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Civil Trial Law Certification by the New Jersey Supreme Court

The practice of Civil Trial Law involves representing clients in legal disputes that are resolved through the court system, typically involving issues such as personal injury, contract disputes, and other civil matters. This encompasses all aspects of litigation, from pre-trial proceedings to courtroom advocacy and appeals.

The New Jersey Supreme Court offers board certification in Civil Trial Law to attorneys who have met rigorous criteria, demonstrating their expertise and experience in this specialized field. To achieve this certification, attorneys must have substantial practice experience in civil trial law, pass a comprehensive written examination, and receive favorable peer evaluations. These requirements ensure that certified attorneys meet the high standards set by the New Jersey Supreme Court, showcasing their proficiency and commitment to excellence in civil trial practice.

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About Civil Trial Certification in New Jersey

When searching for a civil trial law attorney in New Jersey, it is important to consider whether the attorney is board certified in this specialty by the New Jersey Supreme Court.

The New Jersey Supreme Court's Board on Attorney Certification is responsible for certifying attorneys as specialists in various practice areas. This certification process is regulated under specific rules and guidelines established by the Court to ensure that only qualified attorneys achieve this distinction.

The Civil Trial Law Board Certification offered by the New Jersey Supreme Court recognizes attorneys who possess advanced expertise in handling civil litigation cases, including personal injury, contract disputes, and other civil matters. This certification ensures that certified lawyers have demonstrated substantial experience and knowledge, adhering to the high standards set by the Court.

There are several benefits to obtaining board certification in civil trial law. Certification signals high expertise in this area of 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.

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Certified Civil Trial Attorneys on Lawyer Legion

Dennis M Donnelly
The Donnelly Law Firm
Summit, NJ
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Scott A Parsons
O'Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble
Westfield, NJ
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Gregory B Noble
O'Connor Parsons Lane & Noble, LLC
Westfield, NJ
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William R Lane
O'Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble, LLC
Springfield, NJ
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Lawrence M Berkeley
Braff, Harris & Sukoneck
Livingston, NJ
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Paul A O'Connor III
O'Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble, LLC
Westfield, NJ
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Directory of Board Certified Civil Trial Attorneys in New Jersey

Lawyer Legion maintains a directory of board certified civil trial law specialists in New Jersey. 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 civil trial law by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

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 civil trial law by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

Use this directory to connect with lawyers who are board certified specialists in civil trial law by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Start by choosing your county from the list below.


Civil Trial Law Lawyers by County

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Overview of Civil Trial Law Board Certification in New Jersey

Requirements for Board Certification in Civil Trial Law

Board certification in Civil Trial Law in New Jersey is a mark of distinction that signifies an attorney's expertise, competence, and ethical standing in the practice of civil litigation. To achieve this certification, an attorney must meet the following detailed standards and requirements:

1. Eligibility Requirements

  • Bar Admission: The applicant must have been admitted to the New Jersey Bar for at least five years. The attorney must also be in good standing in all jurisdictions where they are licensed.
  • Ongoing Obligation: Applicants must maintain good standing throughout the certification process and disclose any disciplinary actions, malpractice claims, or ethical violations that arise during the application period.

2. Substantial Involvement in Civil Litigation

  • Professional Experience: The attorney must have devoted a substantial portion of their professional time to civil litigation. This involves handling a significant number of litigated matters in New Jersey courts, particularly the Superior Court, over the three years immediately preceding the application.
  • Trial Experience: The attorney must have had primary responsibility for at least ten contested civil actions in New Jersey, with a minimum of six of these cases being tried to conclusion in Superior Court or U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. These trials must include at least twenty trial days, demonstrating the attorney's capability in managing various trial aspects such as presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and making legal arguments.

3. Peer and Judicial References

  • References: The applicant must submit the names of at least eight members of the bench or bar who can attest to their competence in civil trial law. This includes three judges who have observed the attorney in trial and five attorneys who have been opposing counsel or co-counsel in civil cases.
  • Confidential Evaluation: These references are kept confidential, and their feedback plays a crucial role in assessing the applicant's professional reputation, ethics, and trial skills.

4. Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

  • CLE Requirements: The applicant must complete at least thirty-six hours of continuing legal education (CLE) in civil trial law within the three years preceding the application. This education must cover significant topics such as trial advocacy, ethics, evidence, and procedural rules to ensure the attorney remains current with legal developments and maintains high standards in civil litigation.

5. Written Examination

  • Examination: The attorney must pass a comprehensive written examination that tests their knowledge of civil trial law, procedural rules, evidence, and ethical considerations. The exam is designed to evaluate the attorney's ability to apply legal principles in real-world trial scenarios and to handle the complexities of civil litigation.

6. Ethical Standards

  • Ethical Conduct: The attorney must maintain the highest ethical standards. The Board on Attorney Certification will review the attorney's disciplinary history, and any significant ethical violations may disqualify the applicant from receiving certification.

7. Application Process

  • Application Submission: The application must include detailed information about the attorney's trial experience, peer references, CLE credits, and ethical disclosures. The application is reviewed by the Certification Committee, which determines the applicant's eligibility to take the certification examination.
  • Fees: The attorney must pay a non-refundable application fee, along with a fee for the written examination, as determined by the Board.

8. Certification Duration and Recertification

  • Certification Period: Once certified, the attorney's certification is valid for five years. To maintain certification, the attorney must apply for recertification during the final year of the certification period, demonstrating continued substantial involvement in civil litigation and meeting ongoing CLE requirements.

These requirements are designed to ensure that only those attorneys who demonstrate exceptional skill, knowledge, and ethical conduct in civil litigation are recognized as certified Civil Trial Law Specialists in New Jersey.


Application Process for Board Certification in Civil Trial Law

The application process for becoming a certified Civil Trial Law specialist in New Jersey involves several detailed steps to ensure that only qualified attorneys achieve this prestigious designation. Below is an outline of the key steps and requirements:

1. Review of Requirements

  • Before starting the application, it is crucial to thoroughly review the eligibility requirements. This includes having substantial involvement in civil litigation, meeting the necessary trial experience, and maintaining good ethical standing.

2. Application Form

  • Download and Complete the Application: The application form for Civil Trial Law Certification can be downloaded from the New Jersey Courts website. The form requires detailed information about your trial experience, including a list of at least ten contested civil actions where you had primary responsibility, and six cases must have been tried to conclusion.
  • Provide References: You must include references from at least six individuals—three judges and three attorneys who have observed your trial work. These references are critical as they will provide the Certification Board with insight into your competence, ethics, and professionalism.
  • Continuing Legal Education (CLE): Attach documentation proving that you have completed at least 36 hours of CLE in civil trial law within the three years preceding your application.

3. Submission Deadlines

  • The completed application, along with all supporting documentation, must be submitted by the specified deadline (e.g., March 28, 2024, for the current cycle). Late applications will not be considered.

4. Examination Requirement

  • Written Examination: After submitting the application, eligible applicants must pass a written examination that tests their knowledge of civil trial law, including procedural rules, evidence, and ethics.

5. Review by the Certification Board

  • Evaluation Process: The Board on Attorney Certification will review your application and examination results. The board may request additional information or clarification during this process.
  • Notification: After the review, you will be notified of the Board's decision. If approved, you will receive certification as a Civil Trial Law Specialist, which is valid for five years.

6. Fees

  • Application and Examination Fees: The application process involves a non-refundable fee, which must be paid upon submission. The fee covers the cost of processing the application and administering the examination.

By following these steps and meeting all the requirements, attorneys can achieve board certification in Civil Trial Law, signifying their expertise and professionalism in this specialized field of law in New Jersey.


Annual Duties, Recertification, and Decertification

Maintaining board certification in Civil Trial Law in New Jersey is not just a one-time achievement; it requires ongoing commitment and adherence to specific standards set by the New Jersey Supreme Court's Board on Attorney Certification.

Annual Duties

Certified Civil Trial Law specialists in New Jersey have ongoing responsibilities to maintain their certification. These duties include:

  1. Continuing Legal Education (CLE):

    • Certified attorneys must complete a minimum of 36 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) in civil trial law within each three-year period. These CLE credits must cover significant topics such as trial practice, ethics, and evidence to ensure the attorney remains current in the field. Documentation of these completed credits must be maintained and submitted as required.
  2. Ethical Conduct:

    • Certified attorneys are expected to maintain the highest ethical standards. Any disciplinary actions, grievances, or significant legal issues must be disclosed to the Board on Attorney Certification immediately. Ongoing compliance with ethical standards is mandatory to retain certification.

Recertification Process

Certification in Civil Trial Law is valid for five years. To maintain their certified status, attorneys must apply for recertification before the expiration of their current certification. The recertification process includes:

  1. Application Submission:

    • Attorneys must submit a recertification application, similar to the original certification process, but focusing on the experience and educational achievements during the certification period. This includes providing updated information on trial experience and confirming continued substantial involvement in civil litigation.
  2. Continuing Education Verification:

    • Attorneys must verify the completion of the required 36 CLE hours in civil trial law. The CLE credits must have been earned within the certification period, and proper documentation must be submitted with the recertification application.
  3. Peer and Judicial References:

    • Updated references from peers, including judges and opposing counsel who have observed the attorney’s trial work during the certification period, may be required to support the recertification application.
  4. Board Review:

    • The Board on Attorney Certification will review the recertification application, CLE documentation, and references. If the Board finds that the attorney has met all the necessary requirements and maintained their qualifications, the certification will be renewed for another five years.

Decertification

Failure to comply with the annual duties or the recertification process can result in decertification. Key points regarding decertification include:

  1. Non-Compliance with CLE Requirements:

    • If an attorney fails to complete the required CLE hours or fails to submit the necessary documentation, they risk losing their certification.
  2. Ethical Violations:

    • Any significant ethical violations, disciplinary actions, or failure to disclose such issues can lead to decertification. The Board on Attorney Certification takes ethical conduct seriously, and any breach can result in the immediate revocation of certification.
  3. Failure to Apply for Recertification:

    • If an attorney does not apply for recertification before their current certification expires, they will be automatically decertified. To regain certification, the attorney would need to reapply as a new applicant, meeting all initial certification requirements again.

By adhering to these requirements and maintaining the high standards expected of certified specialists, attorneys can ensure their continued recognition as experts in civil trial law in New Jersey.


Other Specialty Areas by the Supreme Court of New Jersey

Other Civil Trial Law Specialty Certifications in the United States

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