All attorneys licensed to practice law in Ohio must have graduated from an accredited law school, passed an intensive examination and attend continuing legal education courses as required by the Supreme Court of Ohio. Some attorneys who devote a large part of their practices to a particular area of the law choose to go beyond these requirements to earn specialty certification.
“Congratulations to our newest class of Ohio Bar certified specialists,” said Ohio Bar 2023-24 President Michelle Kranz, said in their public announcement. “These attorneys have gone above and beyond, completing rigorous study and examination to earn this credential and set themselves apart to both clients and colleagues. It is an impressive achievement that demonstrates an ongoing commitment to professional excellence.”
Attorneys seeking certification must satisfy several criteria: demonstrate substantial and continuing involvement in a particular field of law, meaning they must devote at least 25 percent of their practice to that area of law; submit five professional references attesting to their competency in the specialty area; have earned a minimum of 36 hours of intermediate or advanced continuing legal education (CLE) credits in the specialty area during the past three years as part of the CLE hours required of all attorneys; pass a written examination; prove financial responsibility by maintaining minimum professional liability insurance coverage and remain in good standing with the Supreme Court of Ohio. Each certified specialist must file annual reports attesting to compliance with program requirements and must be recertified every six years by meeting all of the original requirements for certification excepting the written examination.