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What is a California Certified Family Law Specialist?

Legal specialties in California are regulated by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization.  Only those who have fulfilled the rigorous requirements of specialization through the State Bar of California can identify themselves as “certified” specialists, or append the designation C.F.L.S. after their names.

 

A Certified Specialist in Family Law must fulfill substantial additional educational requirements, demonstrate proficiency in the courtroom in all the areas of practice relating to family law, pass a second specialized bar exam, and pass peer review by judges and other attorneys in their field.  The process for specialization takes a minimum of 5 years -- longer than it takes to become a lawyer in the first place. Thereafter, to maintain the certification, the specialist must regularly go through a re-certification process.

 

The requirements for certification include the following:

Education: Minimum 45 hours of additional course work.

Examination: Take and pass the Family Law Specialist Bar Exam.

Verifiable practice in the field to include a combination of the following:

lead counsel in contested hearings demonstrating proficiency in all facets of family law [12 areas], principal counsel in family law trials including long cause evidentiary hearings, numerous family law negotiated settlements, stipulated temporary orders, and as appellate counsel.

Independent Inquiry and Review: The candidate must submit to an independent review and be recommended by judges and other attorneys.

 

To maintain the certification, the specialist must regularly go through a re-certification process.

Why Should I Hire a Certified Family Law Specialist?

This rigorous process provides potential clients the assurance that a certified specialist is truly an expert in family law, and will be prepared to handle any and all issues in their matters.

 

A general practitioner who is not familiar with the practices and procedures particular to family law may not be able to move the case along as quickly, or may not know or recognize the opportunities available to resolve the matter in your favor, and may not be adept at controlling the delays and manipulations of opposing counsel.

 

By selecting a legal specialist as your attorney, you will have the assistance of an attorney proven to be knowledgeable and experienced and who has demonstrated his/her commitment to be the top in the field.

 

There are currently only 157 (as of July 2014) Certified Family Law Specialist in all of Orange County.