A Board Certified attorney is an attorney who has demonstrated special competence in a particular field in which the Texas Board of Legal Specialization has certified their competence.

The Texas Board of Legal Specialization was created by the Supreme Court of Texas and the Board members are appointed by the President of the State Bar of Texas.  The Board, in turn, administers the program through which an attorney may demonstrate their special competence in a particular area of law practice.

A lawyer who is Board Certified in Criminal Law must have experience in the trial of serious criminal matters and the preparation of such cases for trial.  They must have extensive knowledge of state and federal constitutional law, evidence, procedure, and penal laws involved in the trial of criminal cases.

• A few of the requirements for an attorney to receive Board Certification in Criminal Law are:

• Handling a wide variety of criminal matters to demonstrate experience and involvement

• Attending criminal law continuing legal education seminars regularly to keep their legal training up to date

• Being evaluated by fellow lawyers and judges

• Passing a day-long written examination

Certification is for a period of 5 years.  To remain certified after that time, every 5 years the attorney must apply for recertification and meet the requirements for continued experience, peer review, and continuing legal education.