1:39-6. Effect of Certification

1:39-6. Effect of Certification

• (a) Not Exclusive. The standards and systems adopted herein shall in no way limit the right of a certified attorney to practice law in any respect nor shall any attorney-at-law of this State be barred from engaging in a designated area of practice by reason of lack of eligibility or certification.
• (b) Use of Designation. An attorney who has satisfied the requirements of this rule and who has been certified may make dignified use of the area of practice designation as provided in the Regulations of the Board.
• (c) Restrictions on Designation Use. No use may be made of the designations set forth in the Regulations of the Board except as therein provided, nor may other words or combination of words be used by a certified attorney in place of such designations.
• (d) Division of Fees. A certified attorney who receives a case referral from a lawyer who is not a partner in or associate of that attorney's law firm or law office may divide a fee for legal services with the referring attorney or the referring attorney's estate. The fee division may be made without regard to services performed or responsibility assumed by the referring attorney, provided that the total fee charged the client relates only to the matter referred and does not exceed reasonable compensation for the legal services rendered therein. The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to matrimonial law matters that are referred to certified attorneys.
• (e) Obligation of Certified Attorneys. A certified attorney is under a continuing obligation, during the duration of the certification period, to notify the Board of any malpractice action brought, fee arbitrations filed, disciplinary complaints filed, or discipline imposed.