What is an Accredited Specialist?
An Accredited Specialist is an experienced lawyer who has demonstrated a specialised level of competence in a particular area of law, and has been recognised by the Law Society as an expert in that field.
To be awarded the title of Law Society Accredited Specialist, a lawyer must:
Have at least 5 years of experience practising law.
Spend at least 3 of those years practising in their area of specialty;
Must pass a series of rigorous peer reviewed assessments that are run by the Specialist Accreditation Board of the Law Society of New South Wales. This typically involves mock client files, a sit down examination, peer interview panels, and reference checks.
If a lawyer is granted the title of Accredited Specialist, that lawyer must complete additional continuing professional development each year in order to maintain their expertise in their area of specialisation.
Lawyers must re-apply for accreditation every year in order to continue to call themselves Accredited Specialists.
Accredited Specialists are often referred to as a lawyer’s lawyer. As specialists in an area, they are often called upon to provide training and guidance to other legal practitioners.
