When choosing a personal injury lawyer, you want to see proof of their skill and experience. That is why civil trial board certification is important. This designation provides evidence of an attorney’s integrity, ability, and courtroom success, earned through rigorous testing, peer review, and demonstrated trial experience.
At Munley Law, our personal injury lawyers hold multiple certifications in civil trial law and trucking litigation. These distinctions reflect over 65 years of dedication to excellence, setting us apart as one of the few firms in the nation recognized for leadership in complex trucking and injury cases.
What is Civil Trial Board Certification Why Does it Matter?
What does it mean to be board-certified in civil trial law? Civil trial board certification is a credential earned by lawyers who have demonstrated their skill through trial experience, legal knowledge, and peer recognition. It is not a simple course or application, but rather an objective measure of a lawyer’s ability to handle civil cases in court.
A board-certified trial lawyer meets demanding standards set by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA), including trying a required number of jury cases to verdict, earning peer and judicial recommendations, and passing a written exam on trial law, procedure, and ethics. This certification shows that the lawyer you choose has repeatedly argued and won cases before juries. A proven trial record makes a significant difference for personal injury victims facing large insurance companies.
Why Board Certification Matters in Law
Not all legal experience is the same. The difference between a trial lawyer and a board-certified trial lawyer lies in proven skill and peer recognition. Many attorneys settle cases, but fewer are willing or prepared to take them to trial. Civil trial board certification identifies those who have demonstrated that ability.
Why board certification matters in law comes down to trust and competence. Certified trial lawyers must complete continuing education, uphold strict ethical standards, and regularly renew their credentials, ensuring they remain current on trial practices and legal developments. Hiring a certified civil trial attorney provides clients with assurance that their lawyer can present their case persuasively in court and achieve strong results.
Benefits of Hiring a Board-Certified Trial Lawyer
There are many benefits to hiring a board-certified trial lawyer. Certification means your attorney has undergone peer and judicial review, tested knowledge, and maintained an active trial practice. When insurance companies see that a lawyer is board-certified, they recognize that the lawyer has the credentials to succeed should the case proceed to trial.
That credibility can shift settlement negotiations in the client’s favor. Opposing counsel and insurers are more likely to take a case seriously when a certified civil trial attorney is involved. This certification also demonstrates that the attorney has mastered the rules of evidence, procedure, and trial strategy. Clients know their case will not be handed off or settled for less because their lawyer is unprepared for the courtroom.
Certification of U.S. Trial Lawyers
Who certifies trial lawyers in the U.S.? The most widely recognized authority for certifying civil trial lawyers is the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA). Established in 1977, the NBTA is accredited by the American Bar Association to certify lawyers in civil, criminal, and family trial law.
The NBTA is trusted by courts, bar associations, and clients nationwide. The organization’s certification process is rigorous and impartial, designed to ensure that only attorneys who have demonstrated substantial trial experience and professional integrity earn the title of NBTA board-certified lawyer.
Becoming a Board-Certified Trial Lawyer
How do you become a board-certified trial lawyer? The process involves more than completing law school and passing the bar exam. To qualify for civil trial certification, attorneys must:
Try a minimum number of civil jury cases to verdict
Submit peer and judicial references attesting to their trial skill and ethics
Pass a written exam testing procedural, evidentiary, and ethical knowledge
Document continuing legal education in trial advocacy and litigation topics
Re-certify periodically, showing continued dedication to trial practice
This process weeds out attorneys who claim to be trial lawyers but rarely enter a courtroom. Certification is a mark of real trial experience and professional credibility that is often integral to a successful case.
Board-Certified Lawyers in Pennsylvania
Compared to the total number of licensed attorneys, only a small percentage have achieved civil trial board certification. How many board-certified trial lawyers are there in Pennsylvania? According to NBTA records, only a few hundred lawyers statewide and 2,400 nationwide hold this credential. That makes it a rare and respected distinction among Pennsylvania attorneys.
Given that there are more than 47,000 lawyers in Pennsylvania, the proportion of certified civil trial attorneys is remarkably low. That scarcity highlights the level of dedication required to achieve it and why clients should take notice when a firm like Munley Law holds this certification.
Munley Law’s Board-Certified Lawyers
What makes Munley Law’s lawyers board-certified? The answer is experience and commitment. Each of Munley Law’s certified attorneys has met or exceeded the NBTA’s demanding standards. The firm’s lawyers have taken numerous complex personal injury cases to trial and obtained verdicts that have shaped Pennsylvania law.
Munley Law’s attorneys dedicate extensive time to trial preparation, continuing education, and mentoring younger lawyers in trial advocacy. Their courtroom work is recognized by clients, peers, and judges who recommend them for certification. That reputation for excellence has made Munley Law one of Pennsylvania’s leading firms for serious personal injury litigation.
Why You Should Hire an NBTA Board-Certified Lawyer
Personal injury victims often ask, “Why hire a board-certified attorney?” Certification means proven capability. When your financial recovery, health, and future depend on the outcome of your case, you want a lawyer who has demonstrated success in the courtroom.
A board-certified trial lawyer can assess case value accurately, present evidence persuasively, and anticipate defense strategies. Their certification also signals to opposing counsel that they are fully prepared to take the case to trial, which can lead to larger settlement offers. Certification benefits clients inside and outside the courtroom.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Certified Civil Trial Attorney
If you are seeking a board-certified trial lawyer in Pennsylvania, contact Munley Law for a free consultation. Our certified civil trial attorneys have the experience and results that make a difference when it counts. Call today to discuss your case with a lawyer who has earned the highest mark of trial excellence.
