Specialization
Attorneys as Specialists
Only Idaho attorneys who have been certified as specialists pursuant to Section X of the Idaho Bar Commission Rules can advertise or refer to themselves as specialists in an area of law. Questions concerning proper wording of advertisements, press releases, etc. should be referred to the Bar Counsel's Office at (208) 334-4500.
How does an Idaho attorney become certified as a specialist?
Contact one the organizations that have been approved by the Idaho State Bar to learn the organization's requirements for certification as a specialist. Once the attorney has met the organization's requirements, the organization will inform the Idaho State Bar that the attorney has been certified as a specialist.
What if an attorney is not a specialist?
A limited of Idaho attorneys are certified as specialists and there are a limited number of areas of law currently available for specialization. Although most Idaho attorneys have not been certified as specialists, it does not mean that they are not very experienced and well educated in a specific area of law.
Does the Idaho State Bar certify specialists?
No. The Idaho State Bar approves the organizations that certify attorneys as specialists in specific areas of law.
What organizations have been approved to certify specialists and for what areas of law?
(as of 7/11/08)
| American Board of Certification Dian Gilmore, Executive Director 101 Second Street SE, Ste. 904 Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 TEL: (319) 365-2222 FAX: (319) 363-0127 |
Business Bankruptcy Consumer Bankruptcy Creditors’ Rights |
| American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys Harvey F. Wachsman, President 175 East Shore Road Great Neck, NY 11023 TEL: (516) 487-1990 FAX: (516) 487-4304 |
Medical Professional Liability Legal Professional Liability Accounting Professional Liability |
| Estate Law Specialist Board, Inc. Eleanor M. Spuhler, Administrator 1120 Chester Avenue, Ste. 470 Cleveland, OH 44114 TEL: (866) 226-2224 FAX: (216) 696-2582 |
Estate Planning |
| Idaho Trial Lawyers Association Kay Shields, Executive Director P.O. Box 1777 Boise, ID 83701 TEL: (208) 345-1890 |
Civil and Criminal Trial Attorney Workers’ Compensation |
| National Board of Legal Specialty Certification M. A. Sternbach, Membership Director P.O. Box 2009 Wrentham, MA 02093 TEL: (508) 384-6565 FAX: (508) 384-8223 |
Civil Trial Advocacy Criminal Trial Advocacy Family Law Trial Advocacy |
| National Elder Law Foundation Deborah J. Barnett, Executive Director 1604 N. Country Club Road Tucson, AZ 85716 TEL: (520) 881-1076 FAX: (520) 325-7925 |
Elder Law |
How do new certifying organizations and new specialty areas become approved?
Organizations who want to be approved for specialty certification, must apply with the Idaho State Bar. Contact the Membership Department at (208) 334-4500 to order a copy of the application form and rules.