When selecting a trial attorney to represent you or your family member who has suffered a traumatic brain injury, it is important to select an attorney who is Board certified. Many states, like New Jersey, have their own state Board certification. In New Jersey, for example, a Board on attorney certification was established by the Supreme Court of New Jersey in 1980 for the purpose of helping consumers find attorneys who have a recognized level of competence in particular fields of law. Attorneys may be designated by the Supreme Court as “Certified Attorneys” if they are able to demonstrate sufficient levels of experience, education, knowledge and skill in a specific area of law or practice, have passed a rigorous examination and have been recognized by their peers as having sufficient skills and reputation in the designated specialty. For additional information, visit the New Jersey Board on Attorney Certification website. In order to be certified in New Jersey, an attorney must make the following requirements: 1. Have been a member in good standing of the New Jersey Bar for at least five years. 2. Have taken a specific number of continuing legal education courses in the three years prior to filing an application. 3. Demonstrate substantial involvement in preparation of litigated matters. 4. Demonstrate an unblemished reputation by submitting a list of attorneys and judges who will attest to the applicant’s character and ability. 5. Pass a written examination covering various aspects of practice in the designated specialty. Besides an individual’s state board certification, there is a national board certification run the by National Board of Trial Advocacy. NBTA is accredited by the American Bar Association to certify lawyers in the specialty areas of civil, criminal and family law trial advocacy. The United States Supreme Court in Popeel v. Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of Illinois, 110 S.CT. 2281 (1990) found that “there was no dispute about the bonafides and the relevance of NBTA certification.”