Log in News Forms Contact Becoming a Certified Specialist Step 1: Register and prepare for the Legal Specialist Examination. Step 2: Gain experience, complete education, and secure references, either before or after the examination. How to prepare for the exam Visit the exam information webpage to get information regarding eligibility requirements, registration details, and updates regarding the Legal Specialist Examination. Review a free examination preparation packet. The prep packet includes sample essay questions and key facts about the exam. No multiple-choice questions are released for practice. If permitted for your specialty area, decide whether you will bring an optional codebook. If so, please ensure your codebook adheres to the requirements outlined in the codebook bulletin. Examination results Exam results are valid up to three years after the exam. The 2019 Legal Specialist Examination results were sent via email on March 13, 2020, to the preferred email address identified on your Admissions Applicant Portal. If you passed the 2017 examination, you have until April 27, 2019, to submit your post-examination application or request an extension for good cause through the Applicant Portal. Extensions cannot be granted beyond January 2021. The most common reason an extension is requested is that a person has not yet completed the full five years in practice required for a review of the application. Requirements for certification After passing the exam, you can submit a post-exam application for certification through the Applicant Portal. Your certification application will need the following information for the California Board of Legal Specialization (CBLS) to review: Demonstrate a high level of experience in the specialty area by meeting specific task and experience requirements. See the requirements in the Legal Specialization Rules and Standards. Complete at least 45 hours of continuing education in the specialty area or a closely related field. Receive favorable evaluations from other attorneys and judges. You may begin tracking these requirements through the Applicant Portal before taking the exam. Note that you will not be able to submit your application until after successfully passing the Legal Specialist Examination. Review process The review process generally takes about six months from the time you file your post-examination application. Your submitted application will be administratively reviewed for completeness. Electronic questionnaires will then be sent to your references. Once they are returned your application will be ready for review. After review and confirmation that your application is complete, it will be recommended to the CBLS. The CBLS will make the final certification decision regarding your application. Fees Initial Certification fee: $300 Annual fee: $360 Recertification fee: $350 (every five years) Protecting the public & enhancing the administration of justice. PUBLIC ABOUT US ATTORNEYS ADMISSIONS ACCESS TO JUSTICE News Forms Careers Staff Log in SAN FRANCISCO (Main Office) 180 Howard St. San Francisco, CA 94105 415-538-2000 LOS ANGELES 845 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90017 213-765-1000 Copyright © 2021 The State Bar of California FAQ User Policies Contact