Bankruptcy Law Board Certification in California

The bankruptcy attorney must demonstrate that he or she is substantially involved in the practice of bankruptcy law. The term substantial involvement in the area of bankruptcy law is shown by a demonstration that the bankruptcy attorney has principal responsibility for representation of more than one hundred Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, or Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases, contested matters, or adversary proceedings under the United States Bankruptcy Code.

To earn the board certified specialist distinction, the bankruptcy attorney in California must show that he or she has completed at least 45 hours of approved educational activities focused on bankruptcy law.

The bankruptcy attorney must submit the names and mailing addresses of a bankruptcy trustee, a trustee's attorney, fellow lawyers, opposing counsel and at least one judge of the United States Bankruptcy Court or District Court familiar with the attorney's practice as an advocate in a recent bankruptcy proceedings and contested / adversary proceedings.

Additionally, the Commission is permitted to select additional attorneys or judges who practice in the same geographical area in California for further evaluation of the bankruptcy attorney's proficiency in the practice of bankruptcy law.

Even after obtaining certification, the attorney must continue to show that during each five-year certification period the attorney has continued to have direct and substantial participation in the practice of bankruptcy law, completed continuing legal education requirements for the specialty area, and independent inquiry and review.