Tanenbaum Keale LLP president Thomas D. Robertson recently completed the rigorous process to remain a New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Civil Trial Attorney. Currently, attorneys must recertify every five years.
The New Jersey Supreme Court program, instituted in 1980, is designed to help consumers make an informed decision when seeking and selecting a lawyer, protects from false advertising and builds attorney competence in a specific area of the law. Attorneys can be certified in one or more of these areas: civil trial law, criminal trial law, matrimonial law, municipal court law or workers’ compensation law.
To be certified, attorneys must:
- Be a member in good standing of the New Jersey Bar for at least five years.
- Take a specific number of CLE courses in the three years prior to filing an application.
- Demonstrate substantial involvement in preparation of litigated matters.
- Demonstrate an unblemished reputation by submitting a list of attorneys and judges who will attest to the applicant’s character and ability.
- Pass a written examination covering various aspects of practice in the designated specialty.
The New Jersey Supreme Court Board on Attorney Certification administers the certification program, with five committees responsible for reviewing specific practice applications, creating and grading the examinations and reporting on eligibility findings. Robertson has maintained certification as a Civil Trial Attorney since 1998. With more than 30 years of experience in private practice, Robertson focuses his legal work in the areas of product liability, personal injury and commercial litigation, developing a well-earned reputation and impressive track record serving as national, regional and local counsel for businesses in a variety of industries.