Board Certification for Lawyers:
What Does it Mean?

There are more than 88,000 lawyers in the state of Florida. Michael D. Weinstein, Esq., B.C.S. is among only 347 attorneys statewide who are Board Certified Specialists (B.C.S.) in Criminal Trial Law.

Board certification recognizes attorneys' special knowledge, skills and proficiency in various areas of law and professionalism and ethics in practice. Certification is the highest level of evaluation by The Florida Bar of the competency and experience of attorneys in the 24 areas of the law approved for certification by the Supreme Court of Florida.

Board Certified Florida Bar members are the only Florida attorneys allowed to identify themselves as "Board Certified," "Specialist," "Expert" or to use the letters "B.C.S." for Board Certification Specialist on business cards or letterhead, in legal directories or in advertising.

Established in 1982 by the Florida Supreme Court, board certification helps consumers identify specialists in various areas of law.

A lawyer who is a member in good standing of The Florida Bar and who meets the standards prescribed by the state's Supreme Court may become board certified in one or more of the 24 certification fields.

"Board Certification by The Florida Bar demonstrates that lawyer's high level of skill, excellence and a commitment to professionalism.Every new certification enhances our profession, and gives the public a meaningful way to evaluate lawyers."

-Mayanne Downs, Florida Bar President

Source: The Florida Bar