In Florida, attorneys are permitted to advertise their services, but only Board Certified attorneys are allowed to identify themselves as “Florida Bar Board Certified” or as a “specialist.” Certification is the highest level of recognition by The Florida Bar of the competency and experience of attorneys in the areas of law approved for certification by the Supreme Court of Florida.

A lawyer who is a member in good standing of The Florida Bar and who meets the standards set by the Supreme Court of Florida, may become a “Board Certified” attorney in several categories. At Frost Law Firm, P.A., we have certified attorneys in the following areas:

Civil Trial Law
  John W. Frost, II
Civil trial law is the practice of law dealing with litigation of civil controversies in all areas of law before state courts, federal courts, administrative agencies and arbitrators. In addition to actual pretrial and trial process, civil trial law includes evaluating, handling, and resolving civil controversies prior to the initiation of suit.

In order to be certified in civil trial law, a lawyer must be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar and must have practiced law for at least five years, devoting at least 30 percent of his or her practice to civil trial law during that time, including a minimum of 15 contested civil cases. The applicant must have passed a comprehensive written examination and peer review, and have completed 50 hours of continuing legal education specific to civil trial law. Information on Civil Trial Law certification provided by The Florida Bar, Legal Specialization & Education Department.

Business Litigation
  John W. Frost, II
Certified lawyers in business litigation help solve problems arising from business relationships, including resolving disputes. Business litigation includes evaluating, handling and resolving disagreements prior to the filing of a law suit, preparing for and trying cases and post-judgment proceedings. It includes litigation in state and federal courts, and before administrative agencies, mediators and arbitrators.

Every lawyer certified in business litigation has practiced law for at least five years and has handled a minimum of 25 contested business litigation matters during the five years immediately preceding application. In each of the 25 cases the lawyer must have been responsible for all or a majority of the presentation of evidence, argument to the court, and representation of the client with at least one case tried before a jury. At least 8 of the 25 matters must have been submitted to the trier of fact for resolution of 1 or more contested factual issues through the presentation of live testimony or other evidence at a hearing. The trier of fact shall include any judge or jury of a court of general jurisdiction, an arbitration panel, administrative agency, bankruptcy court, or other similar body. Courts of “general jurisdiction” include state circuit courts, federal district courts, and courts of similar jurisdiction in other states, but not county courts. At least 1 of the matters shall have been tried before a jury during the 10 years immediately preceding application. Each certified lawyer must also have passed peer review, completed 50 hours of continuing legal education within the five years preceding application and passed a written examination demonstrating knowledge, skills and proficiency in the field of business litigation. Information on Business Litigation certification provided by The Florida Bar, Legal Specialization & Education Department.