A Board Certified attorney is an attorney who has demonstrated special competence in a particular field in which the Texas Board of Specialization has certified their competence.

The Texas Board of Legal Specialization was created by the Supreme Court of Texas and the Board members are appointed by the President of the State Bar of Texas. The Board, in turn, administers the program through which an attorney may demonstrate their special competence in a particular area of law practice.

Q.	How many attorneys are currently Board Certified in Real Estate Law?
A.	There are approximately 575 Texas attorneys now Board Certified in Real Estate Law.
Q.	How does the consumer know whether an attorney is Board Certified in Real Estate Law?
A.	A Board Certified attorney is entitled to indicate certification on their business card and letterhead by stating they are "Board Certified - Residential or Commercial or Farm and Ranch Real Estate Law - Texas Board of Legal Specialization." They may display the Certificate of Special Competence awarded by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and list the certification in legal directories and telephone listings under "Attorneys - Board Certified".
Q.	How long does an attorney remain certified in Real Estate Law?
A.	Certificatioin is for a period of 5 years. To remain certified after that time, every 5 years the attorney must apply for recertification and meet the requirements for continued experience, peer review and continuing legal education.
Q.	What are the general requirements for Board Certification in Real Estate Law?
A.	All Real Estate Law Board Certified attorneys must have: Been licensed to practice law for at least 5 years Practiced real estate law for at least 3 years Devoted a minimum of 25% of their law practice to real estate Handled a wide variety of real estate law matters to demonstrate experience and involvement Attended real estate law continuing legal education seminars regularly to keep their legal training up to date Been evaluated by fellow lawyers and judges Passed a day-long written examination
Q.	What special requirments must a lawyer who is Board Certified in Real Estate Law meet?
A.	A lawyer Board Certified in Real Estate Law must have experience in the law covering land and improvements and their use, acquisition, transfer, development and financing. The lawyer must also be knowledgeable in statutory law and governmental regulations concerning real estate and its use. There are subcategories in Real Estate Law of Commercial, Residential, and Farm and Ranch Real Estate Law.

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Texas Board of Legal Specialization
P O Box 12487
Austin, Texas 78711
(512) 463-1454
(FAX) 477-7719

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