Board certification recognizes an attorney’s special knowledge, skill, and experience in a specific area of law. Established in 1982 by the Florida Supreme Court, board certification helps consumers identify specialists in 27 different areas of practice. Although the certification program has been an option for over four decades, only around four percent of Florida Bar members are Board Certified.

In today’s episode hosts Autumn Chadwell and Jamie Moore welcome Lisa McNelis, Chair of the Civil Trial Board Certification Committee, to discuss the requirements and benefits of board certification.

Lisa McNelis is a partner at the South Florida law firm of Roselli & McNelis. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame and attended law school at Nova Southeastern College of Law. She has been Board Certified in Civil Trial since 1996. For more than 40 years, Lisa has represented the injured and their families, initially becoming the first female partner at a well-respected law firm in Ft. Lauderdale and thereafter opening her own law firm with her husband. Lisa has served on various Boards and committees over the years, including Family Central, Broward Legal Aid, and Florida Legal Aid. She is currently serving as Chairperson of the Palm Beach Grievance Committee and The Florida Bar Civil Trial Certification Committee.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit. Course #9542.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

• Florida Bar Board Certification
• Board Certification: A Guide
• Florida Bar News – Board Certification Isn’t Just a Title – It’s a Commitment to Excellence
• Rules Regulating The Florida Bar
• Florida Bar Find a Lawyer