The New Jersey Supreme Court, through its Board on Attorney Certification, designates as certified criminal trial attorney or certified civil trial attorney, only those lawyers who apply for certification and who are able to meet the standards set by the Board and approved by the Court.
What does it mean when an attorney is certified?
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 at least 5 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.
Why does New Jersey have a certification program?
The certification program helps the public find attorneys who have demonstrated proficiency in specialized fields of the 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.
In what areas of law does the New Jersey Supreme Court certify attorneys?
At present, there are four specialty areas of practice that are approved for certification by the Supreme Court of New Jersey: civil trial law; criminal trial law, matrimonial law; and workers' compensation law.
How many attorneys are certified in New Jersey?
As of June 2012, out of approximately 72,000 lawyers in New Jersey, 1,600 were Board certified.
How does the consumer know if an attorney is Board certified?
Although many practicing trial attorneys now advertise in newspapers, on television and in the Yellow Pages, only attorneys certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court are entitled to use either the designation "Certified Civil Trial Attorney" or "Certified Criminal Trial Attorney" on their letterhead, business cards, Yellow Pages listings or in their advertisements.
What if I have more questions or need to find out more about Certification?
Anyone in need of more information regarding the certification program should address his/her questions to:
Board on Attorney Certification
P.O. Box 970
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
(609) 984-3077
For more information please visit their site: www.njbac.org