Certified Specialists: Held To The Highest Standard

There are many factors to consider when choosing to hire a lawyer: reputation, experience, expertise, client references and testimonials to name a few — and awards and recognition may be one of them.

With awards season upon us once again, have you ever wondered how to sort out which of the "lawyer awards" are and aren't based upon professional experience and competence?

The Law Society of Ontario is the "governing body" for lawyers and paralegals in Ontario. It governs and regulates us as part of its statutory mandate to protect the public.

As part of this mandate, the Law Society offers the Certified Specialist Program, a designation granted to lawyers who meet rigorous standards of experience and excellence in a particular area of law and professional practice.

Unlike some other awards and recognitions bestowed to lawyers, lawyers must formally apply to become a Certified Specialist. At a minimum, a lawyer must have:

• Practised for at least seven years;
• Mastered a substantive area of law as well as the practices and procedures associated with such area;
• Complied with professional standards; and
• References from peers who have direct knowledge of the lawyer's work and competent performance.

The Law Society's Certified Specialist Board reviews each application for "Certified Specialist" to ensure all requirements have been met.

The Law Society also retains the right to revoke the designation in the event the lawyer no longer meets the high standards.

Personal injury lawyers who fulfill such qualification specifications are "Certified Specialists" in civil litigation, and are then permitted to use the "C.S." after their name as notification to the public and peers that they are leaders, and have been acknowledged as such by the Law Society.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.