The Florida Bar

International Law Certification

Purpose:

International Law Board Certification logoTo identify those lawyers who practice in the area of international law and have the special knowledge, skills, and proficiency to be properly identified to the public as board certified in international law.

Who May Apply?

Minimum standards for international law certification, provided in Rule 6-21.3, include:

  • Practice of law for at least five years, in either the United States or abroad, or four years with an LL.M. in international law or a related field;
  • Substantial involvement in the specialty of international law — 50% or more — during each of the three years immediately preceding application;
  • 60 hours of approved international law certification continuing legal education in the three years immediately preceding application;
  • Peer review; and,
  • A written examination.

Becoming Board Certified

All applicants for board certification or recertification should carefully read the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar to be sure you have met each of the requirements prior to filing your application. Unless the rules provide for a waiver of a specific requirement, each of the requirements must be met by the dates indicated in the rule.

NEW APPLICANTS

The application filing period runs July 1-August 31 of a given year to determine eligibility to sit for the exam in March of the subsequent year (see calendar for details). Applications must be postmarked by August 31. Eligible applicants who pass the exam will be officially certified in June.

REAPPLICANTS

If you’re eligible to sit for the exam from a previous application, you may file the short application.

RECERTIFICATION

According to the rules, no certification shall last for a period longer than five years. Find out when your recertification application is due.

All applications for recertification must be postmarked by midnight May 31 at the conclusion of the 5-year period of certification. All requirements for recertification are to be completed by this date. June 1 after the fifth year of certification is the effective date of recertification.

A single, 3-month recertification file extension will be granted if accompanied by a properly executed application for extension and payment of the appropriate fee.

Exam Tools & Information

International Law Deskbook

This essential resource on international law provides the necessary foundation for any lawyer to navigate an international legal issue in day-to-day practice. Covering a broad range of topics including business transactions, litigation, estate planning, internet cyber law, and more, the deskbook is a great resource for those seeking Board Certification in International Law.

Staff Liaison

Allison Armour
651 E. Jefferson St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2300
850-561-3143

International Law Certification Field Established 1998