The practice of bankruptcy law involves representing clients in cases dealing with financial distress, including bankruptcies, reorganizations, and debt relief. This specialty encompasses handling a wide range of matters, from Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings to complex Chapter 11 cases for businesses. The State Bar of Arizona offers board certification in bankruptcy law to attorneys who have fulfilled stringent criteria, demonstrating their proficiency and experience in this specialized area.
When searching for a bankruptcy attorney in Arizona, it is essential to consider whether the attorney is board certified in this specialty by the State Bar of Arizona.
The State Bar of Arizona Board of Legal Specialization (BLS) certifies attorneys as specialists in ten distinct practice areas, including bankruptcy law. This certification process is governed by Rule 44 of the Arizona Rules of the Supreme Court and adheres to the guidelines established in the Rules and Regulations of the BLS.
The Bankruptcy Law Certification offered by the State Bar of Arizona recognizes attorneys with advanced expertise in handling bankruptcy cases. This certification ensures that certified lawyers have demonstrated substantial experience and knowledge, meeting the high standards set by the State Bar of Arizona.
There are several benefits to obtaining board certification in bankruptcy law. Certification signals a high level of expertise in bankruptcy law, assuring clients of the attorney's skills and experience. Furthermore, certified specialists stand out in a competitive legal market, enhancing their reputation and credibility.
Lawyer Legion maintains a directory of board certified bankruptcy law specialists in Arizona. This directory provides the public with a valuable resource that allows them to narrow their search to local attorneys who have earned board certification in Bankruptcy Law by the State Bar of Arizona.
Lawyer Legion is the only commercial lawyer directory to properly acknowledge all ABA-accredited specialization programs and provide a dynamic directory of virtually every lawyer who has earned each certification, including board certification in Bankruptcy Law by the State Bar of Arizona.
Use this directory to connect with lawyers who are board certified specialists in Bankruptcy Law by the State Bar of Arizona. Start by choosing your county from the list below.
The Arizona Board of Legal Specialization (BLS) prescribes these standards under the authority of the State Bar of Arizona's Board of Governors. Certification as a specialist in bankruptcy law does not limit a lawyer's right to practice in other fields of law. Certification is not mandatory for practicing bankruptcy law.
Commitment to Diversity: The BLS promotes racial, ethnic, and gender diversity and ensures the rights of the disabled in all programs and activities.
A. Active Membership: Applicants must be active members in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona.
B. Application Process: Applicants must complete a prescribed form, provide additional information as required, and comply with BLS rules and regulations.
C. Advisory Commission Recommendation: An applicant must be recommended for certification by at least five of the ten members of the Bankruptcy Law Advisory Commission.
D. Certification Expiration: Certification expires five years after issuance, with a renewal application required to maintain certification.
E. Revocation/Suspension: Certification can be revoked or suspended for reasons specified by the BLS, including lack of substantial involvement in bankruptcy law.
F. Fees: Applicants must pay applicable application and testing fees.
A. Practice Period: Applicants must have been admitted to practice law for at least five years, with at least two years of practice in Arizona immediately preceding the application. They must also have engaged in legal services equivalent to at least 50% of a full-time practice.
B. Substantial Involvement: Applicants must show substantial involvement in bankruptcy law for at least four of the preceding six years. This involves handling specific types of cases or issues in bankruptcy law, such as:
Applicants must demonstrate this involvement through detailed information on their legal services and experience.
C. Competence and Integrity: Applicants must demonstrate a high degree of competence, professionalism, and knowledge in bankruptcy law. This includes:
Applicants must also have a clean disciplinary history, with certain past disciplinary actions potentially disqualifying them from certification.
D. References: Applicants must provide at least five references from Arizona attorneys or judges familiar with their practice. Additional references will be selected by the Bankruptcy Advisory Commission. These references must attest to the applicant's knowledge, skill, ethics, and professionalism.
E. Continuing Legal Education: Certified specialists must complete 12 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) annually, focused on advanced bankruptcy law issues and professional responsibility.
The certification process for bankruptcy law in Arizona involves several steps, ensuring that applicants meet high standards of practice and professionalism.
Before beginning the application, ensure you meet the following eligibility requirements:
Application Form:
Substantial Involvement Documentation:
Professional References:
By following these steps and meeting the rigorous standards set by the BLS, you can achieve certification as a specialist in bankruptcy law, showcasing your expertise and commitment to the legal profession. For more information and to access the application form, visit the Arizona State Bar’s website.