California Panel Qualification Standards
| Subject matter panel | Mission or statement of purpose | Membership qualifications |
| Family Law | Provide legal representation to clients with the following issues: Adoptions, Guardianship, Child Custody and Visitation, Paternity, Child Support, Separations, Divorce, Spousal Support or Alimony. | An applicant who is currently certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization as a Family Law Specialist is automatically qualified; or have completed two marital dissolutions from filing of petition through final judgment, one of which must include Order to Show Cause hearings and child custody and visitation issues. |
| Criminal Law | Provide legal representation to clients with the following issues: Misdemeanors, Drug Crimes, Speeding and Moving Violations, Drunk Driving / DUI / DWI, White Collar Crime, Felonies |
MISDEMEANORS: An applicant who is currently certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization as a Criminal Law Specialist is automatically qualified; or has been in practice for at least one year during which time 50% or more of the practice has been devoted to criminal law. FELONIES: An applicant who is currently certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization as a Criminal Law Specialist is automatically qualified; or have completed the above misdemeanor requirements and handled no fewer than three criminal matters, including (a) one felony trial (jury or court) to judgement and (b) three criminal pretrial motions involving either the submission of written points and authorities before the hearing or hearing at which witnesses were sworn and testimony taken. |
| Employment Law | Provide legal representation to clients with the following issues: Disabilities, Sexual Harassment, Employment Contracts, Wages and Overtime Pay, Employment Discrimination, Workplace Disputes, Pensions and Benefits, Wrongful Termination | An applicant must have handled at least two employment actions through settlement, administrative review, arbitration, or trial. |
| Real Estate Law | Provide legal representation to clients with the following issues: Commercial Real Estate, Mortgages, Condominiums and Cooperatives, Purchase and Sale of Residence, Construction Disputes, Title and Boundary Disputes, Foreclosures, Zoning, Planning and Land Use, Landlord and Tenant | Panel member must have handled at least three matters to a conclusion in the negotiation of or litigation concerning real property. |
| Personal Injury | Provide legal representation to clients with the following issues: Automobile Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Dangerous Property or Buildings, General Personal Injury, Defective Products | Applicant must have tried at least one personal injury case to jury verdict, or any combination of two judicial arbitrations or court trials to judgment, or four personal injury cases to settlement. |
| Wills, Trusts, & Estates | Provide legal representation to clients with the following issues: Contested Wills or Probate, Estate Administration, Drafting Wills and Trusts, Estate Planning | An applicant who is currently certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization as an Estate Planning Specialist is automatically qualified; or have drafted and supervised the execution of at least two wills, including one will which incorporates a testamentary trust or intervivos trust and supervised the funding thereof; or have handled at least two civil or probate trials from discovery to verdict or decision; or two contested conservatorship, guardianship, or elder abuse proceedings to decision. |
| Bankruptcy & Finances | Provide legal representation to clients with the following issues: Collections, Contested Wills or Probate, Consumer Bankruptcy, Drafting Wills and Trusts, Consumer Credit, Income Tax | An applicant who is currently certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization as a Bankruptcy Law Specialist is automatically qualified; or have filed and taken through discharge at least two Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 plans, or any combination thereof; or have represented at least one debtor or creditor in a Chapter 11 reorganization from filing or assertion of claim until completion. |
| Business | Provide legal representation to clients with the following issues: Breach of Contract, Contract Drafting and Review, Business Disputes, Corps, LLCs, Partnerships, etc., Buying and Selling a Business, Entertainment Law | Applicant must have completed all legal work, including the preparation or supervising the preparation of all legal documents, in not less than two client business matters. |
| Immigration | Provide legal representation to clients with the following issues: Citizenship, Permanent Visas or Green Cards, Deportation, Temporary Visas | An applicant who is currently certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization as an Immigration and Nationality Law Specialist is automatically qualified; or has handled at least two matters involving immigration and naturalization. |
| Intellectual Property | Provide legal representation to clients with the following issues: Copyright, Patents, Trademarks | Applicant must have completed all legal work in not less than two client intellectual property matters. |
| General Practice and Other | Provide general legal representation to clients in more rural counties in all areas of law or areas not otherwise represented. | Applicant certifies to the LRS Committee that for each of the areas of practice indicated on their application, applicant: (a) possesses substantial and meaningful experience in each subject area, (b) is qualified and competent to represent clients in this area of practice, (c) is thoroughly familiar with the substantive and procedural laws and court rules in each area of practice, and (d) has and will continue to engage in continuing education and/or study to maintain and enhance his/her proficiency in such subject area. |
