What is a “Certified Specialist” in Estate Planning? How do I know if my California Estate Planning Attorney is a Certified Specialist? At CunninghamLegal, experience and expertise make us the best Estate Planning attorneys.
If you are looking for an attorney, how can you be assured that the attorney you are speaking to understands your legal concerns and knows how to help? Any attorney can say they practice a specific field of law, but how can you be assured that they really do? The State Bar of California, the certifying authority for attorneys, developed a “Certified Specialist” program so that it is easier for you to know that you are hiring someone who is an expert in their field.
Certified California Estate Planning Attorney Defined
As the State Bar puts it:
“A Certified Specialist is more than just an attorney who specializes in a particular area of law. An attorney who is certified by the California State Bar as an Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law Specialist must have:
- Taken and passed a comprehensive full-day written examination in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate law administered by the State Bar Board of Legal Specialization;
- Demonstrated a high level of expertise and requisite number of years of experience in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate law;
- Fulfilled mandated ongoing education requirements in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law;
- Been favorably evaluated by other attorneys and judges familiar with his or her Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate work.”
Out of 190,000 attorneys in California, only 1000 of them are certified as specialists in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate law. That is only 0.5% of attorneys. From the State Bar again – “Whether your situation is simple or complex, consider hiring an attorney who is a ‘Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law’ by the State Bar Board of Legal Specialization – an attorney who is committed to maintaining skill and expertise in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate law through continual attention and continuing education.”
What Do We Do as California Estate Planning Attorney Specialists?
The lawyers and staff at CunninghamLegal help people plan for some of the most difficult times in their lives; then we guide them when those times come.
Make an appointment to meet with CunninghamLegal for California Estate Planning and Trust Administration. We have offices throughout California, and we offer in-person, phone, and Zoom appointments. Just call (866) 988-3956 or book an appointment online.
Please also consider joining one of our free online Estate Planning Webinars.
We look forward to working with you!
Best, Jim
James L. Cunningham Jr., Esq.
Founder, CunninghamLegal
At CunninghamLegal, we guide savvy, caring families in the protection and transfer of multi-generational wealth.
