Why Should You Use A Certified Civil or Criminal Trial Attorney?

Carl Poplar is certified as both a civil and criminal trial attorney. The Certification program helps consumers find attorneys who have a recognized level of competence in specialized fields of law.

"Certified Trial Attorney" is a designation granted by the New Jersey Supreme Court to attorneys who are able to demonstrate sufficient levels of experience, education, knowledge and skill in criminal and/or civil trial practice. The Supreme Court, through its Board on Trial Attorney Certification, designates only those lawyers who apply for certification and who are able to meet the standards set by the Board and approved by the Court.

  An attorney must meet the following requirements to become Board certified:
 
  • Must be a member in good standing of the New Jersey bar for at least 5 years
  • In the 3 years prior to filing an application, must have taken continuing legal education courses
  • Must show a substantial involvement in preparation of litigated matters and demonstrate primary responsibility for a specific number of completed trials in New Jersey Superior Court
  • Must demonstrate an unblemished reputation by submitting a list of attorneys and judges who will attest to the applicant's character and ability
  • Must pass written examination covering various aspects of trial practice

The Certification program helps consumers find attorneys who have a recognized level of competence in specialized fields of the law. Certification also helps the lawyers by giving them a way to make their experience known to the public and to other lawyers.

Although many practicing trial attorneys now advertise in newspapers, on television and in the Yellow Pages, only attorneys certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court are entitled to use either the designation "Certified Civil Trial Attorney" or "Certified Criminal Trial Attorney" on their letterhead, business cards, Yellow Pages listings or in their advertisements.

It's confusing trying to choose a trial attorney. You may have never needed a trial attorney before, so you ask a friend to refer you to someone, or look in the Yellow Pages where hundreds, or even thousands of attorneys are listed. But how do you choose one attorney over another and how can you be sure that you will choose the right attorney to handle your particular legal problem?

Finding the right attorney is to your benefit and to the attorney's as well. That is why the Supreme Court of New Jersey has directed the Board on Trial Attorney Certification to carry out the certification program in an effort to raise the level of competence of trial attorneys in this State. This program is designed to help you make an informed decision when seeking and selecting a trial lawyer.

Carl D. Poplar, P.A.
A Professional Corporation
Attorneys At Law
1010 Kings Highway South
Building One
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
(856) 216-9979
(856) 216-9970 (fax)
DISCLAIMER: This information contained on this website is provided as general information and is not intended to constitute legal advice or a legal opinion. Nothing on this website creates a lawyer-client relationship. Each legal problem is unique and dependent upon the facts and circumstances, as well as the constantly changing state of the law. Because of this, you should not rely on any information contained in this website as legal advice, and should consult a competent attorney who is licensed to practice in your jurisdiction regarding any legal question.