Choosing an attorney can be a very confusing and trying experience. Maybe you never needed an attorney before and this is your first experience locating one. The whole experience can leave you anxious. Relying on the Yellow pages with the many listings can leave you exhausted. Sometimes you might ask a friend to refer you to someone which can turn out to be someone not suitable for your legal problem. Why not go right to the expert….a certified trial attorney. Hopefully the information provided will help make your decision easier.

What is a Certified Civil Trial Attorney?

Certified Civil Trial Attorney is a designation granted by the New Jersey Supreme Court to attorneys obtaining sufficient levels of experience, knowledge and skill in civil trial practice.

An attorney must meet the standards set by the Board and be approved by the Court.

What are the qualifications to become a Certified Civil Trial Attorney?

An attorney who is certified as a civil trial attorney must be a member in good standing of the New Jersey Bar for over five years. They are evaluated by a review process consisting of attorneys and judges familiar with his work. The attorney must display a high level of practice and expertise in civil trial law, complete the necessary applications and pass a written examination in trial law. They are then required to continue their legal education.

What is a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney?

Certified Criminal Trial Attorney is a designation granted by the New Jersey Supreme Court to attorneys obtaining sufficient levels of experience, knowledge and skill in criminal trial practice. An attorney must meet the standards set by the Board and be approved by the Court.

In what areas of law does the New Jersey Supreme Count certify attorneys?

Attorneys can obtain certification by the Supreme Court of New Jersey in four specialty areas of practice. Court certifications include: Civil trial law, Criminal trial law, Matrimonial law and Workers’ Compensation law.

How will you know if an attorney is Board Certified?

Only attorneys certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court are entitled to use the designation “Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney” on their business cards, letterhead, Yellow Pages listing and advertisements.

Michael L. Testa, Esq., senior partner of Basile & Testa, PA has been a Certified Civil Trial Attorney since 1987. Mr. Testa is a graduate of Villanova University School of Law and was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 1975.