Become a Legal Specialist | State Bar of Arizona

State Bar of Arizona Board-Certified Specialist is an honor of distinction for those who attain it – and that could be you with your high caliber of experience in one of our 10 areas of specialization. Board Certification brings respect from peers and clients alike - think stature, not status quo.

What is the application process?

Choose your area of specialization from the side-bar, and download the respective initial or recertification application.
Submit your application along with all supporting documentation by August 1st. (Applications received after August 1st are assessed a late fee, and no applications are accepted after October 1st).
Include the application fee of $300; $375 if after August 1 and before October 1.
Your application will be screened by the BLS Administrator, who may inform you of additional information needed. Failure to provide the requested information in the time frame allotted may result in your application being rejected for that application cycle.
Disciplinary histories are requested for each applicant.
Peer review reference forms are sent out. The BLS requires a minimum of three (3) completed returned peer review forms for the application to move forward.
The Advisory Commission will begin the review and vetting process to include review of the disciplinary history, peer review responses, and substantial involvement to ensure the applicant meets the Standards for Certification or Recertification in the practice area.
Applicants for initial certification must also pass a specialization examination, scheduled in the spring each year. The specialization exam is only given once every year.
Each Advisory Commission submits its recommendation for certification or recertification for each applicant to the Board of Legal Specialization. BLS acts upon the recommendations at the next available meeting.
The entire process generally concludes in the spring following submission of your fall application. Requests for additional work involvement, references, MCLE classes, or discipline inquiries may delay the application process.