Criminal Law (state) and Criminal Law (federal)

SUCCESSFUL EXAMINEES

Passing the examination is the first step in the certification process.
Begin the second step by completing and submitting a Post Examination Application to the Department of Legal Specialization by April 25, 2013.

UNSUCCESSFUL EXAMINEES

You are encouraged to take the examination again when it is next offered on October 22, 2013. Continue to fulfill the experience and education requirements as listed in the program Rules and Standards.

CURRENT CERTIFIED SPECIALISTS

RECERTIFICATION: Applications are due every five years after the initial certification date. Please click here to download a Recertification Application.

FUTURE CERTIFIED SPECIALISTS

Certification is a two part process:

Application:
1. Sample Post-Examination Application (Start Today: Use this application to plan ahead and log your requirements as you complete them.)

Examination (For those who have completed their second year in Criminal Law by the date of the examination):
2. Plan ahead: Mark your calendar for the Legal Specialization Examination scheduled for October 22, 2013. Note that you may choose either the Criminal State Examination or Criminal Federal Examination. 

Rules and Standards

The Standards for Certification in Criminal Law (revised 5/16/08)

The standards must be read in conjunction with the Rules Governing the State Bar of California Program for Certifying Legal Specialists, which govern the program requirements.

Test Accommodations

Testing accommodations will be available to qualified individuals during the examination. Petitions for Testing Accommodations will be posted along with the examination registration form in 2013.

Contact Us

Questions? Contact the Department of Legal Specialization at LegalSpec@calbar.ca.gov or at 415-538-2120. If speech- or hearing-impaired, call 711 for telecommunications relay services.