Becoming a Certified Specialist

Step 1: Register and prepare for the Legal Specialist Examination.

Step 2: Gain experience, complete education and secure references, either before or after the examination.

How to Prepare for the Examination

  • Visit the exam information page to get information regarding eligibility requirements, registration details, and updates regarding the Legal Specialist Examination.
  • Review a free examination preparation packet and available private preparation courses. The prep packet includes sample essay questions and key facts about the examination. No multiple-choice questions are released for practice.
  • If permitted for your specialty area, decide whether you will bring an optional code book. If so, please ensure you’re your code book adheres to the requirements outlined in the code book bulletin.

Examination Results

Examination results are valid up to three years after the examination.
The 2019 Legal Specialist Examination results will be sent via e-mail on March 15, 2020 to the preferred email address identified on your Admissions and Information Management System (AIMS) account.

If you passed the 2017 examination, you have until April 27, 2019 to submit your post-examination application or request an extension for good cause on AIMS. Extensions cannot be granted beyond January 2021. The most common reason an extension is requested is because a person has not yet completed the full five years in practice required for a review of the application.

Requirements for Certification

After passing the exam, you can submit a post-examination application for certification on AIMS. Your certification application will need the following information for the California Board of Legal Specialization (CBLS) to review:

  • Demonstrate a high level of experience in the specialty area by meeting specific task and experience requirements. See the requirements in the Legal Specialization Rules and Standards.
  • Complete at least 45 hours of continuing education in the specialty area or a closely related field.
  • Receive favorable evaluations from other attorneys and judges.

You may begin tracking these requirements on AIMS before taking the examination. Note that you will not be able to submit your application until after successfully passing the Legal Specialist Examination. 

 

Review Process

The review process generally takes about six months from the time you file your post-examination application.

  1. Your submitted application will be administratively reviewed for completeness.
  2. Electronic questionnaires will then be sent to your references.Once they are returned your application will be ready for review.
  3. After review and confirmation that your application is complete, it will be recommended to the CBLS.
  4. The CBLS will make the final certification decision regarding your application.  

 

Fees

Initial Certification fee: $300
Annual fee: $360
Recertification fee: $350 (every five years)