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Board Certification

Kent Lilly, Neal O'Toole, Robert Grode & Steven Brown are all board certified as civil trial lawyers.

Obviously, you want to choose an attorney who has expertise in the area relating to your problem. Finding the right attorney is to your benefit as well as the attorney's. In order to assist you, the Supreme Court of Florida has directed The Florida Bar to offer a voluntary legal specialization program to Florida attorneys — the Certification program. This program is designed to help Floridians make informed decisions when selecting an attorney.

Kent Lilly and Neal O'Toole are also Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA).

The Certification program is voluntary. It is permissible for all attorneys to advertise, but only certified attorneys may identify themselves as "Board-Certified" or "Specialists." Board-Certified attorneys possess special knowledge, skills and proficiency in their areas of practice. They have also been evaluated as to their character, ethics and reputation for professionalism.

Neal O'Toole is also board certified in the area of business litigation.

Board Certification is the highest level of recognition by The Florida Bar concerning the competency and professionalism of attorneys. To become certified as a specialist, an attorney must meet specific standards set by the Florida Supreme Court and reviewed by the Board of Legal Specialization and Education. The attorney must have practiced law for at least five years, have substantial involvement in the area for which he or she applies, pass an extensive exam and submit to review by other attorneys and judges. The Board-Certified specialist is also required to have attended numerous hours of continuing legal education in the area of certification. All courses taken for credit must be approved by The Florida Bar.

Certification is valid for five years, during which time the attorney must continue to practice law and attend approved educational courses totaling between 50 to 125 hours to renew his or her certification. Attorneys who are Board-Certified may advertise that fact in the telephone directory yellow pages or through other media. An attorney can become certified as a specialist in civil trial law, tax law, marital and family law; wills, trusts and estates; criminal law; real estate law; workers' compensation law; business litigation; labor and employment law.

Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP
Lakeland Office: (863) 683-1111
Bartow Office: (863) 533-5525M
Sebring Office: (863) 471-0003
Lake Wales Office: (863) 676-1991
Haines City Office: (863) 422-1282
Wauchula Office: (863) 767-1111

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