The rules that govern the certified legal specialization program are contained in Rules of the State Bar, Title 3, Division 2, Chapter 2. You can see the entire chapter on the State Bar website.
These rules apply to all applicants, certified specialists, and recertifying specialists.
Each of the 11 legal specialties also has its own set of standards under the rules. specialty. Current certified specialists can also read the standards in the recertification application. Candidates can find the rules in the post-exam application. They lay out the requirements and show what you will file after you successfully complete the examination.
These standards must be read in conjunction with the rules. If there is a conflict between the rules and the article, the rules control. Read through the rules and standards.
If you wish to apply for certification through one of our national certifying partners, please contact that partner directly. You can learn more about the partners and their areas of certification on the Legal Specialty Areas webpage.
(adopted by the Board of Legal Specialization 11/15/02)
The Legal Specialization Program's seal is a symbol of distinction. Use of the seal is intended to present a consistent, identifiable image for specialization apart from the regular bar licensure. The seal is intended to be recognizable by the profession and the general public as an indication of a continuing effort toward excellence in the field of law.
The following guidelines outline the approved use of the seal to maintain its integrity and to ensure consistency when using the seals on marketing and advertising materials. These guidelines are not intended to create the sudden obsolescence of every piece of material currently used by certified specialists in advertising their certification. However, we encourage the immediate use of the new digital seals and brochures to maintain consistency of use. As older material runs out and the use of the new materials are adopted, it is expected that these guidelines will be followed.
The purpose of these guidelines is to further the State Bar's goals of making the California public aware of the benefits of using certified legal specialists, convincing California attorneys of the benefits of becoming or remaining certified legal specialists, thereby increasing the number of attorneys in the program, and recognizing those attorneys who have put forth the effort to become certified specialists.
Allowing certified attorneys to use the seal according to State Bar guidelines will provide certified attorneys with an additional benefit to their certification and will promote recognition of specialist certification among attorneys and the consumers of legal services.
The use of the seal is restricted to the State Bar of California for promotional and advertising purposes and State Bar certified attorneys only. Each State Bar certified legal specialist is responsible for how the seal is used in association with his or her name consistent with Rule of Professional Conduct 7.4(a) and Rule 3.126 of the Rules Governing the State Bar of California Program for Certifying Legal Specialists.
When using the seal, it must be clear to a reasonable person that the certification applies to an individual attorney, and the identify of that attorney must be clearly indicated. The State Bar Legal Specialization seal may not be displayed in any manner that would lead a reasonable person to believe that a firm or other organization is a certified legal specialist.
Subject to the Rules of Professional Conduct and these guidelines, the State Bar certified attorney may display the seal in any communication. Appropriate uses would include the use of the seal in letterhead, business cards, pamphlets, brochures, or printed and digital advertisements or publications.
The State Bar does not charge a licensing fee for the use of the seal. However, the State Bar reserves the right to change the terms of these guidelines. The State Bar reserves the right to withdraw the right to use the seal at any time and for any reason.
Certified attorneys are permitted to use the State Bar legal specialist seal only in accordance with the State Bar guidelines and only so long as they remain certified by the State Bar, or an organization accredited by the State Bar to certify legal specialists.
Advertisements placed prior to receipt of the notice withdrawing the right to use the seal need not be withdrawn, but no such advertisement may be renewed after receipt of the notice. The attorney is responsible for any costs associated with ceasing use of the seal.
In order to preserve the accuracy of the seal and the quality of its presentation, only a printed seal or electronic version provided by the State Bar may be used for reproduction purposes. The seal may be enlarged or reduced in size, but any other alternation of the seal is strictly prohibited (except that it may be reproduced in either color or black and white). The State Bar may charge a fee for providing the print seal or electronic version.
Language associated with seal use: A certified specialist may, when offering legal services under the State Bar certified legal specialization program, refer to himself or herself as certified by "the State Bar of California" and/or use the seal.
For questions, please fill out the Licensee Records and Compliance Inquiry Form.
State Bar of California, Legal Specialization Unit 180 Howard St. San Francisco, CA 94105 Phone: 415-538-2120Fax: 415-538-2180