Selecting an Attorney Specializing in Workers' Compensation

Maybe you have never needed the services of an attorney before; but now you do. Obviously, you want a lawyer who is able to handle your particular legal situation, who has expertise in the area of law relating to your legal needs.

To assist you in finding such a lawyer, the Supreme Court of Florida directed The Florida Bar to offer a "Board Certification" program for Florida lawyers. The program is designed to help the public make an informed decision when selecting a lawyer.

While all lawyers are allowed to advertise, only certified attorneys are allowed to identify themselves as "Florida Bar Board Certified" or as a "specialist." Certification is the highest level of recognition by The Florida Bar of the competency and experience of attorneys in the areas of law approved for certification by the Supreme Court of Florida.

A lawyer who is a member in good standing of The Florida Bar and who meets the standards set by the Supreme Court of Florida, may become a "Board Certified Workers' Compensation Lawyer."

Certified lawyers in workers' compensation law deal with the analysis and litigation of problems or controversies arising out of the Florida Workers' Compensation Law.

Every lawyer certified in workers' compensation law has practiced law on a full-time basis for at least five years. Each certified lawyer has had substantial involvement -- 30 percent or more -- in the practice of workers' compensation law during the three years immediately preceding application. To be certified, the lawyer is required to have substantial involvement in the trial of a minimum of 25 contested workers' compensation cases. All such cases must involve substantial legal or factual issues. In each of the 25 cases the applicant must be responsible for all or a majority of the presentation of evidence and representation of the client. Involvement includes investigation, evaluation, pleadings, discovery, taking of testimony, presentation of evidence and argument, and trial of workers' compensation cases.

Each certified lawyer has passed peer review, completed 45 hours of continuing legal education within three years immediately preceding application and has passed a written examination demonstrating knowledge, skills and proficiency in the field of workers' compensation to justify the representation of special competence.

Board certification is valid for five years, during which time the attorney must continue to practice law and attend Florida Bar-approved continuing legal education courses. To be recertified, requirements similar to those for initial certification must be met. Not all qualified lawyers are certified, but those who are board certified have taken the extra step to have their competence and experience recognized.

Workers' Compensation Certification was approved by the Supreme Court of Florida in 1987.

The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education operates under the authority of the Supreme Court of Florida. The certification program and any supporting materials or activities are not funded by the general revenues of The Florida Bar.