Goodlette praised for public service.

At The Florida Bar Annual Convention in Boca Raton, Rep. Dudley Goodlette, R-Naples, was recognized by outgoing President Alan Bookman "for outstanding contributions in fostering the delivery of justice to the people of Florida throughout his distinguished legislative career in the Florida House of Representatives from 1998-2006."

"Once appointed, they will work with Bar staff to create applications and to begin to design an exam and to create examination standards because all of the exams in all the certification areas are written to comply with certain standards so that those taking an exam can look at the standards and see what is going to be tested," Knopik said. "This, again, takes a lot of work."

Lawyers certified in intellectual property law deal with matters relating to patents, trademarks, and copyright law.

Lawyers certified in state and federal government and administrative practice law deal with matters relating to rulemaking or adjudication associated with state or federal government entity actions such as contracts, licenses, orders, permits, policies, or rules. It also includes appearing before or presiding as an administrative law judge, arbitrator, hearing officer, or member of an administrative tribunal or panel over a dispute involving an administrative or government action.

Lawyers seeking to be certified must have practiced law for at least five years; show substantial involvement in the specific area of law during three of the last five years; show satisfactory continuing legal education; pass a certification examination; and be recognized as both competent and ethical through peer review.

Knopik, who is a board certified civil trial lawyer, said the court has identified certification as a worthwhile program not only because it allows lawyers to enhance themselves professionally, but also because it helps the public identify experts or specialists when they are looking for lawyers practicing in specific areas of the law.

"We look forward to working with our colleagues in the Bar to promote these areas of certification, to get them up and running, and to continue to refine the certification process," Knopik said. "We try our best to make certification a program that is attractive to lawyers, that is valuable to lawyers, and valuable to the public."

Knopik said the BLSE is currently gauging the interest for possible certification in bankruptcy, education law, and subrogation.

Only certified attorneys may identify themselves as "Florida Bar Board Certified," as a "Specialist," or as an "Expert." Board certification is valid for five years, during which time the attorney must continue to practice law and attend Florida Bar-approved continuing legal education courses. To be recertified, requirements similar to those for initial certification must be met. Not all qualified lawyers are certified, but those who are board certified have taken the extra step to have their competence and experience recognized, according to the Bar's Legal Specialization and Education Department.

For application deadlines and more information on the 22 legal specialty areas available for certification visit floridabar.org or contact BLSE at [phone].