Certified Family Law Specialist

The California State Bar certifies legal specialists for two main reasons:

1st, “[t]o help the public identify attorneys who have demonstrated proficiency in specialized fields of law.”
2nd, “[t]o encourage the maintenance and improvement of attorney competence in specialized fields of law.” In this case, that field is family law.

• Be an active member of the State Bar of California.
• Over the course of five years, an attorney must spend at least 25% of their professional time practicing family law.
• There is also an extensive written exam to pass, which is only given once every two years.
• In addition to passing the exam, attorneys have to submit an application. - This application tracks an individual’s experience in the field of family law.
• The package must also include positive references from colleagues, judges, and even opposing counsel.
• As well as documentation of completion of at least 45 hours of continuing education.

It’s an intensive process, and only a small portion of attorneys who apply for the Certified Family Law Specialist designation ultimately receive the title.

• Every three years, specialists must complete 36 hours of approved training, or the equivalent, during their Minimum Continuing Legal Education period.
• Additionally, every five years, they must go through a re-certification process. This doesn’t require them to retake the CFLS test, but it does require another application.