Florida Bar Board Certified Aviation Law

An attorney who has made the commitment to board certification is truly a specialist in aviation law.

Florida Aviation Law Certification

The Florida Bar Board Certified In Aviation Law

Florida Bar Board Certification

Aviation law was approved by the Supreme Court of Florida as an area of certification in 1995, with the initial group certified in 1996. Board certification in this field is of great benefit to the public because it identifies aviation specialists who have made a special commitment to their clients and their law practice.

Aviation Law

Because the field of aviation law includes many matters governed by the federal aviation regulations and by treaties, an understanding of common law and traditional legal theories is often not sufficient for an attorney to be able to properly represent aviation clients. Representation of a client in an aviation-related matter, by an attorney who is not specifically familiar with aviation law, may do that client a grave injustice and may also expose the attorney to malpractice liability.

The Best In Aviation Law

Although board certified lawyers are still a minority in the overall membership of The Florida Bar, that minority represents the best talent in each area of certification. Many lawyers feel that board certification is just another test and that it is not worth their time, that the success of their practice does not require it. But, if you are an attorney who practices in the field of aviation law, the Aviation Law Certification Committee strongly encourages certification. Certification is confirmation of your dedication, professionalism, and competence in the area of aviation law. As lawyers and the public become aware and accustomed to the meaning of board certification the achievement will undoubtedly influence referrals and hiring.

Certification Requirements

Initial certification is granted upon a candidate's showing of competence in aviation law. This requires completion of an application and demonstration that a substantial amount of their practice is in the field of aviation law. Also required are peer recommendations, aviation-related continuing legal education and passing a written exam.

The application deadline is August 31 each year for eligibility to take the exam the following March. The exam covers the areas of litigation, federal aviation regulations and FAA enforcement actions, international treaties and conventions, airline labor law, space law, aircraft finance and registration, and airport operations and land use. A bibliography is available to aid exam candidates in their preparation. Recertification is necessary every five years and entails satisfying the substantial practice, CLE, and peer recommendation requirements only.