Civil Trial Law Certification

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Definition

Civil trial law is the practice of law dealing with litigation of civil controversies in all areas of law before state courts, federal courts, administrative agencies and arbitrators.

Summary of Requirements

Minimum standards for civil trial law certification, provided in Rule 6-4.3, include:

Practice of law for at least five years;
Substantial involvement in the specialty of civil trial law — 50% or more — during the three years immediately preceding application;
Handling of at least 15 contested civil cases, including cases before juries as lead counsel and as trier of fact on some or all of the issues;
50 hours of approved civil trial law certification continuing legal education in the three years immediately preceding application;
Peer review; and,
A written examination.

Thinking of Becoming Board Certified? Download the Informational Flyer.

Board Certification Applications for Lawyers

All applicants for board certification or recertification should carefully read the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar (Rules) and be sure you have met each of the requirements prior to filing your application. Unless the Rules provide for a waiver of a specific requirement, each of the requirements must be met by the dates indicated in the rule.

Currently Certified? Recertification Information for 2020

If you were originally certified in 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, or 2015 you are due to file your recertification application in 2020. The application for recertification must be postmarked by November 30, 2020. All requirements for recertification are to be completed by this date.

Get Certified – Seeking Certification

The filing period for the initial application opens July 1, 2020. Applications must be postmarked by August 31, 2020. You must apply in this filing period to be considered for eligibility for the 2021 exam. If you’re eligible from a previous application, you may file the short application. Carefully read the rules for initial certification to determine if you will meet the requirements.