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The MSBA certifies specialists in two fields:

Civil Trial

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• Program requirements and forms
• Approved CLEs

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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

The next Civil Trial certification exams will be given on October 18, 2008, at the MSBA offices in Minneapolis. The application deadline for the October 18 exam is September 29, 2008.

The exam we use is written and graded by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and is divided into two parts. The NBTA has developed a study guide for the exam. Examinees may call Gwen Coutu, NBTA, at 508-384-6565 (or toll free at 866-384-6565) to obtain the study guide.

Part I of the examination begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at noon. It is a trial practice examination. Examinees are given a choice of five or six questions and asked to answer any two of them in the three hours allotted. On recent exams the questions offered have included the following areas: personal injury, medical malpractice, products liability, domestic relations, contracts and business torts.

Part II of the examination begins at 12:30 p.m. and ends at 4:30. Examinees must answer one question on evidence and one on ethics during that time period.

The exam is OPEN BOOK. You may bring any materials you wish. We strongly recommend that you bring a copy of the Rules of Evidence and Procedure, the Minnesota Jury Instruction Guides and a copy of the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct.