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When you’re injured in an accident, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right attorney. With countless personal injury lawyers advertising their services, it can be difficult to know who truly has the qualifications and experience to represent your best interests, especially if your injuries are severe or the case is complex.
One way to distinguish a highly qualified attorney is to look for Board Certification in Personal Injury Trial Law. It’s a rare and prestigious designation in Texas, and for good reason. Choosing a Board Certified attorney can make a significant difference in how your case is handled—and ultimately, how much compensation you recover.
Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group proudly represents clients throughout Bryan, College Station, and the Brazos Valley with Board-Certified legal representation. Here’s what that means—and why it matters for your personal injury claim.
What Is Board Certification?
Board Certification is a professional distinction awarded by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS), the only organization authorized by the Supreme Court of Texas to certify attorneys in legal specialties. Fewer than 10% of all licensed attorneys in Texas are Board Certified in any field, and an even smaller number hold certification in Personal Injury Trial Law.
This credential is not merely a title; it reflects genuine, proven courtroom experience. Board Certification in Personal Injury Trial Law signifies that an attorney has successfully tried cases before juries, handled complex legal and factual issues, and demonstrated an in-depth understanding of Texas personal injury law.
Requirements to Become Board Certified in Texas
To receive this designation, an attorney must meet demanding standards that go far beyond the basic qualifications to practice law. These include:
- Extensive legal experience: At least five years of full-time legal practice, with a minimum of three years focused specifically on personal injury trial law.
- Trial experience: Documented experience serving as lead counsel in a set number of jury trials involving personal injury or wrongful death.
- Peer and judicial evaluations: Positive evaluations by judges and fellow attorneys familiar with the lawyer’s competence, courtroom demeanor, and ethical standards.
- Continuing legal education: Completion of advanced continuing legal education specifically in the field of personal injury law.
- Passing a rigorous exam: A comprehensive, day-long written examination administered by the TBLS that tests knowledge of legal procedures, case law, trial strategy, and more.
Once certified, attorneys must maintain their credentials through periodic recertification and ongoing education, ensuring that they remain current with the latest developments in the law.
Why Board Certification Matters for Personal Injury Clients
Proven Trial Skills
Many attorneys market themselves as personal injury lawyers but rarely, if ever, take cases to trial. Insurance companies are aware of this and are often less willing to offer fair settlements to lawyers who are unlikely to pursue litigation.
Board Certification in Personal Injury Trial Law signals to insurers and opposing counsel that your attorney is fully prepared to take a case before a jury. This can increase leverage in negotiations and often leads to more favorable settlements.
In-Depth Legal Knowledge
Certified attorneys have demonstrated a deep understanding of the legal and procedural complexities involved in personal injury cases. From navigating Texas negligence laws to understanding expert testimony and handling discovery, a Board Certified attorney brings a level of insight that can strengthen your claim from the start.
Focused Practice Area
Attorneys who pursue Board Certification have made a clear commitment to their chosen field. Rather than juggling unrelated areas of law, a certified personal injury attorney concentrates on representing injured clients and mastering the legal, medical, and practical challenges those cases present.
Reputation and Credibility
Board-certified attorneys are often viewed as leaders in their field. The credential is respected by judges, insurance adjusters, and opposing attorneys alike. This credibility can carry significant weight when arguing motions, negotiating settlements, or presenting your case to a jury.
Why It Matters to Work With Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group
Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group brings Board Certified experience directly to the clients he represents. That means you’re working with someone who:
- Has successfully taken personal injury cases to trial
- Knows how to build a compelling case from the ground up
- Can navigate complex medical, legal, and liability issues
- Has earned recognition from peers and the legal community
- Is committed to continuing education and ethical excellence
When you’ve been injured through someone else’s negligence, you deserve more than just someone who will settle quickly and move on. You deserve an advocate who will fight for the compensation you truly need—whether that means negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case to court.
Don’t Settle for Less—Consult a Board-Certified Advocate
The legal representation you choose can directly impact the outcome of your case and your future. While many lawyers claim to handle personal injury cases, very few have demonstrated the level of skill and commitment required to become Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law.
Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group offers clients in Bryan, College Station, and throughout the Brazos Valley the confidence of knowing their case is being handled by a proven trial attorney with the credentials to back it up.
If you’ve been seriously injured, don’t gamble on just any lawyer. Consult attorney Scott Scherr today to learn how Board Certified legal representation can make a difference in your recovery.