A certificate of counsel is a statement from your lawyer to the court affirming that he or she is filing the medical malpractice lawsuit in good faith based on solid evidence of malpractice. It normally includes a supporting statement by a medical expert. Your initial lawsuit complaint must include a certificate of counsel; otherwise, the court will dismiss your case. The purpose of the requirement for a certificate of counsel is to discourage the filing of frivolous medical malpractice lawsuits.