Home> Specialty Certifications> ABPLA - American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys >Medical Malpractice Board Certification by the ABPLA
ABPLA
Logo of the ABPLA
Contribute to the information on this page: Suggest Edits
Back to profile

Medical Malpractice Board Certification by the ABPLA

The Medical Malpractice Board Certification by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys (ABPLA) is a prestigious credential awarded to attorneys who demonstrate advanced expertise and significant experience in handling medical malpractice cases. To earn certification, attorneys must meet rigorous standards, including substantial trial involvement, and pass a comprehensive examination. This certification helps the public identify highly qualified attorneys committed to excellence in representing clients in complex medical malpractice claims.

Search for Medical Malpractice Board Certification by the ABPLA Board Certified Lawyers

About Us

To earn board certification in Medical Malpractice Law from the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys (ABPLA), an attorney must demonstrate significant, hands-on experience in representing clients in medical malpractice cases. This includes active involvement in at least 30 contested matters or proceedings where substantive testimony was presented, such as trials, evidentiary hearings, depositions, or arbitration sessions. The attorney must also have served as lead counsel in a specified number of cases that proceeded to final resolution, including those involving complex medical negligence claims.

Additionally, the applicant must have participated in key stages of medical malpractice litigation, such as conducting direct and cross-examinations, presenting oral arguments, and addressing intricate legal and medical issues. These rigorous requirements ensure that certified attorneys possess advanced skills in trial advocacy, case preparation, and client representation, establishing them as leaders in medical malpractice law.

Details

People

ABPLA Medical Malpractice Lawyer Specialists Active on Lawyer Legion

Christian Dietrich Searcy
Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, PA
West Palm Beach, FL
View Profile
James William Gustafson Jr
Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P.A.
West Palm Beach, FL
View Profile
Jim Mac Perdue Jr
Perdue & Kidd, LLP
Houston, TX
View Profile
Grace Ann Weatherly
Wood, Thacker & Weatherly, P.C.
Denton, TX
View Profile
Nancy La Vista
Clark, Fountain, La Vista, Prather & Littky-Rubin,
West Palm Beach, FL
View Profile
C. Calvin Warriner III
Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P.A.
West Palm Beach, FL
View Profile

More About Medical Malpractice Board Certification by the ABPLA

Requirements for ABPLA Certification in Medical Malpractice Law

Attorneys seeking board certification in Medical Malpractice Law from the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys (ABPLA) must meet stringent criteria to ensure they possess advanced expertise and experience in handling complex medical malpractice cases. Below are the key requirements:


1. Active Practice Requirement

  • The applicant must have been actively practicing law for at least five years.
  • During the three years immediately preceding the application, the attorney must have devoted a significant portion of their practice to medical malpractice litigation, representing either plaintiffs or defendants.

2. Trial Experience Requirement

  • The attorney must have participated as lead counsel in a minimum number of medical malpractice trials that proceeded to verdict.
  • Additionally, the applicant must demonstrate experience in key litigation stages, including:
    • Direct and cross-examinations of expert and lay witnesses.
    • Oral arguments during hearings and motions.
    • Jury selection (voir dire), opening statements, and closing arguments.
  • The attorney must also show involvement in pre-trial discovery, including depositions and medical record analysis.

3. Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirement

  • The applicant must have completed 36 hours of CLE in professional liability law, with a focus on medical malpractice, during the three years immediately preceding the application.
  • CLE courses should cover advanced topics in medical malpractice litigation, including case law updates, procedural rules, and ethical responsibilities.

4. Peer Review and References

  • The applicant must submit five references from attorneys or judges familiar with their medical malpractice practice.
  • At least one reference must be from a judge who has observed the attorney in court.

5. Written Examination

  • The applicant must pass a comprehensive written examination administered by the ABPLA.
  • The exam covers critical areas of medical malpractice law, including:
    • Standards of care in medical practice.
    • Procedural and evidentiary rules.
    • Medical terminology and anatomy relevant to malpractice cases.
    • Ethical considerations in representing clients in medical negligence claims.

6. Professional Standing

  • The attorney must be a member in good standing of all bar associations where they are licensed to practice law.
  • The applicant must not have any disciplinary actions or ethical violations that would reflect negatively on their qualifications for certification.

7. Ethical Standards

  • The applicant must agree to adhere to the ABPLA Code of Professional Responsibility, maintaining high ethical standards in their medical malpractice practice.

8. Certification Validity and Recertification

  • Certification is valid for five years.
  • To maintain certification, the attorney must apply for recertification, which involves demonstrating continued compliance with practice and CLE requirements, as well as maintaining good standing with the bar.

By meeting these rigorous requirements, attorneys certified by the ABPLA in Medical Malpractice Law demonstrate their advanced skills, knowledge, and commitment to excellence in representing clients in complex medical negligence cases.


Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Obligations

Attorneys seeking and maintaining board certification in Medical Malpractice Law by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys (ABPLA) must fulfill specific Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements to ensure they stay current on developments in medical malpractice law and uphold high professional standards.


Initial CLE Requirements for Certification

  • Applicants must complete at least 36 hours of CLE in professional liability law, specifically focusing on medical malpractice, during the three years immediately preceding the application.
  • CLE courses must cover key areas, including:
    • Medical negligence and standards of care.
    • Procedural rules and evidentiary requirements in medical malpractice cases.
    • Pre-trial and trial strategies, including handling expert witnesses.
    • Ethical responsibilities in representing clients in medical malpractice claims.

Ongoing CLE Requirements for Recertification

  • To maintain certification, attorneys must complete an additional 36 hours of CLE in medical malpractice law during each five-year certification period.
  • These CLE credits should focus on advanced topics in medical malpractice litigation, updates to case law, and emerging trends in healthcare liability.

Documentation and Verification

  • Attorneys must submit documentation of CLE completion, including certificates of attendance and course descriptions, when applying for both initial certification and recertification.
  • The ABPLA may audit CLE records to verify compliance with these educational obligations.

By meeting these CLE obligations, board-certified attorneys demonstrate their ongoing commitment to professional development and their ability to provide clients with expert legal representation in medical malpractice cases.


Other Specialty Areas by the ABPLA

Other Medical Malpractice Specialty Certifications by Other Organizations

Directory of ABPLA Board-Certified Medical Malpractice Specialists in the United States

Lawyer Legion offers a comprehensive national directory of lawyers board-certified in Medical Malpractice Law by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys (ABPLA), along with a broader directory of both certified and non-certified attorneys. This directory serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking qualified legal representation in medical malpractice cases, helping them find experienced professionals with demonstrated expertise and commitment to the field.

Lawyer Legion is the only commercial lawyer directory that fully recognizes all ABA-accredited and ABPLA-certified specialization programs. It provides a dynamic platform showcasing virtually every lawyer who has earned these certifications, including specialists in Medical Malpractice Law certified by the ABPLA.

Use this directory to find board-certified specialists in medical malpractice law across the United States. Begin your search by selecting your state from the list below.


Suggest an Edit

Thanks, your suggestion has been sent to our support team
loading...
Saving...