Becoming a Certified Specialist in Law in California

By, Staff
Sacramento, CA

There are almost 200,000 attorneys in the state of California, and only about 100 of those attorneys are State Bar Specialists in Estate Planning, Trusts and Probate and State Bar Specialists in Taxation.

As an attorney with over 30 years of experience John has the privilege of holding dual certifications as a Certified Specialist in Taxation and Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law by the State Bar of California. This journey has been both challenging and rewarding for him, and we'd like to share what it takes to become a certified specialist in law in California, and how clients benefit from working with a certified specialist.

Step 1: Register and Prepare for the Legal Specialist Examination

The first step is to register for the Legal Specialist Examination. This involves understanding the eligibility requirements and preparing for the exam. The State Bar of California provides a preparation packet that included sample essay questions and key facts about the exam.

Step 2: Gain Experience and Secure References

To qualify for certification, John had to demonstrate a high level of experience in his specialty area. This included completing specific tasks and gaining relevant experience. Additionally, he had to secure favorable evaluations from other attorneys and judges who were familiar with his work.

Step 3: Complete Continuing Education

Continuing education is a crucial component of maintaining certification. John is required to complete at least 45 hours of continuing education in his specialty area or a closely related field. This ensures that he stays up-to-date with the latest developments and best practices in his field.

Step 4: Pass the Examination

The Legal Specialist Examination includes both essay and multiple-choice questions. The essay portion consists of eight questions administered in four one-hour sessions, while the multiple-choice portion includes 75 questions administered in two sessions. To pass, you need a total scaled score of 453 or higher.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

After passing the exam, John then submitted a post-examination application for certification. His application was reviewed for completeness, and questionnaires were sent to his references. Once all requirements were met, his application was recommended to the California Board of Legal Specialization (CBLS) for final certification.

Maintaining Certification

Once certified, John must maintain his certification by paying an annual fee, completing continuing legal education (CLE) requirements, and recertifying every five years. This ensures that he continues to provide high-quality legal services to our clients.

Benefits for Clients Working with a Certified Specialist

Working with a certified specialist offers numerous advantages for clients:

Expertise and Knowledge: As a certified specialist, John has undergone rigorous training and demonstrated extensive knowledge in his areas of specialization. This means clients can trust that they are receiving advice from someone with a deep understanding of the subject matter.
Up-to-Date Information: The requirement for continuous education ensures that he stays current with the latest laws, regulations, and best practices. This enables John to provide clients with accurate and timely advice that reflects the most recent developments in the legal field.
Quality Assurance: Certification by the California Board of Legal Specialization is a mark of excellence. It indicates that John has met high standards of competence and professionalism. Clients can have confidence in the quality of legal services they receive.
Efficient Problem Solving: John's specialized knowledge allows him to quickly identify and address complex legal issues. This can save clients time and resources, as he can efficiently navigate through challenges and find effective solutions.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that they are working with a certified specialist gives clients peace of mind. They can trust that their legal matters are being handled by an expert who is committed to providing the best possible outcome.
Personalized Service: With John's extensive experience and specialization, he can offer tailored advice that meets the unique needs of each client. Whether it's estate planning, taxation, or probate matters, clients receive personalized service that addresses their specific circumstances.

Becoming a certified specialist in law in California is a rigorous process, but it's a testament to an Attorney’s dedication and expertise in their field.

Sacramento Estate Planning, Tax Planning and Business Attorney.

I’m John Goralka, a Sacramento Estate Planning, Tax Planning and Business Attorney at the Goralka Law Firm, P.C. If you have an estate, tax or business situation needing legal help, contact our team for experienced and friendly advice. You can contact us at 916-440-8036. Alternatively, you can use our convenient online contact form here on our website. We listen, and you can have your questions answered, your case evaluated, and explore your options for getting the legal help you need.

There are almost 200,000 attorneys in the state of California, and fewer than 100 of those attorneys are State Bar Specialists in Estate Planning, Trusts and Probate and State Bar Specialists in Taxation. I am one of the few attorneys with both critical specializations. I passed the California CPA examination and am a former income tax auditor and hearing officer. I am also recognized as a top attorney in the United States by US News and World Reports and by Best Lawyers and hold an AV rating from Martindale which is the premiere rating organization for attorneys. The AV rating is the highest possible rating for legal experience and for legal ethics.

For help in Sacramento with estate planning, business planning or tax planning, please contact our office.