Should You Hire Double Board Certified?

Stevenson & Murray

Absolutely! With so many sales messages and advertised qualifications coming at us each day, it’s not always easy to distinguish claims that are marketing fluff from certifications and credentials that signify true accomplishment. But when choosing an attorney to represent you and your family after a devastating injury or loss, hiring a double board-certified personal injury attorney is a designation that matters.

It’s a high bar. There’s a reason so few practicing lawyers attain one board certification and even fewer maintain multiple certifications. The requirements and standards of board certification are rigorous, time consuming and difficult to complete—as they should be. Of the roughly 100,000 attorneys licensed to practice in Texas, for example, only 7,400 have attained certification with the Texas Board of Legal Certification. Only these 7.4% of attorneys across all disciplines have the right to publicly represent themselves as specialists, and the State Bar of Texas has set a high bar to do so. Among the many requirements are extensive, proven experience within the specialty area and the ability to pass a demanding examination.

It’s a commitment to continued learning. For lawyers who go the extra mile to attain board certification, the accomplishment isn’t a one-and-done event. Certification requires ongoing involvement in the specialty area, annual professional courses and continuing education beyond that of lawyers who have not earned certification. Board-certified attorneys simply aren’t satisfied to rest on their laurels, and they put this tenacity and commitment to work for their clients.

A strong signal to the opposition. Board certifications don’t only serve to educate consumers, they also serve as a valuable and powerful designation to the legal and business communities. The legal community is well aware of the rigors of certification and the mark of excellence that each certification carries. A double board-certified attorney leading your case signifies to opposing counsel, defendants and their insurance companies that you have an expert on your side.

Mark Murray is double board certified in personal injury law trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and civil trial advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He also earned a certification specialty in civil pre-trial practice in 2010, which designates specialty expertise in discovery and other crucial case elements. In addition, he has served as a law school adjunct professor for more than 20 years. If you would like to discuss your case with Mark’s team, click here.