Attorneys - Get Certified
Information and Strategies to Promote Your Practice
Essential Guide to Attorney Marketing
By Margaret Grisdela, Legal Expert Connections, Inc.
Get Certified
Board certification and related forms of legal specialization are perfect ways for an attorney to stand out from the legal competition. Representing some of the highest standards in the legal profession, certification typically involves a rigorous program of study, examination, peer review, years of legal experience in the subject matter, and periodic renewal requirements.
The American Bar Association maintains a Standing Committee on Certification, which establishes guidelines for legal specialization programs. The ABA “Model Rule of Professional Conduct 7.4” provides a policy statement that has been adopted verbatim by several states and implemented in part by others.
ABA-accredited certification programs are offered by the following private organizations:
- American Board of Certification
- American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys
- National Association of Counsel for Children
- National Association of Estate Planners & Councils Estate Law Specialist Board, Inc.
- National Board of Trial Advocacy
- National College for DUI Defense, Inc.
- National Elder Law Foundation
State sponsored certification plans are available in many states, although they vary in terms of legal specializations covered. Private certifiers are recognized in many states also. Check with your state bar association for current details.
The ABA publishes an electronic quarterly newsletter entitled “Certification Link,” for those interested in monitoring this topic. Visit the ABA site below to read the current issue. Interested parties can also participate in an ABA Specialization Listserv and periodic meetings.
The Florida Bar Association maintains an “Online Resource Kit for Certified Lawyers” at www.flabar.org. Look under “Professional Practice” then “Certification.” You will find helpful promotional ideas to publicize an attorney’s new certification credentials.
Resources:ABA Standing Committee on Certification website:
www.legalspecialists.org
ABA state-by-state guide to certification programs:
www.abanet.org/legalservices/specialization/directory
About the Author: Margaret Grisdela is the Founder and President of Legal Expert Connections, Inc., a legal marketing firm specializing in marketing and business development in the legal and litigation support markets. You can reach her at mg@legalexpertconnections.com.
Read Also:
- Cross-sell and Up-sell More Legal Services New!
- Measure Your Clients' Satisfaction New!
- Overview of the U.S. Legal Market
- Business Development Imperative
- Growing Your Practice
- Pick a Niche for Your Law Practice
- Know your Competition
- Branding your Law Firm
- Key Elements of a Successful Internet Marketing Campaign
By Margaret Grisdela, Legal Expert Connections, Inc.
HG.org is hosting this new series of excerpts from the book “Courting your Clients": The Essential Guide to Legal Marketing,” scheduled for release in May 2007.
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