The Texas Board of Legal Specialization is an organization authorized by the Supreme Court of Texas to certify attorneys in 20 specific areas of law, and to certify legal assistants in six specific areas of law. Board certification by TBLS helps insure that citizens of Texas receive the highest quality legal services available.

Board Certification Process: Application And Examination

In Texas, a board certified trial lawyer must have completed at least 60 hours of continuing education in that field. After completing the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) approved courses, the attorney must apply for certification, providing references and proof that all of the standards for certification and rules and regulations for the specialty area have been met. After application, the TBLS specialty area Advisory Commission reviews the application and votes on the applicant. Only after approval by the Commission can the applicant take the examinations.

Exams are administered once a year, and cover knowledge, skills and subject matter for the specialty certification. After passing the examination, a Certificate of Special Competence is given to the applicant.

Board Certified Trial Lawyer Requirements

In Texas, a board certified trial lawyer must have been licensed to practice law for at least 5 years. The attorney must have devoted a required percentage of their practice to a board certified specialty for a minimum of 3 years. The attorney must attend continuing education seminars on a regular basis, and keep their legal training up to date. The lawyer must also pass a six hour written exam, and be evaluated by other lawyers and judges. In addition, a board certified trial lawyer must have handled various aspects (including jury trials) of cases including vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, or defective products which cause either physical or mental personal injury.

Listings Of Board Certified Trial Lawyers

In Texas, you can be sure your attorney is a board certified trial lawyer by going to the Texas Board of Legal Specialization website and doing a search on the TBLS Online Attorney Directory.

Contact a Board Certified Dallas Trial Lawyer

You can contact the board certified Dallas trial lawyer Steven C. Laird and submit a request for a free review of your case. Please fill out our short attorney contact form.