What "Board Certified" Really Means — and Why Most Attorneys Who Call Themselves Specialists Aren’t

What “Board Certified” Really Means and Why Most Attorneys Who Call Themselves Specialists Aren’t

Written by the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato

Many attorneys say they “specialize” in personal injury or trial law, but being officially Board Certified is a different distinction entirely. A Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney has earned a credential that requires substantial trial experience, peer review, continuing legal education, and passing a rigorous written examination. Only a small percentage of Florida attorneys are Board Certified, which makes it a meaningful signal for anyone searching for proven experience. When you review the attorneys at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, you are looking at that verified distinction rather than an advertising claim.

What “Board Certified” actually requires

In Florida, board certification is awarded by The Florida Bar’s Civil Trial Law certification program. It is the closest the profession comes to an official “specialist” designation. To earn it, an attorney must show years of substantial involvement in civil trial practice, try a required number of cases to verdict, pass peer review from judges and fellow lawyers, complete continuing legal education in the field, and pass a demanding written examination. The certification is not permanent, either — it must be renewed periodically, so the standard has to be met again and again.

Why so few attorneys earn it

Because the requirements are steep, only a small percentage of Florida lawyers hold board certification, and civil trial law is one of the harder specialties to earn. That scarcity is the point: it separates attorneys whose trial experience has been independently tested from those who simply describe themselves as “experienced” or “aggressive” in their advertising. A billboard can say anything; a certification has to be earned.

Board certification at Wolf & Pravato

At Wolf & Pravato, managing partner Richard “Rich” Pravato is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney (Florida Bar No. 86150). That means his trial experience and knowledge have been independently evaluated and recognized — not simply claimed in an advertisement. You can read more about our firm and the team that would handle your case.

What this means when you hire an injury lawyer

When choosing a personal injury attorney, don’t just ask how many years they’ve practiced or how many cases they’ve handled. Ask whether their qualifications have been independently verified. You can confirm any Florida lawyer’s certification status directly through The Florida Bar. Because when the stakes are high, the difference between calling yourself a specialist and actually earning that distinction matters.

Talk to a Board Certified Florida trial attorney

If you were injured and want your case in the hands of a verified trial lawyer, call 954-522-5800 or 844-643-7200 for a free case evaluation, any time. You can also explore our practice areas or contact our office to get started.

Sources

Sources: The Florida Bar — Civil Trial Law Certification

About the Firm

Published by the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato

For nearly three decades, the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato have represented injured Floridians and their families across South and Southwest Florida, exclusively on the plaintiff’s side. The firm is led by managing partner Richard P. Pravato, a Board-Certified Civil Trial Attorney (Florida Bar No. 86150). To reach the attorney who handles cases in your area, visit our attorneys page, explore our practice areas, or learn more about our firm.

Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato · Fort Lauderdale, FL (serving South and Southwest Florida) · 954-522-5800 · Free case evaluation: 844-643-7200

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney?

It is a lawyer who has earned The Florida Bar’s official certification in civil trial law. Certification requires substantial trial experience, a set number of cases tried to verdict, peer review, continuing legal education, and passing a written examination. It is the profession’s recognized way of identifying a specialist.

Q2. How is board certification different from a lawyer saying they “specialize”?

Anyone can describe themselves as specializing in or focusing on personal injury. Board certification is different because it is granted and verified by The Florida Bar after peer review and an exam. It is an independently confirmed credential, not a marketing phrase.

Q3. How does a lawyer become board certified in civil trial law in Florida?

They must show years of substantial involvement in civil trial practice, try a required number of cases to verdict, pass peer review from judges and attorneys, complete approved continuing legal education, and pass a written examination. The certification must also be renewed periodically.

Q4. Is anyone at Wolf & Pravato board certified?

Yes. Managing partner Richard P. Pravato is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney (Florida Bar No. 86150), meaning his trial experience has been independently evaluated and recognized by The Florida Bar.

Q5. Does board certification guarantee a better outcome?

No ethical attorney can guarantee a result, and every case depends on its own facts. Board certification does, however, tell you that a lawyer’s trial experience and knowledge have been independently verified, which is one meaningful factor when you choose who to trust with your claim.

Q6. How can I verify a lawyer’s board certification?

You can check any Florida attorney’s certification and status directly through The Florida Bar’s website. It is a free public record and a quick way to confirm that a credential you saw in an advertisement is real.

Disclaimer: This blog post is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato. Laws change and every case is different, so you should not act or rely on any information here without consulting a licensed Florida attorney about your specific situation. For advice regarding your circumstances, please contact our office for a free consultation.