California attorneys who are certified as specialists have taken and passed a written examination in their specialty field, demonstrated a high level of experience in the specialty field, fulfilled ongoing education requirements and been favorably evaluated by other attorneys and judges familiar with their work.

Only these attorneys can identify themselves as certified specialists in California because they are the only attorneys who are certified either by the California Board of Legal Specialization or by an organization whose certification program has been accredited by the State Bar. Such an organization must have requirements for certification that are at least equal to those of the State Bar's program.

If an attorney takes a CLE course while physically outside California, it can be counted toward California MCLE requirements. However, the education activity must be approved by an Approved Jurisdiction.

The commission investigates all statements made in the candidate's Application for Appointment that the candidate submits to the Governor's office. In addition, confidential comment forms are sent to the following:

a. 50 to 75 names of persons provided by the candidate, who are reasonably likely to have knowledge of the candidate's qualifications (personal list);

b. a broad cross-section of the names of attorneys in the counties and the areas of law in which the candidate practices;

c. all judicial officers in each county where a candidate practices and seeks appointment, except for the County of Los Angeles;

d. at least 50 percent of all judicial officers if the candidate practices in the County of Los Angeles, and all judicial officers in any other county where the candidate seeks appointment;

e. all names listed in the candidate's Application for Appointment;

f. all justices of any appellate district where a candidate practices and all justices of the California Supreme Court;

g. all or at least 50 randomly selected prosecutors and criminal defenders, whichever number is less, in any county where a candidate practices criminal law and any other county where the candidate seeks appointment.

h. 75 names selected at random from the commission's mailing list.

The objective is to obtain a return of at least 50 Confidential Comment Forms that provide information that is sufficient and credible for a fair evaluation.

Not necessarily. The standard law corporation guarantee ensures payment by the corporation of all claims established against it by its clients for errors or omissions arising out of the practice of law by the corporation of a certain dollar amount which is proportionate to the number of persons practicing law on behalf of the corporation. It is not required that the law corporation send us proof of malpractice insurance.

Members were chosen at random so you did not do anything to influence your being selected for the audit. All recipients selected for the audit are required to respond as directed in the Audit Notice in order to be found in compliance.

You may only submit unaltered certificates from the official approved provider bearing your name and bar number.  

Yes, see Forms.

The following activities always count for participatory credit:

• "Live" education verified by a provider
• A law school class (whether taught or attended)
• Speaking or teaching at an approved MCLE education activity

The commission has to report to the Governor within 90 days from the date of submission of the names of the candidates.

Section 1524 of the Penal Code requires that Special Masters be used in conducting searches under search warrants for documentary evidence in the possession of or under the control of certain professionals. Special Masters have been required since 1979. The use of Special Masters is designed to balance the interests of professionals and their clients in protecting confidentiality and of prosecutors in securing evidence of suspected criminal activity.