California Board of Legal Specialization

Appointment Opportunities

This committee is now accepting applications through March 31, 2026.
Visit the online portal to apply.

For a complete list of State Bar committees, please see the committees webpage.

Roster | Upcoming Meetings

Purpose

This board administers the State Bar of California Program for Certifying Legal Specialists. This program was created by the California Supreme Court to promote attorney competence and provide consumers with an independent means to verify an attorney’s qualifications.

The California Board of Legal Specialization (CBLS) recommends program rules and provides policies and guidelines for certification of specialists; develops testing and legal education criteria for specialists; and advises the Board of Trustees on establishment of specialty fields.

Composition

The CBLS consists of seven members, made up of attorneys from a wide range of practice areas, and up to two nonattorney public members. Terms are for four years.

Staff contact

Janelle Delacruz, 415-538-2344, Janelle.Delacruz@calbar.ca.gov 
Chair: George P. Surmaitis

Additional information

Subscribe

You may subscribe to the California Board of Legal Specialization email list to receive meeting notifications.