The practice of Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Law involves representing clients in cases where they seek compensation for injuries or deaths resulting from another party's negligence or misconduct. This includes handling a range of claims, from car accidents to medical malpractice. The State Bar of Arizona offers board certification in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Law to attorneys who have fulfilled stringent criteria, demonstrating their proficiency and experience in this specialized area.
When the public begins their search for a personal injury attorney in Arizona, it is crucial 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) is responsible for certifying attorneys as specialists in ten distinct practice areas. This certification process is regulated under Rule 44 of the Arizona Rules of the Supreme Court and follows the guidelines established in the Rules and Regulations of the BLS.
The Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Board Certification offered by the State Bar of Arizona recognizes attorneys who possess advanced expertise in handling personal injury and wrongful death cases. This certification ensures that certified lawyers have demonstrated substantial experience and knowledge, adhering to the high standards set by the State Bar of Arizona.
There are several benefits to obtaining a board certification in personal injury & wrongful death. Certification signals high expertise in personal injury and wrongful death law, assuring clients of the attorney's skills and experience. Furthermore, certified specialists stand out in a competitive legal market, enhancing reputation and credibility.
Lawyer Legion maintains a directory of board certified personal injury and wrongful death 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 personal injury and wrongful death 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 personal injury and wrongful death by the State Bar of Arizona.
Use this directory to connect with lawyers who are board certified specialists in personal injury and wrongful death by the State Bar of Arizona. Start by choosing your county from the list below.
To become a certified specialist in personal injury and wrongful death law in Arizona, lawyers must meet several detailed requirements set by the Board of Legal Specialization (BLS).
Applicants must be active members of the Arizona State Bar in good standing. The application process involves completing specific forms and providing additional required information. A significant part of the process is receiving a recommendation from at least five members of the ten-member Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Advisory Commission. Certifications are valid for five years, with renewals required every five years. There are provisions for the revocation or suspension of certifications based on various reasons, including non-compliance with the BLS's standards. Fees are also involved in the application and testing process.
Applicants need a minimum of five years of law practice, with at least two years in Arizona. They must demonstrate substantial involvement in personal injury and wrongful death cases, dedicating at least 1,000 hours annually to these cases, equating to about 50% of a full-time practice.
Applicants must show high levels of competence, integrity, and professionalism. This includes extensive knowledge of substantive law, procedures, evidence, and ethics related to personal injury and wrongful death. Additionally, they must pass a written examination. Competence also includes demonstrating high skill in the use of alternative dispute resolution methods.
Applicants need to provide references from at least five Arizona attorneys or judges familiar with their work. The Advisory Commission will select additional references to ensure the applicant's substantial involvement in the field.
Certified specialists must complete 12 hours of continuing legal education annually, focusing on personal injury law, with an additional 3 hours dedicated to professional responsibility.
Learn more about the requirements for board certification in personal injury and wrongful death from the State Bar of Arizona's website.
For recertification, lawyers must continue to show substantial involvement in personal injury and wrongful death cases, dedicating at least 1,000 hours annually. They must maintain high standards of competence, integrity, and professionalism, and provide updated references. Continuing education requirements remain the same. Lawyers must also carry legal malpractice insurance, with exceptions for those employed by entities that assume responsibility for their actions.
Achieving Board Certification from the State Bar of Arizona is a prestigious recognition that demonstrates your high level of expertise in a specialized area of law. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process:
Select Your Specialization: Choose from the areas listed on the State Bar's website and download the initial or recertification application.
Submit Your Application: Ensure your application, supporting documents, and the $300 fee (or $375 if after August 1) are submitted by August 1. Late applications will incur a fee, and no applications are accepted after October 1.
Screening and Review:
Peer Review: A minimum of three peer review reference forms must be completed and returned for your application to proceed.
Advisory Commission Evaluation:
Specialization Examination: If you're applying for initial certification, you must pass a specialization exam, held annually in the spring.
Final Approval: The Advisory Commission submits recommendations to the Board of Legal Specialization, which makes the final decision.
Notification: The entire process typically concludes in the spring following your fall application. Additional requirements may delay this timeline.
