Navigating estate planning can be complex, requiring a professional with specialized knowledge and a commitment to excellence. For individuals and families seeking to secure their financial futures and legacies, choosing a qualified Estate Planning Lawyer is paramount. But how can you ensure you’re selecting the most capable attorney to handle your critical estate planning needs?
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What is an Estate Planning Law Specialist?
The Estate Law Specialist Board, Inc. (ELS Board), accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), offers a national board certification for attorneys as Estate Planning Law Specialists (EPLS). This certification is the only ABA-accredited national program of its kind and signifies a lawyer’s enhanced competency in estate planning. The ELS Board, a subsidiary of the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils, believes that specialization within the legal profession benefits both legal professionals and the public they serve.
Board certification as an Estate Planning Law Specialist is not merely a title; it represents a rigorous evaluation process. Attorneys who achieve this certification demonstrate a high degree of professionalism and a deep commitment to specialization in estate planning law. Unlike some state-specific certifications, the EPLS certification is national, offering a widely recognized standard of expertise. The ABA has consistently reaccredited the ELS Board every five years since 1996, most recently in February 2020, underscoring the program’s enduring quality and relevance.
Rigorous Standards for Estate Planning Lawyer Certification
To become a board-certified estate planning lawyer by the ELS Board, attorneys must meet stringent criteria, ensuring that only the most qualified professionals earn this distinction. These requirements include:
- Extensive Experience: A minimum of five years practicing as an estate planning lawyer, with at least 40% of their practice dedicated to estate planning at an advanced level.
- Continuing Legal Education (CLE): Completion of at least 36 hours of CLE in estate planning within the three years prior to application, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to staying current with the complexities of estate law.
- Professional Liability Insurance: Verification of professional liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per claim, providing clients with financial security and peace of mind.
- Peer Recommendations: Recommendations from at least five professional colleagues, primarily those outside their firm and known for at least three years, who can vouch for the attorney’s professional reputation, competence, and enhanced expertise in estate planning.
- Comprehensive Examination: Successful completion of a rigorous national examination specifically designed for experienced and actively practicing estate planning lawyers, testing their in-depth knowledge and practical skills.
For detailed information on these standards, please refer to the standards for certification.
Why Choose a Board-Certified Estate Planning Lawyer?
Selecting a board-certified estate planning lawyer provides assurance that you are working with a highly qualified specialist. This certification signifies a commitment to specialized knowledge, ethical practice, and ongoing professional development. While many states recognize ABA-accredited certifications for lawyers presenting themselves as specialists, it is always advisable to verify the specific rules in your state and consult the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct for ethical guidelines.
Are you looking for a qualified estate planning lawyer? Find an Estate Planning Law Specialist near you today to ensure your estate planning needs are handled with the highest level of expertise and professionalism.
