Top 11 Litigation Attorney Certifications

Certifications are important for litigation attorneys in the job market because they demonstrate an attorney’s level of expertise and experience. Employers want to hire attorneys who have a proven track record of success and certifications can provide evidence of this. Certifications also give attorneys a competitive edge in the job market, as employers may be more likely to choose an attorney with credentials over one without. Additionally, having certifications can lead to more opportunities for career advancement.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Litigation Attorneys and explain how they can help enhance a litigation attorney's career.

What are Litigation Attorney Certifications?

Litigation attorney certification is a process by which attorneys demonstrate their ability to effectively and efficiently handle litigation-related matters. Attorneys who receive certification must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum number of years of experience in the field, being proficient in specific areas of litigation law, and passing an examination.

The primary benefit of this type of certification is that it provides clients with assurance that they are hiring an attorney who is well-versed in the law related to litigation matters. Additionally, these attorneys often have a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in cases than non-certified attorneys. This could help them better prepare for trial or negotiate settlements on behalf of their clients. Furthermore, these certified attorneys often have access to additional resources and can provide more comprehensive legal advice than those without certification. Finally, it can be seen as a sign of professionalism and expertise, providing potential clients with additional confidence in their choice of representation.

Pro Tip: Make sure to check the certification requirements of any litigation attorney you are considering hiring. Different states have different requirements for attorneys seeking certification, and some may require additional education or experience in order to be eligible. It is also important to ensure that your chosen attorney has the necessary qualifications and experience to effectively handle your case.

Related: What does a Litigation Attorney do?

Top 11 Litigation Attorney Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Litigation Attorneys today.

1. Certified Litigation Specialist

A Certified Litigation Specialist (CLS) is a professional designation awarded by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification (NBLSC). The CLS certification is designed to recognize attorneys who have achieved a high level of expertise in the practice of litigation. The certification requires that an attorney demonstrate knowledge, experience, and skill in the area of civil litigation.

It typically takes 18-24 months to complete the requirements for the CLS certification. To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass a written examination, and submit references from peers who can attest to their competency as a litigator. Additionally, applicants must complete continuing legal education courses related to litigation.

The cost of obtaining the CLS certification varies depending on which state you are applying in. Generally speaking, it costs between $2,000 and $3,000 to apply for the certification. This fee covers application processing fees and other administrative costs associated with becoming certified.

Once certified, attorneys must maintain their certification by completing at least 24 hours of continuing legal education every two years and paying an annual recertification fee.

2. Certified Civil Trial Advocate

Certified Civil Trial Advocate (CCTA) is a certification program offered by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA). The CCTA is a professional designation that recognizes attorneys who have demonstrated excellence in civil trial advocacy. The certification requires an attorney to demonstrate knowledge, skill and experience in the area of civil trial practice.

It typically takes between six months and one year to become certified as a CCTA. To become certified, an attorney must complete an application process that includes submitting evidence of their qualifications, such as references from other attorneys, documentation of their trial experience, and successful completion of a written examination.

The cost for the CCTA certification program varies depending on the state in which you are applying. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $2,000 or more. In addition to the application fee, there may also be additional fees for taking the examination and for completing any required continuing education courses.

3. Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer

Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer is a designation awarded by the Florida Bar Association to attorneys who have demonstrated proficiency in the area of civil trial law. This certification is designed to recognize those lawyers who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in this field. To become Board Certified, an attorney must meet certain criteria, including passing an examination and completing a specified number of hours of continuing legal education (CLE) courses related to civil trial law.

It typically takes 3-5 years for an attorney to become Board Certified in Civil Trial Law. The process begins with the completion of CLE courses related to civil trial law, which can be taken online or at a local college or university. Once these courses are completed, the lawyer must then pass the Florida Bar Examination for Civil Trial Law. This exam covers topics such as evidence, procedure, and substantive law related to civil trials. After passing this exam, a lawyer must also demonstrate their expertise in civil trial law by submitting references from colleagues and clients that attest to their experience and skill in this area.

Once all requirements are met, the lawyer may apply for Board Certification through The Florida Bar Association’s website. There is a fee associated with this application which varies depending on when it is submitted; however, it typically ranges between $400-$600 USD.

Upon approval of their application, the lawyer will receive their Board Certification in Civil Trial Law and will be listed as such on The Florida Bar Association’s website. This certification is valid for five years before it must be renewed; however, lawyers must continue to demonstrate their competence in this area by completing additional CLE courses related to civil trial law throughout this period.

4. Certified Appellate Specialist

A Certified Appellate Specialist is a lawyer who has specialized knowledge and experience in the area of appellate law. This certification is granted by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification (NBLSC) and is recognized by many state bar associations.

In order to become a Certified Appellate Specialist, an attorney must meet certain criteria established by the NBLSC. These include having at least five years of experience in appellate practice, completing at least 45 hours of continuing legal education in appellate practice, passing a written examination on appellate practice, and receiving favorable peer review from other lawyers and judges familiar with the attorney’s work.

The process of becoming a Certified Appellate Specialist typically takes between six months and one year to complete. The cost for obtaining certification varies depending on the state in which the attorney practices; however, it typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000.

5. National Board of Trial Advocacy Certification

The National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) is a professional organization that certifies attorneys in the area of trial advocacy. The NBTA provides certification for trial lawyers who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in the areas of civil and criminal trial practice. Certification is awarded to those who meet the organization's rigorous standards for expertise and professionalism.

In order to become certified by the NBTA, an attorney must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include being admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, having at least five years of trial experience, and demonstrating a commitment to continuing legal education. Once these eligibility requirements are met, an attorney can begin the application process for certification.

The application process consists of three phases: an initial review phase, a written examination phase, and an oral examination phase. During the initial review phase, applicants must submit their resumes and other relevant documents for review by the NBTA Board of Examiners. If approved during this stage, applicants move on to take a written examination which covers topics such as evidence law, civil procedure rules, criminal procedure rules, and trial practice skills. Upon successful completion of this exam, applicants move on to take an oral examination before a panel of experienced attorneys who evaluate their knowledge and skills in trial advocacy.

The cost for certification varies depending on whether or not an applicant is already a member of the NBTA when they apply. For non-members applying for certification, the cost is $1125; for members applying for certification it is $625. It typically takes between six months to one year from start to finish in order to complete all phases of the application process and receive certification from the NBTA.

6. American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys Certification

The American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys (ABPLA) Certification is a specialized certification program for attorneys who specialize in professional liability law. This certification is designed to recognize attorneys who have demonstrated a high level of expertise and experience in this field.

The ABPLA certification process is rigorous and typically takes between four and six months to complete. To be eligible for the ABPLA Certification, an attorney must meet the following criteria:

• Have at least five years of experience practicing professional liability law;
• Be a member in good standing with their state bar association;
• Pass a comprehensive written examination;
• Demonstrate proficiency in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills;
• Complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing legal education related to professional liability law within the last three years; and
• Receive favorable peer reviews from other ABPLA certified attorneys.

The cost to apply for the ABPLA Certification varies depending on the applicant’s state bar membership status. For example, applicants who are members of their state bar association may pay an application fee ranging from $250-$500, while non-members may pay up to $1,000. Additionally, applicants will need to pay an exam fee ranging from $150-$200. Once all fees have been paid, applicants will receive access to study materials and can begin preparing for the exam.

7. American College of Trial Lawyers Certification

The American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) is a professional association of experienced trial lawyers from the United States and Canada who are recognized by their peers as preeminent in the field. It was founded in 1950 to improve and elevate the standards of trial practice, the administration of justice, and the ethics of the profession.

In order to become certified by ACTL, an attorney must have at least 15 years of experience as a practicing lawyer, including at least five years of jury trial experience. The certification process also requires that applicants demonstrate substantial involvement in complex civil or criminal litigation and provide evidence of exceptional skill, integrity, professionalism, and collegiality. Applicants must also be recommended by two existing Fellows in good standing with ACTL.

The certification process typically takes several months to complete. Applicants must submit an application packet that includes their resume, references from other attorneys and judges, copies of court filings they have made on behalf of clients, transcripts from trials they have participated in, and other materials demonstrating their qualifications for certification. Once all materials are submitted, they are reviewed by a committee made up of existing Fellows who make a recommendation to the Board of Regents regarding whether or not to certify an applicant.

There is no fee associated with applying for ACTL certification; however, once accepted into membership there is an annual dues requirement which varies depending on the state or province where the Fellow practices law.

8. American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Certification

The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) is a professional organization that certifies matrimonial lawyers who specialize in family law. The AAML Certification is a mark of excellence for attorneys who demonstrate the highest level of knowledge, skill, and integrity in the practice of family law.

To become certified, an attorney must meet certain criteria, including: having been practicing law for at least five years; being a member in good standing with their state bar association; completing at least 25 cases involving family law; and passing an extensive written examination. Additionally, applicants must submit letters of recommendation from three other AAML members attesting to their character and competency as a matrimonial lawyer.

The entire certification process typically takes between 6-12 months to complete. Applicants should expect to spend time preparing for the written exam, which is offered twice each year.

The cost to apply for certification varies by state and ranges from $500-$1,500 depending on the application fee and exam fee.

9. National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Certification

The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) Certification is a voluntary program that recognizes attorneys who have demonstrated excellence in the practice of criminal defense law. The certification process involves a thorough review of an attorney’s experience, education, and professional conduct.

To become certified by NACDL, attorneys must meet certain qualifications and demonstrate their commitment to the highest standards of professional ethics and legal practice. These qualifications include:

• A minimum of five years' experience as a practicing lawyer;
• Active membership in the NACDL;
• Demonstrated substantial involvement in criminal defense work;
• Satisfactory completion of at least 30 hours of continuing legal education related to criminal defense within the past three years; and
• Successful completion of a written examination administered by NACDL.

The certification process typically takes approximately six months from the time an attorney submits his or her application until he or she receives notification from NACDL that they have been approved for certification. The cost for certification is $1,000.

10. American Bar Association Litigation Section Certificate

The American Bar Association Litigation Section Certificate is a professional certification program that recognizes attorneys who have achieved a high level of expertise in the area of litigation. The certificate is designed to recognize those lawyers who have demonstrated significant knowledge, skill and experience in the practice of litigation.

It typically takes about two years to complete the requirements for the certificate. To get the certificate, an attorney must first become a member of the ABA Litigation Section and then complete three courses related to trial advocacy or pretrial practice. The courses must be approved by the ABA Litigation Section and include topics such as discovery, motion practice, deposition practice, trial technique and appellate advocacy. In addition, applicants must also demonstrate significant experience in litigation by providing evidence of their involvement in at least ten cases over the past five years.

The cost to obtain the certificate varies depending on which courses are taken and how many credits are earned. Generally speaking, it will cost around $2,000-$3,000 to obtain all of the necessary course credits for certification.

11. International Association of Defense Counsel Trial Academy Certificate

The International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Trial Academy Certificate is a program designed to provide attorneys with the skills and knowledge necessary to become more effective trial advocates. The program is open to all members of the IADC, including both in-house counsel and private practice lawyers. It consists of three days of intensive instruction, divided into two parts.

The first part includes lectures and discussions on topics such as jury selection, opening statements, direct examination, cross-examination, closing arguments, and courtroom technology. The second part consists of mock trials that allow participants to apply their new skills in a real-world setting.

The IADC Trial Academy Certificate can be obtained by attending the full three-day course. The cost for the program is $2,250 for IADC members and $2,750 for non-members.

Do You Really Need a Litigation Attorney Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual’s situation. A litigation attorney certificate is a credential that demonstrates an attorney’s expertise in the area of civil litigation. It is typically obtained by completing a course or series of courses offered by a professional organization, such as the American Bar Association (ABA).

For some attorneys, obtaining a litigation attorney certificate may provide an edge when competing for cases or promotions. It can also be used to demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge within the legal field, which could be beneficial when dealing with clients or colleagues. Additionally, having this certification may open up additional opportunities in terms of networking, job prospects, and even higher pay.

On the other hand, there are some attorneys who may not need to obtain a litigation attorney certificate. Those who work primarily in other areas of law, such as contract law or family law, may not need this certification as it does not necessarily apply to their practice. Similarly, those who work for large firms may not need to demonstrate their expertise through this type of credential since they already have access to resources and training from their employer. In these cases, obtaining a litigation attorney certificate would likely be unnecessary and costly.

In conclusion, whether or not you need to obtain a litigation attorney certificate ultimately depends on your individual situation and goals as an attorney. If you feel that it will benefit your practice and career trajectory then it may be worth pursuing; however, if you do not think it will add value then it is likely best to save your time and money elsewhere.

Related: Litigation Attorney Resume Examples

FAQs About Litigation Attorney Certifications

1. What is a litigation attorney certification?

Answer: A litigation attorney certification is a designation that recognizes an attorney’s expertise in the field of civil litigation. It demonstrates the attorney's proficiency in areas such as legal research, trial practice and advocacy, dispute resolution, and other relevant topics.

2. How do I become certified?

Answer: To become certified, attorneys must demonstrate their knowledge and skills by passing a rigorous examination administered by an accredited certifying body. Additionally, they must also meet certain standards of professional experience and continuing legal education.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified provides attorneys with increased credibility and recognition within the legal community, as well as expanded opportunities for professional growth and development. Additionally, it can also help attorneys differentiate themselves from non-certified peers in a highly competitive job market.

4. Who offers certification programs?

Answer: There are several organizations that offer certification programs for attorneys, including the American Bar Association (ABA), National Board of Legal Specialty Certification (NBLSC), National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA), American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL), and National Association of Certified Litigation Attorneys (NACLA).

5. Are certifications mandatory to practice law?

Answer: No, certifications are not mandatory to practice law; however, having one may increase your chances of getting hired or advancing within a firm or organization. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire attorneys who have achieved these certifications due to their enhanced level of expertise in the field.