National Board of Trial Advocacy

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For people choosing a suitable attorney, there can be no substitute for verifiable experience. The National Board of Trial Advocacy certified trial specialists stand out in a crowd because they have made a commitment to both the consumer and the profession of law.

The National Board of Trial Advocacy certifies trial lawyers in the areas of civil law. NBTA certification is a credential above and beyond a license to practice law. It proclaims to the public and other attorneys that these lawyers possess an enhanced level of skill and expertise in trial advocacy and have demonstrated integrity and dedication to the interest of their clients.

The National Board of Trial Advocacy is accredited by the American Bar Association to certify lawyers in the specialty areas of civil trial advocacy. The certification as a civil trial advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy has been approved by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

To obtain the certification as a civil trial specialist, the attorney must be a member of a bar in good standing. All applicants submit a comprehensive history of professional conduct. The applicant must also prove that at least 30% of his time is spent in the field of civil trial advocacy. He does so by providing information concerning the number of cases that have been tried as well as cases that have been handled. The applicant must also submit a writing sample in the form of a trial brief. He must certify that he has participated in at least 45 hours of continuing legal education in the three (3) years immediately proceeding his application. The applicant must also provide peer review from three (3) judges and attorneys who are familiar with the applicant's courtroom abilities. Finally, the applicant must successfully pass the National Board of Trial Advocacy's examination which is an all essay, trial techniques, evidence and ethics examination lasting six (6) hours.

At the present time there are approximately 2,000 lawyers who have been board certified as civil trial specialists in the United States. Charles W. Garbett, Esquire, and Lawrence M. Kelly, Esquire, have been designated as certified civil trial specialists by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.