The practice of Workers' Compensation Law involves representing clients who have suffered work-related injuries or illnesses, seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. This specialty encompasses a variety of claims, from construction accidents to repetitive strain injuries.
The State Bar of Arizona offers board certification in Workers' Compensation Law to attorneys who have fulfilled stringent criteria, demonstrating their proficiency and experience in this specialized area. To achieve this certification, attorneys must have significant practice experience in workers' compensation law, pass a comprehensive written examination, and receive favorable peer evaluations, ensuring they meet the high standards set by the State Bar of Arizona.
When the public begins their search for an employment 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 Workers' Compensation Law Board Certification offered by the State Bar of Arizona recognizes attorneys who possess advanced expertise in handling workers' compensation cases. To become certified, attorneys must have been admitted to practice law for at least five years, with significant experience in workers' compensation law over the last two years. They must also pass a comprehensive written examination and receive favorable evaluations from peers and judges.
There are several benefits to obtaining a board certification in workers' compensation law. Certification signals high expertise in this area, assuring clients of the attorney's skills and experience. Furthermore, certified specialists stand out in a competitive legal market, enhancing their reputation and credibility. Being a certified specialist means the attorney has demonstrated substantial knowledge, skill, and proficiency in workers' compensation law, ensuring they provide the best representation for their clients.
Lawyer Legion maintains a directory of board certified workers’ compensation 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 workers’ compensation 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 workers’ compensation law by the State Bar of Arizona.
Use this directory to connect with lawyers who are board certified specialists in workers’ compensation law by the State Bar of Arizona. Start by choosing your county from the list below.
The Arizona Board of Legal Specialization (BLS), under the authority granted by the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Arizona, has established detailed standards and requirements for the certification of lawyers specializing in workers’ compensation law. These standards ensure that certified lawyers possess a high level of competence, integrity, and professionalism in this specialized field. Certification is voluntary and not required for practicing workers' compensation law, but it serves as a mark of excellence and specialized expertise.
Active Membership: Applicants must be active members in good standing of the State Bar of Arizona. This requirement ensures that the applicant adheres to the ethical and professional standards set forth by the State Bar.
Application Process: The application process involves completing a detailed application form prescribed by the BLS. Applicants must provide supplemental information as required by the BLS or the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Commission and comply with all relevant Rules and Regulations. The application ensures that all necessary background and professional details are thoroughly reviewed.
Recommendation by the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Commission: An applicant must receive a recommendation from the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Commission. This recommendation is made when at least five members of the Commission determine that the applicant meets the applicable standards. This step ensures a rigorous assessment of the applicant’s qualifications.
Duration and Renewal of Certification: The certification is valid for five years. To maintain certification, lawyers must apply for renewal before the expiration date. If the renewal application is timely, the certification remains effective until the BLS decides on the renewal. This process ensures ongoing compliance with high standards.
Revocation or Suspension of Certification: The BLS can revoke or suspend certification or deny re-certification for various reasons as outlined in the Rules and Regulations of the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization. This includes advice from the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Commission that the lawyer no longer meets the criteria for substantial involvement in workers’ compensation law.
Fees: Applicants must pay application and testing fees as prescribed by the BLS. These fees cover the administrative costs associated with the certification process.
Required Period of Practice: Applicants must have at least five years of legal practice, with a minimum of two years immediately preceding the application within Arizona. During these five years, the applicant must have engaged in legal services in workers’ compensation law for at least 40% of a full-time practice (approximately 16 hours per week). This requirement ensures significant and recent experience in the field.
Substantial Involvement in Workers’ Compensation Law: Applicants must demonstrate substantial involvement in workers’ compensation law. This involves dedicating at least 40% of a full-time practice to cases where the primary issue is a person's entitlement to benefits under the Arizona Workers’ Compensation Act. Substantial involvement is demonstrated by:
Applicants must furnish information regarding the nature of their legal services, the types of workers’ compensation issues they have handled, and the frequency of their involvement. This information is initially provided through the specialization application but may require additional written or oral supplementation.
Competence and Integrity: Applicants must demonstrate a high degree of competence, integrity, and professionalism in workers’ compensation law. This includes:
Applicants must also maintain an unblemished disciplinary record, with any disciplinary sanctions within the five years preceding the application potentially impacting eligibility.
References: Applicants must submit the names of at least five references, including Arizona attorneys or administrative law judges familiar with their practice. These references should not include current partners or associates. The Workers’ Compensation Advisory Commission will select additional references from cases provided by the applicant. References will provide written comments on the applicant’s knowledge, skill, thoroughness, preparation, effectiveness, judgment, ethics, and professionalism. Applicant names will be published for public comment at least 30 days before the Advisory Commission reviews the application.
Continuing Legal Education (CLE): Certified workers’ compensation law specialists must complete 12 hours of advanced-level CLE in workers’ compensation law annually, including three hours in professional responsibility. This requirement ensures that certified lawyers stay current with developments in the field and maintain their expertise.
For re-certification, applicants must continue to meet the criteria for certification, including substantial involvement in workers’ compensation law. They must demonstrate continued engagement in legal services equivalent to at least 40% of a full-time practice, with a minimum of 16 hours per week. This involvement should be documented in the re-certification application, detailing the nature and frequency of workers’ compensation issues handled. Provided there has been no break in certification, no formal written examination is required for re-certification.
To become a certified specialist in Workers' Compensation Law through the State Bar of Arizona, follow these detailed steps:
Verify Eligibility:
Prepare Your Application:
Submit Application and Fees:
Review Process:
Examination:
Final Approval:
