Why Choose a Certified Civil Trial Attorney?

Does Civil Trial Certification Make A Difference?

The Supreme Court of New Jersey established the Board on Attorney Certification in 1980. The goal of the board is to help people like you make an informed decision when choosing a lawyer. Only a small percentage of New Jersey attorneys have earned the right to call themselves “certified” in their area of the law. “Certified” isn’t a very exciting word, but it represents something special.

To become licensed to practice law in New Jersey, you must graduate from law school and pass the New Jersey bar exam. To become certified, however, in one of the five areas of the law in which New Jersey recognizes certification, you must do more.

Certification requires the following:

• The attorney must have been a member in good standing of the New Jersey Bar for a minimum of five years.
• The attorney must have completed a specified number of continuing legal education courses in the three years prior to certification.
• The attorney must have demonstrated a “substantial” level of involvement in preparing litigated matters.
• The attorney must have an unblemished reputation based on evaluations provided by a list of attorneys and judges.
• The attorney must pass a written examination concerning the area of certification.

Choosing A Civil Trial Attorney Is Difficult

It’s easy to find a lawyer. It’s not so easy to determine if that lawyer has the experience, competence and character to protect your interests in court. An attorney with many years of experience may still be unwilling or unable to risk the rigors of civil litigation. Taking cases and taking cases to trial are two very different things. The attorney certification system was designed to help you determine which attorneys have the skill, knowledge and experience you are looking for in a particular area of the law.

Costello, Mains & Silverman, LLC is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as civil trial attorneys. That is a claim that only a small percentage of lawyers can make. If it was easy, everyone would do it. For a free and confidential consultation regarding your legal issue, contact us online or call 866-944-3371 today.