What Does It Mean to Be Board Certified in a Legal Specialty? Why It Matters to You
When you’re looking for a lawyer, you’re trusting someone with real consequences—your finances, your family, your freedom, or your business. Not all attorneys have the same background, skill level, or depth of experience. One of the clearest indicators of advanced expertise is Board Certification.
But what does that really mean? And how does it help you, the client? Here’s a practical breakdown.
What Is Board Certification?
Board Certification is a professional credential awarded to attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional competence in a particular area of law—such as Family Law, Criminal Law, Civil Trial Law, Estate Planning & Probate, Personal Injury Trial Law, and more.
In states like Texas, Board Certification is administered by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS). Other states have their own certifying bodies, but the standards are similar: rigorous, selective, and based on proven expertise.
How Does a Lawyer Become Board Certified?
It’s not automatic. It’s not just a class. It’s not a marketing label.
To become board certified, an attorney must:
✔ Practice a Minimum Number of Years
Most boards require at least five years of active practice, with a substantial portion devoted to the specialty area.
✔ Handle a Significant Number of Cases
Applicants must show real, hands-on experience—often dozens or hundreds of cases—covering a wide range of issues in that legal field.
✔ Receive Professional Recommendations
Judges and fellow attorneys—often opponents, not colleagues—must attest to the lawyer’s competence, professionalism, and ethics.
✔ Pass a Comprehensive Specialty Exam
The certification exam is difficult. Many compare it to taking a second bar exam, but narrower and deeper.
✔ Continue Advanced Legal Education
Certification is not permanent. Lawyers must reapply or complete extensive continuing legal education to maintain their status.
In short: Certification is earned, not given.
What Does Board Certification Mean for a Client?
1. Proven Experience—Not Just Claims
Any lawyer can say they “focus on” a particular area. A board-certified lawyer proves it with documented casework and evaluations from judges and peers.
2. A Higher Standard of Legal Knowledge
Specialty exams require command of the latest statutes, case law, strategies, and procedural rules. Certified attorneys keep their knowledge current through ongoing education.
3. Recognized Expertise
Board Certification tells you the lawyer is trusted by the legal community. Courts and opposing counsel know they’re dealing with someone who understands the field deeply.
4. Better Strategy and Better Outcomes
Experience matters. A board-certified attorney has already handled a wide range of scenarios, giving them sharper judgment, better tactics, and a stronger ability to anticipate complications.
5. Confidence and Peace of Mind
Legal problems are stressful. When your lawyer is board certified, you know you’re working with someone whose skills and experience have been independently verified.
Is a Board-Certified Lawyer Always the Right Choice?
Not necessarily—but it’s often a major advantage.
Many excellent lawyers are not board certified. But if your case is complex, high-stakes, or involves issues unique to a specialized area—such as contested divorces, serious criminal charges, or intricate probate matters—working with a board-certified attorney can make a meaningful difference.
Final Thoughts
Board Certification is more than a title. It’s a signal of excellence, commitment, and professional mastery. For clients, it provides clarity in a crowded legal market—helping you choose a lawyer with proven skill and discipline in the field that matters to you.
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At David C. Barsalou, Attorney at Law, PLLC, we help clients navigate business, family, tax, estate planning, and real estate matters ranging from document drafting to litigation with clarity and confidence. If you’d like guidance on your situation, schedule a consultation today. Call us at (713) 397-4678, email barsalou.law@gmail.com, or reach us through our Contact Page. We’re here to help you take the next step.