What is Board Certified in Bankruptcy Law & What are the Requirements?
Lawyer Advertising in Colorado Regarding
"Specialization"
Many successful lawyers seek to distinguish themselves by becoming board certified in various areas of law. The State of Colorado'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, Colorado has elected not to offer specialization programs to its members. However, Colorado, like other jurisdictions that do not have specialization programs, does recognize that there are organizations that do offer programs that offer a specialization recognition. If a lawyer licensed in Colorado wishes to apply for such a specialization and obtains it, that is permissible. However, if that lawyer wishes to advertise or place that specialization where the public can be exposed to it, that lawyer must adhere to the requirements of Rule 7.4. These requirements are as follows:
RULE 7.4. COMMUNICATION OF FIELDS OF PRACTICE
(a) A lawyer may communicate the fact that the lawyer does or does not practice in particular fields of law or that the lawyer is a specialist in particular fields of law. Such communication shall be in accordance with Rule 7.1.
(b) A lawyer admitted to engage in patent practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office may use the designation "Patent Attorney" or a substantially similar designation.
(c) A lawyer engaged in admiralty practice may use the designation “admiralty,” “proctor in admiralty” or a substantially similar designation.
(d) A lawyer shall not state or imply that a lawyer is certified as a specialist in a particular field of law, unless:
(1) the lawyer has been certified as a specialist by an organization that has been approved by an appropriate state authority or that has been accredited by the American Bar Association; and
(2) the name of the certifying organization is clearly identified in the communication.
(e) In any advertisement in which a lawyer affirmatively claims to be certified in any area of the law, such advertisement shall contain the following disclosure: "Colorado does not certify lawyers as specialists in any field." This disclaimer is not required where the information concerning the lawyer's services is contained in a law list, law directory or a publication intended primarily for use of the legal profession.
In Colorado, Colorado lawyers are able to publicly discuss their certification if they have been certified by:
American Board of Certification (ABC)
101 Second Street SE, Suite 904
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
(319) 365-2222
www.abcworld.org
They offer a certification in Business Bankruptcy and Consumer Bankruptcy.
All attorneys are not board certified unless their advertisement specifically states they are board certified. Just because an attorney does not hold a certification does not mean that they will not be able to do a great job representing you. If you are unsure if an attorney is certified, all you need to do is ask.
Serving clients throughout Central Colorado, including Applewood, Arvada, Aurora, Berkley, Black Forest, Boulder, Brighton, Broomfield, Castle Pines, Castle Rock, Centennial, Colorado Springs, Columbine, Commerce City, Denver, Derby, Englewood, Fort Collins, Greeley, Highlands Ranch, Ken Caryl, Lafayette, Lakewood, Littleton, Longmont, Louisville, Loveland, Northglenn, Parker, Sherrelwood, Superior, Thornton, Westminster, Wheat Ridge, areas in the vicinity of Denver International Airport, UP-Denver, and other communities in Adams County and Jefferson County.