The Indiana State Bar Association is an Independent Certifying Organization (ICO) for Family Law and Trust and Estate Law. These specialization programs are designed to recognize attorneys who have achieved a level of experience and expertise in their field and to advance professionalism and civility in the area of practice. Certification is individual and voluntary. Certified specialists exceed basic competence and demonstrate extraordinary knowledge and skill, strengthening the practice of law and enhancing the state’s legal profession.

Data suggests that individuals are more likely to hire a Board Certified Specialist over a lawyer with only more years of experience, when compared side-by-side. Learn about the benefits of being certified »

In order to be certified, an attorney must: 

• have passed an exam in the practice area
• meet practice requirements
• have the support of his or her peers

Specialization Programs

Family Law

The goal of the Family Law Certification program is to recognize attorneys who have achieved a level of experience and expertise in family law and to advance professionalism and civility in this area of practice. The program is administered by the Indiana State Bar Association Family Law Certification Board, which seeks to develop and improve the professional competence of lawyers in the area of family law.

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Trust & Estate

The purpose of certifying expert trust & estate law practitioners is to promote excellent practice among these practitioners who serve Indiana Clients or Non-Indiana Clients in respect of Indiana Matters. Expert attorneys exceed basic competence and demonstrate extraordinary, practical knowledge and skill. Certification as a Board Certified Indiana Trust & Estate Lawyer is an inspirational goal for experienced attorneys. The intent of the certifying process is to fairly test an attorney’s ability to display special knowledge, skills, and proficiency in Trust & Estate Law, both generally and in respect of Indiana Trust & Estate Matters.

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Associated Rules & Orders

• Admission and Discipline Rule 30 (Attorney Specialization)
• Rules of Professional Conduct: Rules 7.1 - 7.4

The Indiana State Bar Association is recognized by the Indiana Office of Admissions & Continuing Education as an Independent Certifying Organization (ICO) for Family Law and Trust and Estate Law.