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.