Professional Practice
Certification
| Selecting an Attorney Specializing in City. County & Local Government Law |
Maybe you have never needed the services of an attorney before; but now you do. Obviously, you want a lawyer who is able to handle your particular legal situation, and who has expertise in the area of law relating to your legal needs.
To assist you in finding such a lawyer, the Supreme Court of Florida directed The Florida Bar to offer a "Board Certification" program for Florida Bar members. The program is designed to help the public make an informed decision when seeking and selecting a lawyer.
While all lawyers are allowed to advertise, only certified attorneys are allowed to identify themselves as "Florida Bar Board Certified" or as a "specialist." Certification is the highest level of recognition by The Florida Bar of the competency and experience of attorneys in the areas of law approved for certification by the Supreme Court of Florida.
A lawyer who is a member in good standing of The Florida Bar and who meets the standards set by the state's Supreme Court, may become a "Board Certified City, County and Local Government Lawyer."
Certified lawyers in city, county and local government law deal with legal issues of county, municipal or other local governments such as special districts, agencies and authorities. City, county and local government law also includes litigation in the federal and state courts and before administrative agencies, and the preparation of legal instruments for city, county and local governments.
Every lawyer certified in city, county and local government law has practiced law on a full-time basis for at least five years. (Receipt of an LL.M. degree in urban affairs or a related field can be substituted for one year of experience in the five years of practice requirement.) Each certified lawyer has had substantial involvement -- 40 percent or more -- in the practice of city, county and local government law during the three years preceding application. Each certified lawyer has passed peer review, completed 60 hours of continuing legal education within the three years immediately preceding application and passed a written examination demonstrating knowledge, skills and proficiency in the field of city, county and local government law to justify the representation of special competence.
Board certification is valid for five years, during which time the attorney must continue to practice law and attend Florida Bar-approved continuing legal education courses. To be recertified, requirements similar to those for initial certification must be met. Not all qualified lawyers are certified, but those who are board certified have taken the extra step to have their competence and experience recognized.
City, County and Local Government Certification was approved by the Supreme Court of Florida in 1995.
The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education operates under the authority of the Supreme Court of Florida. The certification program and any supporting materials or activities are not funded by the general revenues of The Florida Bar.
For more information, please contact:
The Florida Bar
Legal Specialization & Education Department
651 E. Jefferson Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300
800/342-8060
850/561-5842
[Revised:
07-10-2009
]