MSBA board certified attorneys have taken the extra step. 
Which is exactly what you want your attorney to do for you.™

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The MSBA certifies specialists in two fields:

Civil Trial

Real Property

FAQ

Contact:
Jessica Thomas
Certified Specialist Manager
Minnesota State Bar Association
600 Nicollet Mall #380
Minneapolis, MN 55402
612/278-6318
800/882-6722


Certification
When you're on top of things

Current Certified Specialists: The 2010 Annual Audits and Recertification Applications are due January 5, 2010

Many people seek out professionals who are board certified in their fields. Discerning clients expect proven credentials. Since 1987, the Minnesota State Bar Association has been approved as an independent professional organization for certifying lawyers as specialists.

Through testing, peer review from lawyers and judges, and documenting experience, the MSBA Legal Specialist Certification Program measures a lawyer's expertise in the specialty area. Although many lawyers limit their practice areas, only lawyers who successfully complete the application process and continue to meet all program standards may call themselves MSBA Board Certified Specialists.

The Certified Specialist designation is one way for the public to identify those attorneys who have demonstrated proficiency in their specialty area and to find an attorney whose qualifications match their legal needs.

The goal of MSBA certification programs is to assist the public by identifying attorneys who meet objective specialty area standards for reliable knowledge and experience.

The MSBA certifies attorneys as Specialists in two practice areas:
Civil Trial Law and Real Property Law

In order to be certified as a specialist, lawyers must:

  • be admitted to legal practice, be an attorney in good standing in Minnesota for a certain numbers of years and disclose ethical or malpractice complaints, if any
  • provide evidence of experience level and continuing legal education in the specialty area
  • provide positive references from lawyers and judges
  • pass a written examination in the substantive and procedural law in the specialty area
  • be audited every year, recertified every six years and be subject to revocation of their certification if they no longer meet the program's requirements
Find a Certified Specialist
Civil Trial Real Property

Certified Civil Trial Specialists have participated in the preparation and trial of significant civil cases in state and federal courts. They are familiar with both the pre-trial process and with settlement and negotiations; and have demonstrated knowledge of the rules of evidence, procedure, ethics and other essential law involved in civil cases.

FIND a MSBA Certified Civil Trial Specialist

Real Property Specialists represent clients in real property transactions, including real estate conveyances, title searches, leases, condominiums, mortgages, property taxes, real estate development, real estate financing and determination of property rights. They have demonstrated knowledge of the statutes governing complex real estate matters.

FIND a MSBA Certified Real Property Specialist

- Last Updated 3/5/08 -