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Insurance Coverage Law Board Certification in Ohio

The practice of Insurance Coverage Law involves representing clients in matters related to insurance policies, coverage disputes, and claims handling. This includes handling a range of issues, from interpreting policy language to litigating disputes between policyholders and insurers.

The Ohio State Bar Association offers board certification in Insurance Coverage 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 insurance coverage law, pass a comprehensive written examination, and receive favorable peer evaluations, ensuring they meet the high standards set by the Ohio State Bar Association.

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About Insurance Coverage Law Board Certification in Ohio

When searching for an insurance coverage law attorney in Ohio, it is important to consider whether the attorney is board certified in this specialty by the Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA).

The OSBA's Specialization Committee is responsible for certifying attorneys as specialists in various practice areas. This certification process is regulated under specific rules and guidelines established by the Ohio Supreme Court and the OSBA.

The Insurance Coverage Law Board Certification offered by the OSBA recognizes attorneys who possess advanced expertise in handling cases involving insurance policies, coverage disputes, and related legal matters. This certification ensures that certified lawyers have demonstrated substantial experience and knowledge, adhering to the high standards set by the OSBA.

There are several benefits to obtaining a board certification in insurance coverage 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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Directory of Board Certified Insurance Coverage Law Attorneys in Ohio

Lawyer Legion maintains a directory of board certified insurance coverage law specialists in Ohio. 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 insurance coverage law by the Ohio State Bar Association.

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 insurance coverage law by the Ohio State Bar Association.

Use this directory to connect with lawyers who are board certified specialists in insurance coverage law by the Ohio State Bar Association. Start by choosing your county from the list below.


Lawyers by County

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Overview of Insurance Coverage Law Board Certification in Ohio

Requirements for Board Certification in Insurance Coverage Law

The Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) offers board certification in Insurance Coverage Law to attorneys who demonstrate significant expertise and involvement in this specialized area. The certification process is rigorous and designed to ensure that only highly qualified attorneys earn this distinction. Below are the key requirements for obtaining board certification in Insurance Coverage Law:

1. Substantial Involvement

  • Professional Experience: Applicants must demonstrate substantial involvement in Insurance Coverage Law during the five years immediately preceding the application. Specifically, they must have engaged in a minimum of 520 hours per year (25% of a full-time practice) practicing in this specialty area. This involvement includes handling various types of insurance coverage cases, teaching, or publishing in the field.

2. Peer Review and Recommendations

  • References: Applicants are required to submit the names of seven references who can attest to their competence in Insurance Coverage Law. These references should be familiar with the applicant's work in the specialty and must not be related to or professionally associated with the applicant. At least five completed reference forms must be returned for the application to be considered complete.

3. Written Examination

  • Exam Requirements: Applicants must pass a written examination that tests their knowledge and skills in both substantive and procedural aspects of Insurance Coverage Law. The exam includes topics such as insurance contract formation, policy construction, property insurance, liability insurance, insurance coverage litigation, professional responsibility, and more.
  • Preparation and Grading: The exam is prepared and graded by an independent testing service under the guidance of the OSBA Insurance Law Specialty Board to ensure its reliability and validity.

4. Good Standing and Liability Insurance

  • Good Standing: Applicants must provide proof that they are in good standing with the Ohio Supreme Court, free of any disciplinary actions that would question their fitness to practice law.
  • Liability Insurance: Applicants must maintain professional liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $500,000 per loss. This coverage ensures that they are prepared to handle any potential liabilities arising from their practice.

5. Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

  • CLE Requirements: Applicants must complete 36 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) specifically in Insurance Coverage Law within the three years preceding the application. These courses must be of intermediate or advanced level to ensure ongoing professional development.

These requirements are designed to ensure that certified specialists in Insurance Coverage Law possess the necessary knowledge, experience, and professional standing to offer high-quality legal services in this complex area of law.


Application Process for Board Certification in Insurance Coverage Law

The Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) has established a comprehensive and detailed application process for attorneys seeking board certification in Insurance Coverage Law. This process ensures that applicants meet the high standards necessary for certification and demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the field. Below are the key components of the application process:

1. Completion of the Application Form

  • Detailed Information Required: Applicants must complete a thorough application form, which requires detailed information about their professional background, including their experience and involvement in Insurance Coverage Law. The form includes sections where applicants must document their substantial involvement in the specialty over the five years preceding the application, ensuring that they have dedicated at least 25% of a full-time practice (520 hours per year) to this area of law.
  • Case Listings and Work Product: As part of the application, attorneys may need to provide examples of work product, such as case files, legal briefs, or other documentation that demonstrates their expertise in Insurance Coverage Law. This may include a list of representative cases, illustrating the variety and complexity of issues handled by the applicant.

2. Peer Review and Recommendations

  • Reference Submission: Applicants are required to submit the names of seven references who are familiar with their work in Insurance Coverage Law. These references must not be related to or professionally associated with the applicant (e.g., partners or colleagues) and should be able to speak knowledgeably about the applicant's competence in this specialty.
  • Recommendation Forms: The OSBA sends out recommendation forms to these references. At least five completed forms must be returned to the OSBA for the application to be considered complete. The Specialty Board may also request additional recommendations if needed to adequately assess the applicant's qualifications.

3. Written Examination

  • Exam Content: Applicants must pass a written examination that tests their knowledge and skills in both substantive and procedural law related to Insurance Coverage Law. The exam covers a wide range of topics, including insurance contract formation, policy construction, property and liability insurance, insurance coverage litigation, and professional responsibility.
  • Administration and Grading: The examination is prepared, administered, and graded by an independent testing service under the guidance of the OSBA Insurance Law Specialty Board. This ensures that the exam is both reliable and valid, offering an objective measure of the applicant’s expertise.

4. Good Standing and Liability Insurance

  • Proof of Good Standing: Applicants must provide evidence that they are in good standing with the Ohio Supreme Court. This means they must have no pending disciplinary actions or issues that would question their ability to practice law.
  • Liability Insurance Requirement: Applicants must maintain professional liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $500,000 per loss. This insurance is essential to protect against claims that may arise in the course of their legal practice. Certain exceptions apply for those employed by government entities or other organizations that provide equivalent coverage.

5. Disclosure of Disciplinary Actions

  • Full Disclosure Required: Applicants are required to disclose any past or current disciplinary actions, malpractice claims, or felony convictions. Failure to disclose such information may result in the rejection of the application or decertification if discovered after certification.

6. Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

  • CLE Requirements: Applicants must have completed 36 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) specifically in Insurance Coverage Law within the three years preceding their application. These CLE courses must be of intermediate or advanced level, ensuring that the attorney remains up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.

Submission and Review

Once all components of the application are completed, the materials are submitted to the OSBA. The Insurance Law Specialty Board reviews the application, references, and exam results. If the board determines that the applicant meets all the necessary requirements, they will recommend certification. The certification becomes effective on January 1st following the board's decision.

This rigorous application process ensures that only highly qualified attorneys receive board certification in Insurance Coverage Law, thereby maintaining high standards within the profession.


Ongoing Duties, Recertification, and Decertification

The Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) requires certified specialists in Insurance Coverage Law to adhere to specific annual duties and undergo a structured recertification process to maintain their certification. These requirements ensure that certified attorneys continue to meet the high standards of expertise, professionalism, and ethical practice.

Annual Reporting Duties

  1. Annual Report Submission:

    • Affidavit or Reporting Form: Each year, certified attorneys must submit an affidavit or a designated reporting form to the OSBA. This form confirms that there have been no material changes in the information provided during their initial certification or any subsequent reports. If there have been changes, these must be detailed on the form.
    • Submission Period: The annual report must be submitted between October 1 and December 1 each year. This ensures that certified specialists remain compliant with the ongoing certification requirements and continue to meet the standards set by the OSBA.
  2. Continuing Legal Education (CLE):

    • CLE Requirements: Certified attorneys are required to complete 12 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) specifically in Insurance Coverage Law every two years. These CLE courses must be intermediate to advanced and directly related to Insurance Coverage Law. This ongoing education ensures that attorneys stay current with legal developments and maintain their expertise in the field.
    • Proof of CLE: The annual report must include proof of the completed CLE hours. Attorneys may need to attach transcripts or certificates of attendance for courses that are not listed on the OSBA transcript.
  3. Annual Fee Payment:

    • Fee Submission: Along with the annual report, certified attorneys must pay an annual fee as established by the OSBA's fee schedule. Failure to submit the annual report or pay the required fee by the deadline may result in decertification.

Recertification Process

  1. Certification Period:

    • Duration: The certification period under the OSBA standards is six years. Certified attorneys must apply for recertification in the calendar year preceding the expiration of their certification.
  2. Recertification Application:

    • Application Submission: Attorneys seeking recertification must complete a recertification application form, which includes updated information about their practice and involvement in Insurance Coverage Law. This form must be submitted to the OSBA between October 1 and December 1 of the year preceding the expiration of their certification.
    • Review Process: The OSBA Specialty Board reviews the recertification application to ensure that the attorney continues to meet the certification standards. If the application is not completed by December 31 of the recertification year, the attorney will be decertified and must reapply for certification under the original criteria, including passing the written examination.
  3. Criteria for Recertification:

    • Continued Involvement: Attorneys must demonstrate that they have maintained substantial involvement in Insurance Coverage Law, similar to the requirements for initial certification. However, they are not required to retake the written examination.
    • CLE Compliance: Attorneys must provide evidence of completing the required 12 hours of CLE every two years during the certification period.
    • Good Standing: Attorneys must continue to be in good standing with the Ohio Supreme Court and maintain professional liability insurance coverage.
  4. Exemptions:

    • Illness or Disability: In cases of severe, prolonged illness or disability, attorneys may apply for an exemption from the recertification requirements. They must provide evidence that completing the requirements presents an extreme hardship due to their condition.

Decertification

  1. Material Changes:

    • Review of Changes: The Specialty Board may decertify an attorney if material changes reported in the annual affidavit or discovered through other means indicate that the attorney no longer meets the certification standards.
    • Appeal Process: Attorneys who are decertified may request reconsideration and, if denied, appeal the decision to an Independent Review Panel.
  2. Immediate Decertification:

    • License Revocation: If an attorney’s license to practice law in Ohio is revoked or suspended, their certification is automatically revoked. Upon reinstatement of their license, the attorney may reapply for certification.

These annual duties and recertification requirements are crucial in maintaining the integrity and high standards of the Insurance Coverage Law certification, ensuring that certified specialists continue to offer exceptional legal services.


Other Specialty Areas by the Ohio State Bar Association

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