Find a Certified Specialist

When seeking legal representation, choosing an attorney with verified expertise can make a significant difference. The State Bar certifies attorneys who specialize in certain areas of the law, and our online search tool can help you find the specialist most relevant to your needs.

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What is a certified legal specialist?

A certified legal specialist is an attorney who has:

• Passed a rigorous examination in a specific area of law
• Practiced law for at least five years, spending at least 25 percent of their legal work practicing in the specialty area
• Completed additional continuing legal education in the specialty beyond the standard requirements
• Received favorable evaluations from peers and judges familiar with their work
• Demonstrated comprehensive experience by handling a variety of matters in the specialty area

These requirements are established by the State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization to ensure high standards of competence and professionalism.

Why does the State Bar certify legal specialists?

The State Bar certifies legal specialists to:

• Help the public identify attorneys who have demonstrated proficiency in specialized fields of law
• Encourage the maintenance and improvement of attorney competence in specialized fields of law

What are the benefits of hiring a certified legal specialist?

There are many benefits to working with a certified legal specialist, including:

• Verified expertise: Legal specialists’ certification confirms their proficiency in a particular area of law.
• Focused experience: Specialists dedicate a significant portion of their practice to their certified field, providing expertise and deep insight.
• Peer recognition: The certification process includes evaluations from other attorneys or judges, reflecting the specialist’s reputation in the legal community.
• Enhanced trust: The specialist’s certification demonstrates their ability to handle complex legal issues.

How do I find a certified legal specialist?

Although the State Bar cannot make attorney referrals, our Attorney Search tool can help you find certified specialists. Simply follow the steps below:

1. Go to the State Bar’s Attorney Search tool.
2. Click on the Advanced Search link and then scroll to Cert. Legal Specialty to select a legal specialty from the drop-down menu.
3. After selecting a legal specialty, click the Advanced Search button.
4. A list of certified legal specialists in that specialty will appear. You can sort the results by name, status, bar number, city, and admission date.

If you have any questions about the State Bar’s Certified Legal Specialization program, please submit a Licensee Records and Compliance Inquiry form. On the form, select “Member of the public” for the question Tell us who you are, and select “Legal Specialization” for the Topic.

Additional information

If you would like to learn more about a specialty area, explore our digital brochures.