Notice of Intent to Apply for Accreditation of Specialty Certification Program

Before making a formal application for accreditation, an Applicant is required to download and file a Notice of Intent to Apply Form (PDF) with the Standing Committee.

You will need to fill out the form and attach a $250 check to cover the non-refundable pre-application fee. You must also submit the name of the specialty for each program under consideration along with a statement which defines the specialty in detail in terms of the specific areas of law and practice it covers.

The Notice of Intent to Apply Form, with the specialty name(s) and definition(s), will be reviewed by the Standing Committee as specified in Standard 4.05(C).

After the definition is approved by the Standing Committee, the Applicant will be sent an official application packet containing the forms and instructions to be used in filing the application.

After the definition is approved, an Applicant may file a formal application for accreditation with the Standing Committee at any time on forms provided by the Association, together with payment of a basic application fee, plus a certificate fee for each specialty certificate issued by the Applicant.

Where can I get more information?
To receive an accreditation packet -- or just more information about ABA accreditation of specialty certifiers, contact:

American Bar Association
Standing Committee on Specialization
321 North Clark Street - 19FL S/E
Chicago, IL 60610-4714
Tel: (312) 988-5753
Fax: (312) 988-5483