Sunday, September 04, 2011

1:39-2 . Eligibility.

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