1:39-2. Eligibility

1:39-2. Eligibility

Subject to the specific requirements contained in the Regulations of the Board, an attorney shall be eligible to apply for certification in a designated area of practice on demonstrating to the Board on Attorney Certification the following:

• (a) Minimum Admission Period; Practice of Law. Applicants for certification must be members in good standing with a plenary license at the bar of the State of New Jersey for at least five years. Applicants for certification must be (1) engaged in the private practice of law, wherein the applicant represents and gives legal advice to clients, and maintains the appropriate bank accounts pursuant to Rule 1:21-6; or (2) employed by State, county, or municipal government representing and giving legal advice to clients.
• (b) Professional Experience. Extensive and substantial experience as an attorney in the designated area of practice as set forth in the Board's Regulations.
• (c) Professional Reputation. The Board shall require each applicant to establish his or her professional fitness and competence in the designated area of practice. Pursuant to the Regulations of the Board, the applicant shall submit to the relevant Certification Committee the names of a specified number of peer references of whom the Committee may inquire with regard to the applicant's professional fitness and competence as an attorney within the designated area of practice. The Board or the Committee may inquire of other attorneys or judges with respect to the professional qualifications and reputation of the applicant.
• (d) Educational Experience. An applicant must demonstrate to the Board satisfactory and substantial educational involvement within the three years immediately preceding his or her application. The Board will evaluate the nature and content of educational involvements submitted by applicants on a case by case basis. The Board shall adopt Regulations governing the number of credits of continuing legal education required for certification.
• (e) Ongoing Obligation. Each applicant has an ongoing responsibility to report to the Board any malpractice actions brought, disciplinary complaints filed, fee arbitrations filed, or any discipline imposed on him or her during the pendency of the application. In addition, each applicant has an ongoing obligation to notify the Board during the pendency of the application process of any additional information that relates to the requirements for certification.