Consumer Bankruptcy Board Certification by the ABC

Attorneys seeking Consumer Bankruptcy Law Certification from the American Board of Certification (ABC) must meet rigorous standards to demonstrate their expertise, professionalism, and commitment to this area of law. The requirements for certification include:

1. Active Practice Requirement

• The attorney must have actively practiced law for at least five years.
• During the three years immediately preceding the application, the attorney must have devoted at least 30% of their practice to consumer bankruptcy law.

2. Experience Requirement

• The attorney must have significant involvement in consumer bankruptcy cases, including:
  • Representation of debtors or creditors in at least 60 bankruptcy cases filed under Chapters 7, 11, or 13 of the Bankruptcy Code.
  • Active participation in at least 30 contested matters or adversary proceedings related to consumer bankruptcy law.

3. Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

• The applicant must have completed a minimum of 60 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) in bankruptcy law within the three years preceding the application.
• CLE courses must be approved by the ABC or relevant accrediting bodies.

4. Peer Review and References

• The applicant must submit five references from attorneys, judges, or professionals familiar with their consumer bankruptcy practice.
• At least one reference must come from a bankruptcy judge.

5. Written Examination

• The applicant must pass a comprehensive written examination administered by the American Board of Certification.
• The exam tests the applicant’s knowledge of consumer bankruptcy law, including the Bankruptcy Code, related case law, procedural rules, and ethical considerations.

6. Professional Standing

• The attorney must be an active member in good standing of the bar in all jurisdictions where they are licensed to practice.
• The applicant must have no disciplinary actions against them that would reflect adversely on their competence or integrity.

7. Ethical Standards

• The attorney must agree to abide by the ABC Code of Professional Responsibility and maintain high ethical standards in their practice.

8. Recertification

• Certification is valid for five years, after which the attorney must apply for recertification by demonstrating continued compliance with the certification standards, including maintaining their practice focus and completing CLE requirements.

By meeting these stringent requirements, attorneys earning ABC certification in Consumer Bankruptcy Law demonstrate their advanced knowledge, experience, and dedication to providing high-quality legal representation in consumer bankruptcy cases.

To qualify for and maintain board certification in Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the American Board of Certification (ABC), attorneys must fulfill specific Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements that ensure they remain current on legal developments and best practices in bankruptcy law.

Initial CLE Requirements for Certification

• Applicants must complete at least 60 hours of CLE in bankruptcy law within the three years immediately preceding their application.
• CLE courses must focus on topics relevant to consumer bankruptcy law, such as:
  • Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy proceedings.
  • Procedural rules, ethics, and case law updates.
  • Debtor and creditor rights, asset protection, and bankruptcy litigation.
• CLE credits must be approved by accredited providers, including state bar associations or organizations specializing in bankruptcy law.

Ongoing CLE Requirements for Recertification

• To maintain certification, attorneys must complete at least 60 hours of CLE in bankruptcy law during each five-year certification period.
• CLE courses must continue to focus on advanced topics in consumer bankruptcy law, ensuring that attorneys stay well-informed on new legal issues, regulatory changes, and ethical responsibilities.

Documentation and Verification

• Attorneys must provide documentation of CLE completion, including certificates of attendance and course descriptions, when applying for both initial certification and recertification.
• The ABC may audit CLE records to verify compliance with the educational requirements.

By meeting these CLE obligations, board-certified attorneys demonstrate their commitment to ongoing professional development and their ability to provide clients with knowledgeable and effective legal representation in consumer bankruptcy matters.