Rules of the Minnesota State Board of Legal Certification
The Rules of the Minnesota State Board of Legal Certification have been updated as of September 14, 2023. A complete listing of Rules can be downloaded in PDF format. Or, browse Rules by section using the links below.
PREAMBLE:
The following rules establish procedures for continued operation of the Minnesota State Board of Legal Certification. As of the effective date of their adoption by the Minnesota Supreme Court, these rules will supersede and replace the original Plan of the Supreme Court (adopted October 10, 1985) and the Rules of the Board of Legal Certification (adopted December 15, 1986).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
100. Purpose of the Board of Legal Certification
101. Definitions
102. Composition of the Board
103. Meetings
104. Conflict of Interest
105. Powers of the Board
106. Duties of the Board
107. Board Disposition of Agency Accreditation
108. Application After Denial
109. Board Hearings
110. Board Information Disclosure
111. Board Specified Fees
112. Threshold Criteria for Agency Authority to Certify
113. Agency Obligations
114. Agency Standards for Certifying Lawyers
115. Agency Standards for Automatic/Discretionary Denial or Revocation of Specialist Certification
116. Renewal of Agency Accreditation
117. Agency Announcement of Accreditation
118. Agency Announcement of Revocation of Accreditation
119. Lawyer Announcement of Certification
120. Immunity
100. PURPOSE OF THE BOARD OF LEGAL CERTIFICATION
The purpose of the Minnesota State Board of Legal Certification (Board) is to accredit agencies that certify lawyers as specialists, so that public access to appropriate legal services may be enhanced. In carrying out its purpose, the Board shall provide information about certification of lawyers as specialists for the benefit of the profession and the public.
101. DEFINITIONS
a. “Accredited agency” means an entity that has applied for and has been accredited by the Board to certify lawyers in a field of law.
b. “Applicant agency” means an entity that submits a proposal to become an accredited agency in a field of law.
c. “Board” means the Minnesota State Board of Legal Certification.
d. “Certified specialist” means a lawyer who has received certification from an accredited agency.
e. “Field of law” means a field of legal practice that is identified, defined and approved by the Board as appropriate for specialist designation.
f. “Substantial involvement” means at least 25% of the lawyer’s practice is spent in the field of law of the certification.
102. COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD
a. The Supreme Court shall appoint twelve (12) members of the Board, of whom nine (9) shall have active licenses to practice law in the state and represent various fields of legal practice and three (3) shall be non-attorney public members. Three (3) attorney members shall be nominated by the Minnesota State Bar Association. The Supreme Court shall designate a member as chairperson and the Board may elect other officers, including a vice-chair who will serve in the absence of the chairperson.
b. Members shall be appointed for three-year terms. The terms of one (1) public member and one (1) member nominated by the State Bar shall expire each year. Any vacancy on the Board shall be filled by the Supreme Court by appointment for the unexpired term. No member may serve more than two (2) three-year terms with the exception of the sitting chairperson, who may be appointed for a third three-year term or such additional period as the court may order.
c. Members shall serve without compensation, but shall be paid their regular and necessary expenses.
103. MEETINGS
a. Meetings of the Board shall be held at regular intervals and at times and places set by the chairperson.
b. Meetings are open to the public except when the Board is considering:
(1) personnel matters;
(2) examination materials;
(3) legal advice from its counsel;
(4) any information concerning a lawyer that relates to the Board’s duties under Rule 106b(5) or (6).
c. The Board may make determinations by a majority vote of those present at a meeting, with the exception of the following which must be made by a majority of the members of the Board:
(1) recommendations for changes in these Rules;
(2) determinations to approve or rescind an agency’s accreditation.
d. The Board may meet by conference call or make determinations through mail vote.
104. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
a. A Board member who is currently certified as a specialist by or who in the past twelve (12) months has served in a decision- making capacity for an applicant agency or accredited agency shall disclose such certification or service to the Board.
b. Such Board members shall recuse themselves from any vote whether to:
(1) Grant or deny an applicant agency’s application in any field of law for which the Board member has served in such capacity or is certified; or
(2) Rescind an accredited agency’s accreditation in any field of law for which the Board member has served in such capacity or is certified.
105. POWERS OF THE BOARD
The Board is authorized:
a. To identify, define and approve a definition or definitions of a field of law, on its own motion, in response to an application from an applicant or accredited agency, or in response to notice from an accredited agency of proposed changes to its approved definition.
b. To develop standards, application verification procedures, testing procedures, and other criteria for reviewing and evaluating applicant and accredited agencies.
c. To take one of the following actions with regard to an applicant agency or accredited agency:
(1) grant accreditation or conditional accreditation;
(2) deny accreditation;
(3) rescind accreditation.
d. To review and evaluate the programs and examinations used by an applicant agency or accredited agency to assure compliance with these Rules.
e. To investigate an applicant agency or accredited agency concerning matters contained in the application and, if necessary, to conduct an on-site inspection.
f. To require reports and other information from an applicant agency or accredited agency regarding its certification program.
g. To monitor lawyer representations concerning specialized certification.
h. To adopt policies and charge fees reasonably related to the certification program and not inconsistent with these Rules.
i. To educate the public about the value and benefits of lawyer certification.
106. DUTIES OF THE BOARD
a. The chairperson shall convene the Board as necessary, and between meetings shall act on behalf of the Board. The chairperson may appoint subcommittees of the Board.
b. The Board shall:
(1) Hire a Director to administer the Board’s programs and to perform duties as assigned by the Board.
(2) Provide information about lawyer certification programs for the benefit of the profession and the public.
(3) Disseminate accurate information regarding lawyers’ certification status.
(4) File with the Supreme Court an annual report detailing the work of the Board.
(5) Monitor lawyer advertisements and public representations concerning specialization and certification, determine whether advertisements and public representations appear to violate the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct or these Rules, and advise lawyers regarding the Board’s duties under paragraph (6) of this section.
(6) Report to the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility any lawyers who, following notice under paragraph (5) of this section and an opportunity to cure any issues, continue to violate the provisions of the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct, these Rules, or other rules concerning specialization and certification matters.
(7) Maintain appropriate records of accredited agencies and certified specialists.
(8) Communicate with groups, agencies, and other boards and
organizations regarding matters of common interest.
(9) Make rulings on applications, conduct hearings, and take other actions
as are necessary to carry out the Board’s purpose.
107. BOARD DISPOSITION OF AGENCY ACCREDITATION
The Board shall take the following action with respect to an agency’s application or accreditation:
a. Grant the agency’s application for accreditation.
b. Grant conditional accreditation to an applicant agency subject to receipt of
evidence showing satisfaction of specific conditions imposed by the Board.
c. Deny the agency’s application and issue a written decision stating the reasons for the denial. An application may be denied for any of the following reasons:
(1) The agency fails to meet criteria set forth in these Rules.
(2) The application is incomplete, investigation has revealed inaccuracies, or the agency has been uncooperative in the review.
(3) The proposed definition of the field of law is rejected by the Board.
(4) The agency’s goals or methods of measuring attainment of those goals are not appropriate or not well defined.
(5) The agency’s tests and other performance criteria are inadequate.
d. Rescind the agency’s previously granted accreditation if the agency is found to have violated these Rules.
108. APPLICATION AFTER DENIAL
An applicant agency denied accreditation may not reapply for twelve (12) months following the Board’s disposition.
109. BOARD HEARINGS
An agency whose application has been denied pursuant to Rule 107c or whose accreditation has been rescinded pursuant to Rule 107d has the right to a hearing if the agency makes a written request for hearing within twenty (20) days of its receipt of notice of denial. The hearing shall be promptly scheduled before the full Board or a subcommittee thereof appointed by the chairperson. Representatives of the agency may appear personally or through counsel and may present evidence and testimony. The hearing shall be recorded. Following the hearing, the Board shall provide written notice of its decision setting forth reasons for the decision.
110. BOARD INFORMATION DISCLOSURE
The Board has the following public disclosure obligations:
a. To provide public notice when an accreditation application has been received for a particular field of law.
b. To make available for inspection, at reasonable times, applications for accreditation submitted by applicant agencies, with the exception of confidential information.
c. To publish the definitions of each field of law and the website, address, and telephone number of each applicant agency and accredited agency, along with the name of the agency’s contact person.
111. BOARD SPECIFIED FEES
The Board shall periodically set and publish a schedule of reasonable fees for the costs incidental to administering these Rules.
112. THRESHOLD CRITERIA FOR AGENCY AUTHORITY TO CERTIFY
An agency applying to the Board for accreditation in a field of law must complete an agency application form and submit it along with necessary documentation and fees to the Board office. An applicant agency must meet the following criteria:
a. Have among its permanent staff, operating officers, or Board of Directors at least three (3) legal practitioners not from the same law firm or business whose daily work includes “substantial involvement” in the field of law and whose role in the agency includes evaluating the qualifications of certified specialists.
b. Have a written definition of the field of law and written standards for lawyer certification in that field of law that are consistent with the requirements of these Rules.
c. Provide evidence that the certification program is available to lawyers without discrimination because of a lawyer’s geographic location or non- membership in an organization.
d. Provide evidence that the agency is an ongoing entity capable of operating an acceptable certification program for an indefinite period of time.
e. Agree to publicize the certification program in a manner designed to reach lawyers licensed to practice in Minnesota who may be interested in the field of law.
f. Agree to be subject to Minnesota law and rules regulating lawyers.
g. Agree to keep statistical records concerning certified specialists and to report such numbers to the Board on an annual basis.
h. Agree to provide written notice to each certified specialist stating that if the specialist communicates regarding specialization or certification, the specialist shall do so in a manner consistent with the requirements of Rule 119 of these Rules, as well as with the requirements of Rule 7.2(c) of the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct.
i. Provide evidence that the following have been adopted and are in use in the agency:
(1) Procedures that will assure the periodic review and recertification of certified specialists.
(2) Due process procedures for lawyers denied certification.
(3) Procedures that will assure the periodic evaluation of the certification program.
(4) Procedures that will assure accurate ongoing reporting to the Board concerning the certification program.
113. AGENCY OBLIGATIONS
a. An accredited agency must provide the Board with the following:
(1) At least 60 days prior to their effective date, a written summary of any proposed changes to an accredited agency’s definition of the field of law or standards for certification.
(2) Within 30 days of certifying lawyers, a roster listing the certified specialists’ names, Minnesota license numbers, and mailing addresses; this document must be verified by the director of the accredited agency, and accompanied by the initial fee.
(3) Within 30 days of denying or revoking a lawyer’s certification, the name, Minnesota license number, mailing address, and reason for denial or revocation.
(4) By January 20 of each year, an annual statistical and summary report showing the progress of its certification program.
(5) By January 20 of each year, or at such time as is mutually agreed, submit payment of annual certified specialists’ fees as defined in Rule 111.
b. The accredited agency shall publish or make available, prior to administration of its written examination, information about the examination which shall include the following:
(1) Examination format and question types;
(2) Grading standards;
(3) Test specifications addressing the substantive and procedural areas of law tested; and
(4) Sample examination questions or a selection of previously administered examination questions.
c. The accredited agency must make examinations and model answers or grading criteria for each question available to the Board for inspection upon request.
d. The accredited agency shall maintain compliance with the threshold criteria set forth in Rule 112 of these Rules and provide evidence to the Board upon request.
114. AGENCY STANDARDS FOR CERTIFYING LAWYERS
a. Accredited agencies shall certify lawyers for a period not exceeding six (6) years.
b. The accredited agency must verify that a certified specialist meets the following minimum standards:
(1) Is licensed in good standing and on active status in Minnesota.
(2) Shows by independent evidence “substantial involvement” in the field of law during the three-year period immediately preceding certification.
(3) Has at least three (3) written peer recommendations, in addition to references from lawyers or judges unrelated to and not in legal practice with the lawyer, which the accredited agency has verified.
(4) Has successfully completed a written examination of the lawyer’s knowledge of the substantive, procedural and related ethical law in the field of law.
(5) Has provided evidence of having completed at least 20 hours every three (3) years of approved CLE activity that is directly related to the certified specialist’s field of law, sufficiently rigorous and otherwise appropriate for a certified specialist.
(6) Has provided evidence of being current with CLE credit requirements in Minnesota and having been current throughout the period of application or recertification.
(7) Has promptly self-disclosed any discipline imposed upon the lawyer and has provided evidence that the lawyer is not on a disciplinary suspension or disbarred from the practice of law in any jurisdiction in which the lawyer is or was licensed.
(8) Has signed a release to share information with the Board from the files of the accredited agency.
115. AGENCY STANDARDS FOR AUTOMATIC/DISCRETIONARY DENIAL OR REVOCATION OF SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION
a. Automatic denial or revocation. An agency will automatically deny or revoke a lawyer’s certification upon the occurrence of any of the following:
(1) A finding by the agency that the lawyer failed to complete 20 CLE credits in the field of law within the lawyer’s three-year reporting period or the equivalent CLE reporting period.
(2) Disciplinary suspension or disbarment of the lawyer from the practice of law in any jurisdiction in which the lawyer is or was licensed.
(3) Suspension of the lawyer for nonpayment of license fees or for failing to maintain mandatory CLE credits in Minnesota.
(4) Failure of the lawyer to complete satisfactorily the recertification process or failure to pay the required certification fees.
(5) Written notice from the lawyer that the lawyer seeks decertification.
b. Discretionary denial or revocation of certification. An agency may deny or revoke a lawyer’s certification if:
(1) The lawyer fails to cooperate with the certifying agency, or submits false or misleading information during the certification or recertification process.
(2)The lawyer’s record contains evidence of personal or professional misconduct which is inconsistent with the standards of conduct adopted by the accredited agency.
(3)The lawyer falsely or improperly announces the field of law or certification.
116. RENEWAL OF AGENCY ACCREDITATION
a. Accredited agencies are required to apply to the Board for accreditation renewal at least once every three (3) years.
b. The following must be submitted to the Board for renewal of accreditation:
(1) A completed application form seeking renewal of accreditation and a fee in an amount specified by Rule 111.
(2) A written critique of the agency’s own certification program, which includes written evaluations or survey data from certified specialists and a written analysis of achievement of program goals.
(3) Copies of examinations, grading standards, and model answers or grading criteria for each question from the most recent examinations administered since accreditation or last renewal of accreditation.
(4) Statistical information concerning the progress of the program since the original accreditation or last renewal of accreditation.
(5) An updated copy of the agency’s lawyer application and such other information as the Board may require regarding the application process.
(6) A statement that all lawyers certified by the agency meet the agency’s standards for certification or recertification.
(7) Evidence that the agency continues to meet all threshold criteria set forth in Rule 112 of these Rules.
c. The Board may require the accredited agency to provide the following as part of the accreditation renewal process:
(1) Opportunity for Board representatives to conduct an on-site inspection of the agency.
(2) An audit of agency records by Board representatives, including a review of certified specialists’ references.
(3) Opportunity for a personal meeting with representatives of the agency.
(4) Such other information as is needed to evaluate the certification program.
117. AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT OF ACCREDITATION
An accredited agency may publish the following statement with respect to its certification status: “This agency is accredited by the Minnesota State Board of Legal Certification to certify lawyers as specialists in the field of [name of field of law].” If conditional accreditation has been granted, publication of the conditions must be included in all public statements regarding the agency’s Minnesota accreditation.
118. AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT OF REVOCATION OF ACCREDITATION
In the event that the Board revokes the accreditation of an agency, the agency shall contact each certified specialist and shall advise the specialist to cease all advertising, announcements and publications referencing Board authorization. The Board may contact certified specialists directly to ensure their notice of the revocation and compliance with the requirements of the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct and these Rules concerning lawyer representations about certification and specialization.
119. LAWYER ANNOUNCEMENT OF CERTIFICATION
The certified specialist may announce that they are a certified specialist in a field of law and that the agency granting the certification is an agency accredited by the Minnesota State Board of Legal Certification to certify lawyers as specialists in a designated field of law. The certified specialist shall not represent, either expressly or implicitly, that the specialist status is conferred by the Minnesota Supreme Court.
120. IMMUNITY
The Board and its members, employees, and agents are immune from civil liability for any acts conducted in the course of their official duties.
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