Q. What is a "Certified Criminal Trial Attorney?"
A. "Certified Criminal Trial Attorney" is a designation granted by the New Jersey Supreme Court to attorneys who are able to demonstrate sufficient levels of experience, education, knowledge and skill in criminal law. The Supreme Court, through its Board on Attorney Certification, designates only those lawyers who apply for certification and who are able to meet the standards set by the Board and approved by the Court.
Q. What does it mean when an attorney is certified?
A. A New Jersey attorney who is certified by the Supreme Court as a Criminal Trial Attorney must have:
- been a member in good standing of the New Jersey bar for over 5 years.
- fulfilled, in the 3 years prior to filing an application, continuing legal education courses.
- shown a substantial involvement in preparation of litigated matters and demonstrate primary responsibility for a specific number of completed trials in New Jersey Superior Court.
- demonstrate an unblemished reputation by submitting a list of attorneys and judges who will attest to the applicant's character and ability
- taken and passed a written examination in criminal trial law.
Q. Why does New Jersey have a program for Certification in trial law?
A. The certification program helps consumers find attorneys who have demonstrated proficiency in specialized fields of the law. Certification also helps lawyers by giving them a way to make their experience known to the public and to other lawyers.
Q. What areas of the law does the New Jersey Supreme Court certify attorneys?
A. Civil Trial Law, Criminal Trial Law, Matrimonial Law, and Workers' Compensation Law.
Q. How many attorneys are certified in New Jersey?
A. As of August 1999, out of approximately 68,700 lawyers in New Jersey, 1,450 were Board certified.
Q. How does the consumer know if an attorney is Board certified?
A. Although many practicing trial attorneys now advertise in newspapers, on television and in the Yellow Pages, only attorneys certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court are entitled to use the designation "Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Criminal Trial Attorney on their letterhead, business cards, Yellow Pages listings or in their advertisements.
Q. What if I have more questions or need to find out more about Certification?
A. Anyone in need of more information regarding the certification program should address his/her questions to:
Board on Attorney
Certification
P.O. Box 970
Trenton, NJ 08625-0970
(609) 984-3077
