Why should I hire an attorney who is board certified in consumer bankruptcy law? Find out what it takes to become a board certified lawyer.
Sam C. Gregory has been certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in the area of consumer bankruptcy law since 2000. The Texas Board of Legal Specialization recognizes attorneys who have demonstrated extensive experience, training and knowledge by awarding Certificates of Special Competence.
Why should I seek out a Board Certified Attorney?
You expect certification from your doctor – expect it from your lawyer too. Board Certification means that the certified attorney has met rigorous, objective standards and has demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of bankruptcy law and other aspects of debtor creditor relations as they affect, or are affected by bankruptcy or insolvency. Hiring an attorney can be a bewildering experience. As a client, you want to make sure your counsel is experienced in the particular field.
What are the requirements for Board Certification in Consumer Bankruptcy Law?
The Board Certification process is rigorous and thorough with stringent, ongoing requirements after initial certification.
All Consumer Bankruptcy Law Board Certified Attorneys in Texas must have:
- Been licensed to practice law for at least 5 years
- Practiced bankruptcy law for at least 3 years
- Devoted a minimum of 30% of their law practice to bankruptcy law
- Handled a wide variety of consumer bankruptcy law matters and taken a substantial number of them to trial in either State or Federal Court
- Attended bankruptcy law continuing legal education seminars to keep their legal training up to date
- Been favorably evaluated by fellow lawyers and judges
- Passed a day-long written examination
How many attorneys in Texas are certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law?
There are fewer than 110 Texas attorneys who are presently Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization out of more than 95,000 licensed attorneys.
How long does an attorney remain certified?
Certification in Texas is for a period of 5 years. To remain certified after that time, the attorney must apply for re-certification and meet the requirements for continued experience, peer review and continuing legal education.
What is the Texas Board of Legal Specialization?
The Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) was established in 1974 by the State Bar of Texas to “promote the availability, accessibility and quality of the services of attorneys to the public in particular areas of the law… and advance the standards of the legal profession.” It operates under the continuing jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Texas.