1:39-2 . Eligibility. Subject to the specific requirements contained in the Regulations of the
Board, an attorney shall be eligible to apply for certification in a designated area of practice on
demonstrating to the Board on Attorney Certification the following:
(a) Minimum Admission Period; Practice of Law. [Membership] Applicants for
certification must be members in good standing with a plenary license at the bar of the State of
New Jersey for at least five years. Applicants for certification must be (1) engaged in the private
practice of law, wherein the applicant represents and gives legal advice to clients, and maintains
the appropriate bank accounts pursuant to Rule 1:21-6; or (2) employed by State, county, or
municipal government representing and giving legal advice to clients.
(b) Professional Experience. … no change
(c) Professional Reputation. The Board shall require each applicant to establish his or her
professional fitness and competence in the designated area of practice. Pursuant to the
Regulations of the Board, the applicant shall submit to the [Board] relevant Certification
Committee the names of a specified number of peer references of whom the [Board] Committee
may inquire with regard to the applicant's professional fitness and competence as an attorney
within the designated area of practice. The Board or the Committee may inquire of other
attorneys or judges with respect to the professional qualifications and reputation of the applicant.
(d) Educational Experience. An applicant must demonstrate to the Board satisfactory and
substantial educational involvement within the three years immediately preceding his or her
application. The Board will evaluate the nature [, sponsorship, faculty,] and content [and
duration] of educational involvements submitted by applicants on a case by case basis. The
Board shall adopt Regulations governing the number of credits of continuing legal education
required for certification [and the approval of continuing legal education courses, and shall
impose such fees as it determines are appropriate, subject to the approval of the Supreme Court].
(e) Ongoing Obligation. … no change
