What is Board Certified in Bankruptcy Law & What are the Requirements?

Lawyer Advertising in Michigan Regarding
"Specialization"

Many successful lawyers seek to distinguish themselves by becoming board certified in various areas of law. The Commonwealth of Michigan's Rule of Professional conduct Rule 7.4 sets rules for lawyers who wish to advertise that they have a "specialty" or "specialize" in a particular area of law.

Though many states have certification programs or specialization programs in various areas of law, Michigan has elected not to offer specialization programs to its members. However, Michigan, like other jurisdictions that do not have specialization programs, does recognize that there are organizations that do offer programs that offer a specialization recognition. A lawyer may not advertise as a specialist or expert in a particular field of law not recognized as a specialty. A lawyer may advertise that the law practice is limited to a particular area of law provided that there is not explicit reference to expertise or specialization in the form of communication. The State Bar of Michigan recognizes specialization only in the field of patent, trademarks and admiralty law. Michigan lawyers must adhere to the requirements of Rule 7.4. These requirements are as follows:

Rule: 7.4 Communication of Fields of Practice
A lawyer may communicate the fact that the lawyer does or does not practice in particular fields of law.
Comment: This rule permits a lawyer to indicate areas of practice in communications about the lawyer's services, for example, in a telephone directory or other advertising. If a lawyer practices only in certain fields, or will not accept matters except in such fields, the lawyer is permitted to indicate that fact. 

Michigan only recognizes specialists in the areas of patent law, trademark law, and admiralty law. No other attorney may advertise as a specialist.

Serving clients throughout Southeastern Michigan, including Allen Park, Ann Arbor, Auburn Hills, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Canton, Dearborn Heights, Detroit, Detroit Metro, Eastpoint, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Flint, Hamtramck, Lincoln Park, Livonia, Madison Heights, Mount Clemens, Novi, Oak Park, Pontiac, Redford, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Romulus, Roseville, Royal Oak, Southfield, Southgate, Springfield, St. Clair Shores, Sterling Heights, Taylor, Troy, Warren, Washington, Waterford, Wyandotte, areas in the vicinity of Oakland County International Airport, and other communities in Oakland County.