The Florida Bar consists of all lawyers who are eligible to practice law in the state of Florida. For an attorney to legally practice law, they must be certified by the Supreme Court of Florida to be included in the Florida Bar organization. While all attorneys may belong to the Bar, not all are board-certified.
When lawyers receive board certification from the Florida Bar, this indicates they are recognized by their peers as being particularly knowledgeable, competent, and ethical in their practice. This proves that other lawyers approve of the attorney’s work and certifies them as a good choice for representation.
How Board Certification Works
Before an attorney can be board-certified, they must demonstrate their special skills and knowledge in a particular area of law. They are intensely questioned by their peers, who judge whether the attorney has an appropriate level of knowledge and competency, through rigorous testing and examination. Included in the board certification process is the search for:
- Evidence that the attorney is regularly involved in that particular field of certification
- Any prior disciplinary actions that may have been taken against the attorney by the Florida Bar
- A history of professionalism exhibited by the attorney in their dealings with clients and other lawyers
What to Look for in an Attorney
If you are considering hiring a lawyer, you should evaluate your options before jumping into an attorney/client relationship. You want to make sure the attorney is not only the right fit for your legal matter but is also a good match for you as a person. Consider the following elements when selecting a Florida lawyer.
Experience and Expertise
Ask whether the attorney is board-certified, which helps him or her show a depth of experience and knowledge in a specific area or areas. Also, check their case history to see how they have handled cases similar to yours in the past.
Client Reviews
It is also important to research previous clients’ experience with the attorney in whom you’re interested. For instance, were they satisfied with the service provided? If not, what were their reasons? These questions can help you learn what to expect from that particular lawyer and how their personality might mesh with yours.
Personality
Finally, be sure that you feel comfortable around the attorney you’re considering. Of course, an attorney-client relationship may take time to develop, but you want to ensure the lawyer you choose is one with whom you can feel comfortable being open and honest. Make sure you like the way they treat you, their tone of voice, and their willingness to listen to what you have to say.
Meet with Florida Bar Board-Certified Lawyers Today
The Florida Bar Board-certified attorneys at Bogin, Munns & Munns can help you seek justice in your case. Whether you need a lawyer for tax law or a personal injury case, a real estate dispute or a copyright law claim, our attorneys will work hard to represent your interests and protect your rights.
To get a FREE consultation with a member of our team, call our office today or fill out the online form on our contact page. Let’s meet and discuss how we can help you!