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 of the organizations 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 number 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 1/28/13)
| American Board of Certification Dian Gilmore, Executive Director 101 Second Street SE, Ste. 904 Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 (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 (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 (866) 226-2224 FAX: (216) 696-2582 |
Estate Planning |
| Idaho Trial Lawyers Association Kay Shields, Executive Director P.O. Box 1777 Boise, ID 83701 (208) 345-1890 |
Civil and Criminal Trial Attorney Workers’ Compensation |
| National Asscociation of Counsel for Children Daniel Trujillo, Certification Director 13123 W. 16th Avenue Aurora, CO 80045 (303) 864-5359 FAX: (303) 864-5351 |
Child Welfare Law |
| National Board of Legal Specialty Certification M. A. Sternbach, Membership Director P.O. Box 2009 Wrentham, MA 02093 (508) 384-6565 FAX: (508) 384-8223 |
Civil Trial Advocacy |
| National Elder Law Foundation Deborah J. Barnett, Executive Director 1604 N. Country Club Road Tucson, AZ 85716 (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. Review the Rules for Accreditation of Specialty Certification Programs for Lawyers and file an Application for Accreditation along with the $200 application fee for each specialty area. Contact the Licensing Department at (208) 334-4500 if you have any questions about the application process.