NBTA Brochure 2021

Not-for-Profit Organization protecting Consumers through Legal Specialization Certification

For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it.

If only we're brave enough to be it.

– Amanda Gorman As American poet and keynote speaker Amanda Gorman recently emphasized at the Presidential Inauguration, “destiny” is often a matter of choice, not chance. One must take a stand, move forward, advance, work harder, strive for the best, lead, and set the highest bar. Such high ideals also characterize the many outstanding attorneys who have worked tirelessly to become board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. By becoming nationally board certified, these attorneys have chosen not only to see the light but be the light. Despite a challenging past year, NBTA has worked to be the light.

We have thrived, not merely survived. And along the way, we have invented new and exciting ways to adapt our organization to sometimes adverse circumstances.

When the pandemic threatened in-person testing for board certification, the NBTA moved quickly to present a clear alternative. And after significant research, many interviews, and important follow-up meetings, NBTA selected a proven leader in the field of remote testing—ExamSoft—to guide NBTA in remotely administering our qualifying examinations to attorneys across the country.

Despite the pandemic, NBTA also launched a series of outstanding webinars on best practices for law firms, including implementing defenses and strategies to counter would-be computer hackers, along with proven tips for practicing law by videoconference technology.

NBTA created a functioning institutional job bank to link graduating law students at top schools with NBTA attorney members and law firms.

In order to provide additional financial support for these and other unique initiatives, the NBTA Foundation was formed, chaired by leading trial lawyer and a recent past president of the NBTA, David Rapoport.

NBTA also formed the New Members Nominating Committee, chaired by trial lawyer and NBTA Board Member Gary Geisler, to kick off the new year. The Committee’s mission is to research, identify, and invite for NBTA membership those attorneys whose careers, experiences, and expertise exemplify the high ideals of an NBTA board certified specialist. The Committee’s nominations have already been acted upon, with dozens of invitations mailed to potential new members.

Significantly, NBTA is also very proud to announce two new areas of board certification—both of which received final accreditation by the American Bar Association during the pandemic. Effective immediately, the NBTA is offering board certification in both Patent Litigation and Complex Litigation.

NBTA continues to advance, work harder, strive for the best, lead, and set a high bar. And as a national organization, we aspire every day to make excellent choices in the service of clients needing first-class legal representation.

Sincerely,

James M. Richardson NBTA President

NATIONAL BOARD OF TRIAL ADVOCACY 2021

CORE VALUES

Who We Are

The National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) is a not-forprofit organization devoted to improving the quality of trial advocacy and aiding consumers in their selection of informed and experienced legal representation. NBTA offers board certification in Civil Trial Law, Civil Practice Advocacy, Criminal Trial Law, Family Trial Law, Social Security Disability Law, Truck Accident Law, Complex Litigation and Patent Litigation.

Our mission is to inform and educate the public concerning legal representation by board certified specialists. And to recognize and promote excellence in legal advocacy through a national program certifying specialists predicated on high standards of demonstrated competence and integrity.

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DECADES OF CERTIFYING LEGAL SPECIALISTS

NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFYING ORGANIZATION ACCREDITED BY THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION

STATES REPRESENTED BY CERTIFIED MEMBERS SINCE ITS INCEPTION

Why Choose a Board Certified Attorney?

In the medical profession, many hospitals forbid doctors to practice without proof of board certification in their specialty. It’s for a simple reason: there is real value in independent screening of credentials and experience.

To that end, consumers have added confidence that the doctors who treat their conditions are well qualified and trustworthy.

Similar to the medical profession in which the body of knowledge is so large that it's impossible for one doctor to remain current in all areas of specialty, the body of law has grown so complex that attorneys can no longer be all things to all people.

But unlike the medical profession, which has embraced specialization and specialty certification to provide quantifiable and proven evidence of expertise, the legal profession has leaned on “reputation” or simply saying it's so as proof. Board certification is the only measurable means to prove to consumers that one holds the necessary education, expertise, experience and ethics to truly be a legal specialist. Chief Justice Warren Burger noting the deficient capabilities of some lawyers recognized this

need in 1973. Enter the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Prior to its founding in 1977, no such mechanism existed for lawyers.

Potential clients were forced to rely on word of mouth or advertisements when seeking help in situations often as dire as failing health.

Review any reputable source on the subject and they will all say the same thing—a successful trial lawyer requires significant knowledge and expertise beyond the general practice of law, and not every attorney is qualified or even capable of handling every case. By becoming NBTAcertified, lawyers prove themselves to have extensive experience in their specialty and to be the most qualified in their professional field.

Additionally, NBTA provides its attorneys with endless opportunities to remain at the forefront of their fields through continuing education, webinars, electronic roundtable and recorded presentations, and through its strong network of like-minded board certified attorneys.

NBTA lawyers are advocates for the trial bar, dedicated to achieving and maintaining a high standard of practice and leveling the playing field for their clients.

NATIONAL BOARD OF TRIAL ADVOCACY 2021

CERTIFICATIONS

If you are serious about developing a successful Social Security Disability practice and distinguishing yourself from the rest of the crowd, there is no question that you should apply to become a board certified specialist through the NBTA.

– Rob Wendt, Finkel Law Firm, North Charleston, SC

Why Become Board Certified?

Not All Lawyers Are Created Equal

With the demands of today’s sophisticated marketplace, NBTA

Board certification is not for all legal professionals. Our attorneys

board certification offers attorneys an edge over self-designated

must be proven, educated and active in order to achieve this distinction.

specialists. Our members can advertise that they have met the

THOSE WHO WISH TO WALK THE PATH TOWARD BOARD CERTIFICATION MUST DO THE FOLLOWING:

objective and rigorous standards approved by the American Bar Association and numerous state accreditation agencies. Please check specific state rules on advertising.

Membership in the group also provides a unique position for referral

Be in practice for a minimum of five (5) years

generation. Members of NBTA aren’t just leaders in name. With

Be in good standing in state of admission

members from coast to coast, our board certified attorneys are leaders

Pass our board certification examination or be waived by having passed an equivalent state exam

nationwide, statewide and on the local level. They are advocates dedicated to achieving and maintaining a high standard of practice and leveling the playing field for clients. Who better to send a referral

Demonstrate substantial legal involvement and CLE attendance

to than another trusted NBTA member?

Receive favorable references

Foundation In 2020, the National Board of Trial Advocacy launched the National Board of Trial Advocacy Foundation. This project was initiated through suggestions by the membership. Citing a desire to do more to protect consumers; provide learning opportunities and professional development for attorneys; and; nurture the development of early career lawyers, the Foundation was created. NBTA members recognize and champion how important board certification is to the public and the profession. It is these core values that compelled NBTA to establish the Foundation.

NBTA has a commitment in keeping costs low, so that it is affordable to all attorneys. Annual dues and fees cover the minimum for general operating, budgeting and for required fees for NBTA programs to be accredited by national and state bars.

Funds from the Foundation will now enable NBTA to realize the full impact nationally that Specialization Certification can provide.

If you're interested in making a donation, please visit our website at www.nbtalawyers.org/foundation-donation/.

It's not just a little thing that we put down at the bottom of our signature block. What it means is that we are committed to justice with a capital J. To me, that's why we do it. That's why you spend your time. That's why you put in the extra effort to be a lawyer that clients can trust.

– Tracy McCormack, Professor at the University of Texas School of Law

NATIONAL BOARD OF TRIAL ADVOCACY 2021

CERTIFICATIONS

Specialty Areas The National Board of Trial Advocacy was the first American Bar Association accredited attorney board certifying organization in the world. NBTA offers board certification in the following areas:

CIVIL TRIAL LAW

CIVIL PRACTICE ADVOCACY

TRUCK ACCIDENT LAW

CRIMINAL TRIAL LAW

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LAW

PATENT LITIGATION

FAMILY TRIAL LAW

COMPLEX LITIGATION

The National Board of Trial Advocacy has caused my practice to move forward in directions that I couldn't have otherwise anticipated. And it has helped me and the lawyers that I've worked with to be better lawyers when we go to court. So, the two go hand in hand. That's one of the most striking things about how The NBTA has impacted me personally and professionally. It has been a way for me to develop professionally as an attorney - to develop an expertise around evidence by researching and helping to prepare NBTA exams. It has been a way to develop in professional service - I've given presentations, helped launch our local chapter of NBTA in Austin, served on the local and then national board. And it has been a way to develop a professional and personal network - I've met trial lawyers in my city, throughout my state, and around the country all because of my involvement in NBTA.

– Jim Richardson, Richardson Firm, PLLC, Austin, TX

NATIONAL BOARD OF TRIAL ADVOCACY 2021

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Tournament of Champions Since 2015, The National Board of Trial Advocacy has been the annual sponsor of the Tournament of Champions, an invitation-only competition that showcases the nation’s top law students from 16 of the top trial advocacy institutions.

Each fall, law students compete in teams of four; representing both sides of a civil case—twice as plaintiffs and twice as defendants.

In addition to the opportunity to compete against some of

the nation’s top law talent, participants also receive the benefit of intensive, one-on-one coaching from top-tier professionals in law school trial advocacy programs.

Participating schools are invited based on a three-year performance record at the National Trial Competition and the American Association for Justice National Student Trial Advocacy Competition, and performances at prior Tournament of Champions competitions.

A lawyer who's willing to spend the extra time, effort, and energy to being committed to not just knowing their practice area, but willing to be tested in that practice area, is who I want. If I'm choosing somebody to represent my family, to practice with or from whom I want to learn, I look for a board certified lawyer.

– David Rapoport, Rapoport, Weisberg & Sims P.C., Chicago, IL

NATIONAL BOARD OF TRIAL ADVOCACY 2021

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

With clients conducting online searches for representation, they are more attuned to distinguishing one representative from another.

Board Certification is that feature which is important to clients.

– Mike Kelly, Morgan & Weisbrod, Dallas, TX

Job Bank

The National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) has formed a career placement bank. This is limited to law graduates who express a desire to engage in a trial practice.

Many members of graduating law classes are seeking to be hired by law firms that will enable them to engage in trial practice. Hopefully, there are many NBTA members who are in a firm that is seeking to hire law graduates who have focused on a trial law career.

We hope that this placement bank will not only benefit law graduates seeking trial practices but law firms who are seeking law graduates. A secondary benefit will be that participating law graduates will have exposure to NBTA and hopefully be encouraged to seek Board Eligibility status and eventually board certification.

New Attorneys

and more information are available at our website: https:// www.nbtalawyers.org/examination-information/ This year NBTA released a webinar, “Launching a Legal Career Aimed at Success”, geared towards showing new graduates how they can take steps to become board certified and grow their professional network.

Seasoned Professionals

More experienced attorneys gain access to our webinars. This year we have done several webinars on topics like “Fast Track to Board Certification in Truck Accident Law”, “Effective Use of Social Media”, “CyberSecurity: Is Your Firm Data Really Safe?” and our latest webinar on “Overcoming your Zoom Resistance to Deliver Results for your Clients”.

Recognition

New attorneys gain access to information about Board Eligibility which helps them direct their action moving forward.

NBTA also has a wide range of study materials to help new attorneys study for the board certification exam. These materials

In addition to these members of NBTA gain special recognition through our spotlight social media posts and our newsletter. In these spotlights, NBTA recognizes its members’ achievements and highlights their continued commitment to excellence.

Additional Certifications

MULTIPLE CERTIFICATIONS

NATIONAL BOARD OF TRIAL ADVOCACY 2021

To learn more about board certification and the NBTA, please visit nbtalawyers.org

850 Franklin St, Suite 8, Wrentham MA 02093

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Ph: 508.384.6565 . Fax: 508.384.8223

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