International law.

Events throughout the past two years have emphasized the heightened importance of international relations. Growing reliance on a global economy and the widening impact of international relations illustrates the need for understanding and addressing the concerns of an increasingly global community.

Law is not immune to this international dynamic.

Florida has become an international gateway and destination. Whether the subject is ownership of property, creating and conducting business abroad, working with foreign nationals, representing multinational corporations, or assisting local companies with their international engagements, expertise in international law is now an essential component to the practice of law in Florida. Gradually, the general public is becoming aware of the distinctive expertise and availability of international law practitioners.

When international law began to gain recognition, many who desired to specialize in this area sought some indication of distinction and expertise. First came a committee, followed by designation; then in 1982 the section was established, and finally, board certification was approved in 1997. Thousands of hours have been expended in this effort, and the concept of an international lawyer has finally emerged within the profession.

The standards for certification define international law as: "The practice of law dealing with issues, problems, or disputes arising from any and all aspects of the relations between or among states and international organizations as well as the relations between or among nationals of different countries, or between a state and a national of another state, including transnational business transactions, multinational taxation, customs, and trade. The term `international law' includes foreign and comparative law." In essence, if your practice crosses national borders or involves persons or businesses in another country, you may well be practicing international law.

Of those states that offer specialty certification for lawyers, Florida is the only state that currently offers certification in international law. There are 26 Florida lawyers who have achieved certification in international law. This year, two more attorneys have submitted their applications and will take the exam this spring.

As the international community has grown in Florida, the number of attorneys practicing international law has increased as well. Certification is a practical means to acknowledge expertise and market a specialized ability to clients in need of international advice and assistance. Seeking certification also represents the commitment you have made to yourself and your clients to be the best lawyer you can be. Achieving certification confirms your commitment to ethics, professionalism, and the ongoing maintenance of your education.

Certification is available to members in good standing of The Florida Bar with five or more years as a member in good standing of any state bar or the District of Columbia bar. An applicant must demonstrate substantial involvement in the practice of international law for each of the three years immediately preceding application, and must have completed at least 60 hours of continuing legal education in the field during that time. In addition, the applicant must submit an application for peer review and must pass the exam.

An applicant is not expected to be an expert in all areas of international law. The examination is designed to test the following skills: knowledge of substantive law; knowledge of procedural law; issue recognition; ability to analyze issues; legal reasoning; and professionalism in handling practice and ethical situations. All questions refer to cases in and outside of the Florida court system.

Successful completion of all aspects of the process entitles the applicant to certification for five years.

The committee welcomes and encourages all members who engage in international law as a substantial portion of their practice to seek certification. Perhaps, you, too, should join this distinguished group of certified specialists.

Pamella A. Seay is a member of the International Law Certification Committee and has been board certified since 2001.