State Bar Certified Specialists

Attorneys may advertise as certified specialists only if they are certified directly by the State Bar of California or an organization accredited by the State Bar to certify such attorneys.

The specialty areas without an asterisk are certified directly by the State Bar. Those marked with an asterisk are certified by organizations accredited by the State Bar. For more information on those organizations, use the links to the right.

To check a California lawyer's official State Bar membership record, go to Attorney Search. If the California attorney is a certified specialist, the attorney's record will list the area of specialization.

Neither the State Bar of California nor its Board of Legal Specialization can make lawyer referrals. However, a list of certified specialists is available using the links on this page.

In addition, many local bars and other organizations offer lawyer referral services. (Please note that a "certified" lawyer referral service will not necessarily provide a reference to a certified legal specialist. To find a certified specialist, check the form above.)

Certified specialists are often available to speak to groups or organizations. Send requests to legalspec@calbar.ca.gov.

Accredited Organizations

The organizations listed below are accredited by the State Bar to certify California attorneys:

American Board of Certification

• Business Bankruptcy
• Consumer Bankruptcy
• Creditors' Rights

American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys

• Legal Malpractice
• Medical Malpractice

National Association of Counsel for Children

• Juvenile Law (Child Welfare)

National Board of Legal Specialty Certification

• Civil Trial Advocacy
• Criminal Trial Advocacy
• Family Law Trial Advocacy
• Social Security Disability Law

National Elder Law Foundation

• Elder Law