Why is electing a Board Certified attorney as your next 416th district court judge important to you?
There are more than 90,000 attorneys licensed to practice in Texas. Only about 800 are Board Certified in family law. That equates to less than 1% of all attorneys practicing in Texas. Board Certification is a mark of excellence and a distinguishing accomplishment. Within the Texas legal community, Board Certification means an attorney has substantial, relevant experience in a select field of law as well as demonstrated, and tested, special competence in that area of law. Board Certified lawyers earn the right to publicly represent themselves as a specialist in a select area of the law. In fact, they are the only attorneys allowed by the State Bar of Texas to do so. This designation sets them apart as being an attorney with the highest, public commitment to excellence in their area of law. The process is voluntary and can only take place after an attorney has been in practice for five years, with a minimum of three years experience in the specialty area. Moreover, Board Certification is not a one-time event. It requires an ongoing involvement in the specialty area which is periodically substantiated with references from peers in that field. It also requires annual professional refreshment through Texas Board of Legal Specialization approved, continuing legal education course work to stay abreast of current trends in law. Few Texas attorneys have answered the challenge laid down 41 years ago by the Supreme Court of Texas and the State Bar of Texas to “…serve the public interest and advance the standards of the legal profession.” On May 24, 2016 you have a choice to make in the runoff election to select the next judge of the 416th District Court of Collin County. Michael Puhl is Board Certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Vote for experience and proven competence.