What Does It Mean to Be Board-Certified?
When seeking a workers’ compensation attorney, clients may encounter terms like “board-certified” or “certified specialist.” But what do these distinctions mean, and why do they matter? For attorneys like Amanda Deering White, lead attorney at Invictus Law, P.C., achieving certification as a Workers’ Compensation specialist by the California Board of Legal Specialization represents a high level of expertise and dedication to her clients and practice area. Here’s a closer look at what it means to be board-certified and the rigorous process attorneys must go through to earn and maintain this status in California. For help with workers’ compensation in Orange County or the Inland Empire, contact Invictus Law, P.C., to speak with a skilled and experienced Southern California workers’ compensation lawyer.
The Purpose of Board Certification in California
The State Bar of California established the Board of Legal Specialization to help clients identify lawyers with proven expertise in specific areas of law. When an attorney becomes board-certified, it means they have demonstrated a mastery of the law in their chosen field. This designation is available in several practice areas, including workers’ compensation, and ensures that the attorney meets stringent criteria designed to confirm their specialized knowledge and competence.
For clients, hiring a board-certified specialist means choosing a lawyer who has gone above and beyond standard requirements to ensure they have the experience, skills, and knowledge to handle complex cases within that specialization.
Requirements for Board Certification in Workers’ Compensation Law
To become a certified specialist in workers’ compensation law, California attorneys must meet several specific qualifications that reflect both practical experience and specialized legal knowledge. These requirements include:
- Substantial Practice Experience: An attorney must demonstrate substantial experience in workers’ compensation law. This includes handling a significant volume and variety of cases related to workplace injuries, benefits claims, and related litigation. Applicants for board certification must have practiced law continuously for at least five years and spend at least 25% of their time in the workers’ compensation field.
- Continuing Legal Education (CLE): Candidates must complete Legal Specialist Continuing Legal Education (LSCLE) courses in workers’ compensation above and beyond the CLE requirements mandated for other members of the California Bar. These courses ensure that attorneys are up to date on recent legal changes and can apply current legal principles effectively.
- Peer Review and Recommendation: An important part of the certification process is a peer review, where the attorney’s reputation for competence and ethical practice is evaluated by other experienced lawyers and judges in the field who are familiar with the attorney’s work in the field. This review confirms that the candidate is well-regarded by their peers and demonstrates integrity and professionalism.
- Comprehensive Written Examination: After meeting experience and education requirements, applicants must pass a rigorous written exam administered by the California Board of Legal Specialization. This test covers complex aspects of workers’ compensation law and evaluates the attorney’s ability to apply their knowledge to challenging, real-world scenarios.
Maintaining Board Certification in California
Achieving board certification is a notable accomplishment, but maintaining it requires ongoing commitment. To retain their certified status, workers’ compensation specialists in California must:
- Complete Ongoing CLE Requirements: Board-certified specialists must continue their legal education with a focus on workers’ compensation law to keep up with new developments, best practices, and legal standards. The board requires certified attorneys to complete 36 hours of LSCLE courses every three years.
- Renew Their Certification Periodically: In California, board certification is not permanent and must be renewed every five years. Attorneys must prove they have continued to practice workers’ compensation law, complete CLE requirements, and maintain their ethical standing.
- Maintain Ethical Standards and Professional Conduct: Certified specialists must also uphold a high standard of ethics in their practice. If an attorney fails to meet professional or ethical standards, they can lose their certification, which emphasizes the commitment required to maintain this distinction.
Why Certification Matters for Workers’ Compensation Clients
For those seeking workers’ compensation benefits, working with a board-certified attorney brings peace of mind and a high level of competence and experience. Clients can be confident that they have a legal advocate with demonstrated expertise who understands the intricacies of California’s workers’ compensation system and has the skills necessary to navigate complex cases.
Certified attorneys also have access to specialized resources and knowledge that can make a difference in achieving a favorable outcome, particularly in complicated or contested cases. From understanding the latest changes in California’s workers’ compensation laws to possessing courtroom experience in this specific field, board-certified specialists offer clients an edge in pursuing fair compensation.
Contact Invictus Law, P.C. for Help With Workers’ Compensation in Orange County and the Inland Empire
At Invictus Law, P.C., Amanda Deering White’s certification as a Workers’ Compensation specialist reflects her dedication to serving clients throughout Orange County and the Inland Empire. With board certification, Amanda demonstrates not only extensive knowledge of California’s workers’ compensation laws but also a commitment to providing top-tier legal representation for injured workers.
If you or a loved one has suffered a workplace injury, contact Invictus Law, P.C. at 949-287-5711 to learn how our team of experienced and successful legal professionals can provide the skilled representation you deserve.
