State Advertising Rules and Regulations & Eligible NBTA Board Certifications

As an attorney practicing in Alabama, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA is accredited by the American Bar Association and has been approved by the Alabama State to grant such certifications.  The following board certification areas are available for Alabama Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Social Security Disability Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Information about Legal Services” 

As an attorney practicing in Alaska, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and are endorsed through the Alaska’s Rules of Court to grant such certifications.  The following board certification areas are available for Alaska Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Information about Legal Services”

As an attorney practicing in Arizona, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.  NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and are endorsed by the State Bar of Arizona as part of the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct. Certification signifies that an objective entity has recognized an advanced degree of knowledge and experience in the specialty area greater than is suggested by general licensure to practice law. NBTA applies standards of experience, knowledge, and proficiency to ensure that a lawyer’s recognition as a specialist is meaningful and reliable. To ensure that consumers can obtain access to useful information about an organization granting certification, the name of the National Board of Trial Advocacy must be included in any communication regarding the certification. The following board certification areas are available for Arizona Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
  • As the National Board of Trial Advocacy provides the examination for Arizona specialization certification, you will not have to take the NBTA Exam if certified in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death by Arizona.
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
  • As the National Board of Trial Advocacy provides the examination for Arizona specialization certification, you will not have to take the NBTA Exam if certified in Criminal Trial Law by Arizona.
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Information about Legal Services”

As an attorney practicing in Arkansas, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.  NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and are endorsed by the Arkansas Judiciary as part of the Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct. Certification signifies that an objective entity has recognized an advanced degree of knowledge and experience in the specialty area greater than is suggested by general licensure to practice law. NBTA applies standards of experience, knowledge, and proficiency to ensure that a lawyer’s recognition as a specialist is meaningful and reliable. To ensure that consumers can obtain access to useful information about an organization granting certification, the name of the National Board of Trial Advocacy must be included in any communication regarding the certification. The following board certification areas are available for Arkansas Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See Rule 7.4. Communication of Fields of Practice and SpecializationSee “Information about Legal Services”

As an attorney practicing in California, you may communicate the fact that you are a certified specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.  NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and are accredited by The State Bar of California to designate specialists pursuant to standards adopted by the Board of Trustees. The name of the National Board of Trial Advocacy must be clearly identified in any communications. The following board certification areas are available for California Attorneys:

• Civil Trial Law
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Social Security Disability Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Information about Legal Services”

As an attorney practicing in Colorado, you may communicate the fact that you hold Board Certification in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy – with a required note. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association.  The US Supreme Court ruled in Peel v. Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of Illinois, 110 S.Ct. 2281 (1990), that disallows any state from prohibiting disclosure of NBTA certification. However, each state can establish its own rules for the regulation of disclosure. As per the Colorado Bar Association: in any advertisement in which a lawyer affirmatively claims to be certified as a specialist in any area of the law, such advertisement shall contain the following disclosure: “Colorado does not certify lawyers as specialists in any field.” This disclaimer is not required where the information concerning the lawyer’s services is contained in a law list, law directory or a publication intended primarily for use of the legal profession. The following board certification areas are available for Colorado Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See 7.2 C 1 & 2

As an attorney practicing in Connecticut, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.  NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and has been approved by the Rules Committee of the Superior Court of Connecticut. NBTA can certify lawyers practicing in Connecticut as being specialists, shall be the requirement that NBTA certify specialists on the basis of published standards and procedures which (1) do not discriminate against any lawyer properly qualified for such certification, (2) provide a reasonable basis for representation that lawyers so certified possess special competence, and (3) require redetermination of the special qualifications of certified specialists after a period of not more than five years. The following board certification areas are available for Connecticut Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Information about Legal Services”

As an attorney practicing in Delaware, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and are affirmed through the Delaware Lawyer’s Rules of Professional Conduct to grant such certifications.  The following board certification areas are available for Delaware Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See Rule 7.4 Page 318

As an attorney practicing in Washington DC, you may communicate the fact that you are board certified in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association.  Lawyers in the District of Columbia can only make assertions about themselves that can be substantiated. The following board certification areas are available for Washington D.C. Lawyers:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See 7.1 A 1 & 2

As an attorney practicing in Florida, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA is accredited by the American Bar Association and has been approved by The Florida Bar Board of Legal Certification to grant such certifications.  The following board certification areas are available for Florida Law Attorneys:

• Civil Trial Law
  • You must be first board certified in Civil Trial by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education (Board Certification – The Florida Bar). You will not have to take the NBTA Examination.
• Criminal Trial Law
  • You must be first board certified in Criminal Trial by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education (Board Certification – The Florida Bar) You will not have to take the NBTA Examination.
• Family Trial Law
  • You must be first board certified in Marital and Family Law by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education (Board Certification – The Florida Bar), You will not have to take the NBTA Examination.
• Social Security Disability Law
  • You must add the following statement to communications: “Not Certified as a Specialist by The Florida Bar.” An additional number of Social Security Disability CLE’s are required of Florida Attorneys
    
    Your State’s Advertising Regulations
    (Scroll down to 4-7.14 Potentially Misleading Advertisements)

As an attorney practicing in Georgia, you may communicate the fact that you are a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and are affirmed by the rules of the State Bar of Georgia. Attorneys qualify if they are accredited by a bona fide professional entity, such as NBTA. Additionally, they must communicate their specialization through the phrase, “Certified as a [legal specialty] specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. The following board certification areas are available for Georgia Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See Rules 7.1-7.5

As an attorney practicing in Hawaii, you may communicate the fact that you are a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy – with a required statement. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and are affirmed by the Supreme Court of Hawaii.  Communications must include the following statement: “The Supreme Court of Hawai‘i grants Hawai‘i certification only to lawyers in good standing who have successfully completed a specialty program accredited by the American Bar Association.” The following board certification areas are available for Hawaii Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See Rule 7.4. Communication of Fields of Practice and Certification

As an attorney practicing in Idaho, you may communicate the fact that you are a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and are approved by the Idaho State Bar. As per the Idaho Bar Commission Rules the name of the certifying organization must be clearly identified in communications. The following board certification areas are available for Idaho Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Social Security Disability Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Information about Legal Services” – Page 59

As an attorney practicing in Illinois, you may communicate the fact that you hold Board Certification in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy – with a required reference. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association.  The US Supreme Court ruled in Peel v. Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of Illinois, 110 S.Ct. 2281 (1990), which disallows any state from prohibiting disclosure of NBTA certification. However, each state can establish its own rules for the regulation of disclosure. Illinois requirements are 1) the reference must be truthful and verifiable and may not be misleading and 2) the reference must state that “the Supreme Court of Illinois does not recognize certifications of specialties in the practice of law and that the certificate is not a requirement to practice law in Illinois.” The following board certification areas are available for Illinois Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See Rule 7.4. Communication of Fields of Practice and Specialization

As an attorney practicing in Indiana, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and are also accredited by the Indiana Commission for Continuing Legal Education to grant such certifications. The rules and guidelines for NBTA shall include requirements of practice experience, continuing legal education, objective examination; and, peer review and evaluation, with the purpose of providing assurance to the consumers of legal services that the attorneys attaining certification within areas of specialization have demonstrated extraordinary proficiency within those areas of specialization. The following board certification areas are available for Indiana Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Criminal Trial Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See Rule 7.4. Communication of Fields of Practice and Specialization

As an attorney practicing in Iowa, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a Specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy – with a required reference. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association.  The US Supreme Court ruled in Peel v. Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of Illinois, 110 S.Ct. 2281 (1990), which disallows any state from prohibiting disclosure of NBTA certification. However, each state can establish its own rules for the regulation of disclosure. Iowa requirements are 1) the name of the certifying organization is clearly identified in communications;  2) the reference to the certification must be truthful and verifiable and may not be misleading; and 3) the representation by the lawyer that he or she is certified as a specialist states that the Supreme Court of Iowa does not certify lawyers as specialists in the practice of law and that certification is not a requirement to practice law in the State of Iowa. The following board certification areas are available for Iowa Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Information about Legal Services” – Page 76

As an attorney practicing in Kansas, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and confirmed by the Kansas Judicial Branch to grant such certifications.  Certification signifies that an objective entity has recognized an advanced degree of knowledge and experience in the specialty area greater than is suggested by general licensure to practice law. The following board certification areas are available for Kansas Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See Rule 7.4 Communication of Fields of Practice/ See Page 451

As an attorney practicing in Kentucky, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and confirmed by the Kentucky Courts to grant such certifications.  Attorneys must clearly identify the National Board of Trial Advocacy in communications as the certifying organization and only for as long as the lawyer remains so certified and in good standing. The following board certification areas are available for Kentucky Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Communication of fields of practice” – Rule SCR 3.130(7.40)

As an attorney practicing in Louisiana, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and confirmed by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization to grant such certifications.  Attorneys must clearly identify the National Board of Trial Advocacy in communications as the certifying organization. The following board certification areas are available for Louisiana Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Information about Legal Services”

As an attorney practicing in Maine, you MAY BE ABLE TO communicate the fact that you hold Board Certification in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association.  The US Supreme Court ruled in Peel v. Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of Illinois, 110 S.Ct. 2281 (1990), that disallows any state from prohibiting disclosure of NBTA certification. However, each state can establish its own rules for the regulation of disclosure.  Maine requires the lawyer can be certified as a specialist by an organization that has been approved by an appropriate state authority or that has been accredited by the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar.  NBTA IS IN THE PROCESS TO ACQUIRE THIS ACCREDITATION The following board certification areas MAY BE AVAILABLE for Maine Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

CONTACT NBTA TO RECEIVE THE MOST RECENT INFORMATION PRIOR TO FILLING OUT AN APPLICATION.

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See Rule 7.4 Communication of Field of Practice and Specialization

As an attorney practicing in Maryland, you may communicate the fact that you have board certification in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty programs are accredited by the American Bar Association to grant such certifications.  Prior to April 2017, the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct had an explicit sentence that prohibited holding oneself out as a specialist. A rule change was proposed in October 2016 and adopted in December 2016.   The rule change deleted that prohibiting sentence, relying on the rule that attorneys mustn’t make false or misleading statements. The following board certification areas are available for Maryland Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Information about Legal Services”

As an attorney practicing in Massachusetts, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and confirmed under the auspices of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to grant such certifications.  Attorneys must clearly identify the National Board of Trial Advocacy in communications as the certifying organization. The following board certification areas are available for Massachusetts Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See 7.2 C 1 & 2

As an attorney practicing in Michigan, you may communicate the fact that you have achieved and acquired board certification in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association.  The Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct state that all attorney’s communications should be truthful. The following board certification areas are available for Michigan Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See Rules 7.1 – 7.5 Information About Legal Services -Pages 98-102

As an attorney practicing in Minnesota, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and the Minnesota State Board of Legal Specialization to grant such certifications. It is required that the name of the National Board of Trial Advocacy be clearly identified as the certifying organization in communication.  The following board certification areas are available for Minnesota Attorneys:

• Civil Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts an applicant who has already taken and passed NBTA’s exam for their Minnesota State Bar Association Application
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Information about Legal Services”

As an attorney practicing in Mississippi, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.  NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association. As noted in the Mississippi Courts Rules of Conduct:  Certification or designation procedures imply that an objective entity has recognized a lawyer’s higher degree of specialized ability than is suggested by general licensure to practice law.  Those objective entities may be expected to apply standards of competence, experience, and knowledge to ensure that the lawyer’s recognition as a specialist is meaningful and reliable.  To ensure that the consumers can obtain access to useful certification or designation information, the name of the certifying or designating organization or other agency must be included in any communication regarding the certification or designation.  The following board certification areas are available for Mississippi Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Information about Legal Services”

As an attorney practicing in Missouri, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy – with a disclaimer. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association. The US Supreme Court ruled in Peel v. Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of Illinois, 110 S.Ct. 2281 (1990), which disallows any state from prohibiting disclosure of NBTA certification. However, each state can establish its own rules for the regulation of disclosure. The disclaimer must state neither the Supreme Court of Missouri nor The Missouri Bar reviews or approves certifying organizations or specialist designations. The following board certification areas are available for Missouri Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See RULE 4-7.4: Communication of Fields of Practice and Specialization

As an attorney practicing in Montana, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and are supported by the State Bar of Montana through the Montana Rules of Professional Conduct to grant such certifications. It is required that the name of the National Board of Trial Advocacy be clearly identified as the certifying organization in the communication.  The following board certification areas are available for Montana Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See Rule 7.2 ©

As an attorney practicing in Nebraska, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and are endorsed by the State Bar of Nebraska Judicial Branch to grant such certifications. It is required that the name of the National Board of Trial Advocacy be clearly identified as the certifying organization in the communication.  The following board certification areas are available for Nebraska Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Information about Legal Services”

As an attorney practicing in Nevada, you MAY BE ABLE TO communicate that you are a specialist or expert in a field of law with certain provision as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association.  The US Supreme Court ruled in Peel v. Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of Illinois, 110 S.Ct. 2281 (1990), that disallows any state from prohibiting disclosure of NBTA certification. However, each state can establish its own rules for the regulation of disclosure.  Nevada requires the lawyer can be certified as a specialist by an organization that has been approved the Nevada State Bar.  NBTA IS IN THE PROCESS TO ACQUIRE THIS ACCREDITATION.  Nevada provisions include registering the specialization with the state bar and devoting at least 30% of the practice to the specialization area.   The following board certification areas MAY BE AVAILABLE for Nevada Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law

CONTACT NBTA TO RECEIVE THE MOST RECENT INFORMATION PRIOR TO FILLING OUT AN APPLICATION.

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Information about Legal Services”

As an attorney practicing in New Hampshire, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and are approved by the New Hampshire Judicial Branch through the New Hampshire Rules of Professional Conduct to grant such certifications. Certification signifies that an objective entity has recognized an advanced degree of knowledge and experience in the specialty area greater than is suggested by general licensure to practice law. The National Board of Trial Advocacy applies standards of experience, knowledge, and proficiency to ensure that a lawyer’s recognition as a specialist is meaningful and reliable. To ensure that consumers can obtain access to useful information about an organization granting certification, the name of the National Board of Trial Advocacy must be included in any communication regarding the certification. The following board certification areas are available for New Hampshire Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the
    NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: Select “Information about Legal Services” and see rule 7.4

As an attorney practicing in New Jersey, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.  NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and are approved under the auspices of the Supreme Court of New Jersey to grant such certifications. The name of the National Board of Trial Advocacy must be included in any communication regarding the certification. The following board certification areas are available for New Jersey Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the New Jersey Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Civil Trial
    • An abbreviated additional ethics examination is required to complete application
  • Complex Litigation
  • Criminal Trial Law
    • Or NBTA accepts the New Jersey Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Criminal Trial
      • An abbreviated additional ethics examination is required to complete application
    • Family Trial Law
      • Or NBTA accepts the New Jersey Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial. This is if you are looking for an exam waiver if you are looking for an exam waiver.  An abbreviated additional ethics examination is required to complete application
      • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
    • Patent Litigation
    • Social Security Disability Law
    • Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Communication of Fields of Practice and Certification”

As an attorney practicing in New Mexico, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and are approved by the State Bar of New Mexico under the auspices of the New Mexico Supreme Court to grant such certifications. Those who become board certified by NBTA are also able to apply it to be certified in New Mexico by the Legal Specialization Committee. The purpose of the NM Legal Specialization Program is to assist in the delivery of legal services to the public by 1) providing greater access to the public to appropriate legal services and 2) identifying and improving the quality and competence of legal services. The following board certification areas are available for New Mexico Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
  • Previous recipients of the New Mexico Legal Specialization who had taken the NBTA Civil Trial Law exam and would not have to repeat the exam to become nationally board certified. Proof of a passing grade would be required.
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See Article 7 – Information about Legal Service

As an attorney practicing in New York, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy – with a required statement.  NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association to grant such certifications. The US Supreme Court ruled in Peel v. Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of Illinois, 110 S.Ct. 2281 (1990), which disallows any state from prohibiting disclosure of NBTA certification. However, each state can establish its own rules for the regulation of disclosure. Under the New York State Unified Court System – Rules of Professional Conduct the following statement must be communicated “The National Board of Trial Advocacy is not affiliated with any governmental authority.” The following board certification areas are available for New York Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See Rule 7.1-7.5 Advertising- Page 65

As an attorney practicing in North Carolina, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and are under procedures and criteria endorsed by the North Carolina State Bar to grant such certifications. The use of the word “specialize” in any of its variant forms connotes to the public a particular expertise often subject to recognition by the state. The North Carolina State Bar has instituted programs providing for official certification of specialists in certain areas of practice. Certification signifies that an objective entity has recognized an advanced degree of knowledge and experience in the specialty area greater than is suggested by general licensure to practice law. NBTA applies standards of experience, knowledge, and proficiency to ensure that a lawyer’s recognition as a specialist is meaningful and reliable. To ensure that consumers can obtain access to useful information about an organization granting certification, the name of NBTA must be included in any communication regarding the certification. The following board certification areas are available for North Carolina Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the North Carolina Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Criminal Trial
    • An additional evidence and ethics examination is required to complete application
  • Family Trial Law
    • Or NBTA accepts the North Carolina Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial
      • An additional evidence and ethics examination is required to complete application
    • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
  • Patent Litigation
  • Social Security Disability Law
    • Or NBTA accepts the North Carolina Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Social Security Disability Law
      • An abbreviated additional evidence and ethics examination is required to complete application
    • Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See Advertising rules 7.1 – 7.5

As an attorney practicing in North Dakota, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.  NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and have been approved by the State of North Dakota Courts as part of the North Dakota Rules of Professional Conduct. Certification signifies that an objective entity has recognized an advanced degree of knowledge and experience in the specialty area greater than is suggested by general licensure to practice law. NBTA applies standards of experience, knowledge, and proficiency to ensure that a lawyer’s recognition as a specialist is meaningful and reliable. To ensure that consumers can obtain access to useful information about an organization granting certification, the name of the certifying organization must be included in any communication regarding certification. The following board certification areas are available for North Dakota Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Information about Legal Services”

As an attorney practicing in Ohio, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.  NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and NBTA as an organization has been approved by the Ohio Supreme Court Commission on Certification of Attorneys as Specialists, to grant such certifications. Certification signifies that an objective entity has recognized an advanced degree of knowledge and experience in the specialty area greater than is suggested by general licensure to practice law. NBTA applies standards of experience, knowledge, and proficiency to ensure that a lawyer’s recognition as a specialist is meaningful and reliable. The name of the National Board of Trial Advocacy must be included in any communication regarding the certification. The following board certification areas are available for Ohio Attorneys:

• Civil Trial Law
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Social Security Disability Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Information about Legal Services”- Page 165

As an attorney practicing in Oklahoma, you MAY BE ABLE TO communicate that you are certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association.  The US Supreme Court ruled in Peel v. Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of Illinois, 110 S.Ct. 2281 (1990), that disallows any state from prohibiting disclosure of NBTA certification. However, each state can establish its own rules for the regulation of disclosure. Oklahoma requires the lawyer can be certified as a specialist only if the specialization is also held in another state. Additionally, the attorney must communicate that the certification is not recognized by the Supreme Court of the State of Oklahoma.   NBTA IS IN THE PROCESS TO ACQUIRE ACCREDITATION FROM OKLAHOMA.  The following board certification areas MAY BE AVAILABLE for Oklahoma Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

CONTACT NBTA TO RECEIVE THE MOST RECENT INFORMATION PRIOR TO FILLING OUT AN APPLICATION.

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Information about Legal Services”-see 7.4 B 4

As an attorney practicing in Oregon, you may communicate the fact that you have earned board certification in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association. to grant such certifications. According to the Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct, lawyers are allowed to make communications regarding board certification so long as they are not false or misleading about the lawyer or the lawyer’s services. The following board certification areas are available for Oregon Lawyers:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See Pages 27 for Rule 7.1

As an attorney practicing in Pennsylvania, you may communicate the fact that you have earned board certification and are a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.  NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and approved by The Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to grant such certifications. Upon the recommendation of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania approves specialization 1) when the advertising of a lawyer’s certification will provide meaningful information, which is not false, misleading or deceptive for use of the public in selecting or retaining a lawyer and 2) the certification is available to all lawyers who meet objective and consistently applied standards relevant to proactive in the areas of the law to which the certification relates. The following board certification areas are available for Pennsylvania Lawyers:

• Civil Trial Law
• Criminal Trial Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See Rules 7.1-7.5 – Pages 86

As an attorney practicing in Rhode Island, you may communicate the fact that you earned board certification in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. The US Supreme Court ruled in Peel v. Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of Illinois, 110 S.Ct. 2281 (1990), disallows any state from prohibiting disclosure of NBTA certification. However, you may not indicate that you are a specialist nor are you able to say your practice is “limited to” or is “concentrated in” particular fields.  According to the Rhode Island Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, if you do so you must include the following disclaimer:  “The Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers in the general practice of laws.”  The court does not license or certify any lawyer as an expert or specialist in an particular field of practice,” NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association. The following board certification areas are available for Rhode Island Lawyers:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Information about Legal Services” – Page 246

As an attorney practicing in South Carolina, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association, are designated appropriate by the South Carolina Supreme Court Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization and are approved by the South Carolina Supreme Court.  Certification signifies that an objective entity has recognized an advanced degree of knowledge and experience in the specialty area greater than is suggested by general licensure to practice law. NBTA applies standards of experience, knowledge, and proficiency to ensure that a lawyer’s recognition as a specialist is meaningful and reliable. To ensure that consumers can obtain access to useful information about an organization granting certification, the National Board of Trial Advocacy must be included in any communication regarding the certification.  The minimum CLE requirements to enter a specialty field shall not be less than thirty-six (36) hours of participation in CLE in the specialty field during the three (3) year period preceding a lawyer’s application for original certification.  The minimum annual CLE requirements for certified lawyers shall not be less than fourteen (14) CLE hours in the specialty field, including two (2) hours which are devoted to legal ethics and professional responsibility (LEPR) subjects, plus at least one (1) hour every two years which is devoted to substance abuse/mental health (SA/MH) subjects.  The minimum CLE requirements to qualify for recertification shall be not less than seventy-five (75) hours of CLE in the specialty field during the period of the lawyer’s current five (5) year certification period.

The following board certification areas are available for South Carolina Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Social Security Disability Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Lawyer Advertising” Rule 7.1-7.5

As an attorney practicing in South Dakota, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.  NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and the ABA has been designated as the appropriate regulatory authority to grant accreditation by the South Dakota Supreme Court.   The name of the National Board of Trial Advocacy must be clearly identified in the communication as the certifying organization. The following board certification areas are available for South Dakota Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Information about Legal Services”

As an attorney practicing in Tennessee, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist or are board certified in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association through the House of Delegates to grant such certifications. However, before a lawyer may communicate that the lawyer is a specialist, the lawyer must first register the specialty certification with the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education in accordance with Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 21.  A lawyer shall not state or imply that the lawyer has received any certification of specialization from the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education.  The following board certification areas are available for Tennessee Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Chapter 7 – Information about Legal Services”

As an attorney practicing in Texas, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.  NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS). As required by TBLS, NBTA applies standards of experience, knowledge, and proficiency to ensure that a lawyer’s recognition as a specialist is meaningful and reliable. To ensure that consumers can obtain access to useful information about an organization granting certification, the name of the National Board of Trial Advocacy must be included in any communication regarding the certification. The following board certification areas are available for Texas Attorneys:

• Civil Trial Law
  • Must first be certified in Civil Trial Law by TBLS
    • NBTA accepts the TBLS Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Civil Trial Law
  • Criminal Trial Law
    • Must first be certified in Criminal Trial Law TBLS
      • NBTA accepts the TBLS Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Criminal Trial Law
    • Patent Litigation
      • Additional CLE requirement from TBLS
    • Social Security Disability Law
      • Additional CLE requirement from TBLS
    • Truck Accident Law
      • Must be certified in Personal Injury Law by TBLS
        • Additional CLE requirement from TBLS

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “VII – Information About Legal Services”

As an attorney practicing in Utah, you may communicate the fact that you earned board certification in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.  NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association. As per Utah Court Rules: a lawyer can communicate practice areas and can state that he or she “specializes” in a field based on experience, training, and education, provided that the communication is not “false or misleading,” A lawyer shall not state or imply that the lawyer is certified as a specialist in a particular field unless the lawyer has been certified as a specialist by an objective entity and the name of the entity is clearly identified in the communication.  The following board certification areas are available for Utah Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of The NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See Rule 7.1. Communications Concerning a Lawyer’s Services [5]

As an attorney practicing in Vermont, you may communicate the fact that you are certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.  NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association to grant such certifications.  As per the Vermont Rules of Professional Conduct the name of the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a certifying entity must be clearly identified in the communication.  The following board certification areas are available for Vermont Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Information about Legal Services” – Page 138

As an attorney practicing in Virginia, you may communicate the fact that you are certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy – with a qualifying statement.  NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association to grant such certifications. Because Virginia has no procedure for approving organizations granting certifications of other specialties, lawyers communicating the fact that they have been certified as specialists in a field of law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, other than the Supreme Court of Virginia, must clearly disclose that – “there is no procedure in Virginia for approving certifying organizations.”  The following board certification areas are available for Virginia Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: Rules 7.1 – 7.5 – Information About Legal Services

As an attorney practicing in Washington, you may communicate the fact that you have achieved and hold legal specialization board certification in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.  NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association to grant such certifications. A lawyer then may state that the lawyer is certified as a specialist in a field of law.  As per the Washington State Bar Association, all statements about an attorney must be truthful. Certification signifies that an objective entity has recognized an advanced degree of knowledge and experience in the specialty area greater than is suggested by general licensure to practice law. NBTA applies standards of experience, knowledge, and proficiency to ensure that a lawyer’s recognition as a specialist is meaningful and reliable. To ensure that consumers can obtain access to useful information about an organization granting certification, the name of the National Board of Trial Advocacy as the certifying organization must be included in any communication regarding the certification.  The following board certification areas are available for Washington Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: Rules of Professional Conduct- 7.2 Advertising

As an attorney practicing in West Virgina, you MAY BE ABLE TO communicate that you hold board certification in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association.  The US Supreme Court ruled in Peel v. Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of Illinois, 110 S.Ct. 2281 (1990), that disallows any state from prohibiting disclosure of NBTA certification. However, each state can establish its own rules for the regulation of disclosure.   West Virgina states a lawyer shall not make a false or misleading communication about the lawyer or the lawyer’s services. A communication is false or misleading if it contains a material misrepresentation of fact or law or omits a fact necessary to make the statement considered not materially misleading. West Virginia does not currently recognize specialization in the practice of law. Therefore, a lawyer shall not state or imply that a lawyer is certified as a specialist in a particular field of law.

The following board certification areas MAY BE AVAILABLE for West Virginia Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

CONTACT NBTA TO RECEIVE THE MOST RECENT INFORMATION PRIOR TO FILLING OUT AN APPLICATION.

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Information about Legal Services”

As an attorney practicing in Wisconsin, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar and are approved by the Wisconsin Courts to grant such certifications. NBTA applies standards of experience, knowledge, and proficiency to ensure that a lawyer’s recognition as a specialist is meaningful and reliable. To ensure that consumers can obtain access to useful information about an organization granting certification, the name of NBTA must be included in any communication regarding the certification. The following board certification areas are available for Wisconsin Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
• Family Trial Law
  • Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Information about Legal Services”

As an attorney practicing in Wyoming, you may communicate the fact that you have been certified as a specialist in a field of law as listed below by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA’s specialty certifications are accredited by the American Bar Association and are approved by the Wyoming Courts to grant such certifications. The NBTA applies standards of experience, knowledge, and proficiency to ensure that a lawyer’s recognition as a specialist is meaningful and reliable. To ensure that consumers can obtain access to useful information about an organization granting certification, the name of NBTA must be included in any communication regarding the certification. The following board certification areas are available for Wyoming Attorneys:

• Civil Practice Advocacy
• Civil Trial Law
• Complex Litigation
• Criminal Trial Law
  • Family Trial Law Or NBTA accepts the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellows Exam in lieu of the NBTA Exam for Family Trial Law
• Patent Litigation
• Social Security Disability Law
• Truck Accident Law

Your State’s Advertising Regulations: See “Information about Legal Services” – Page 104