The Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization (LBLS) will accept applications for board certification in business bankruptcy law and consumer bankruptcy law through Sept. 30, 2022. To receive an application, contact Specialization Director Mary Ann Wegmann, (504)619-0128, email maryann.wegmann@lsba.org. For more information, see the September 12, 2022 letter to all LSBA Bankruptcy Law Section Members explaining the requirements to become a board certified Business Bankruptcy Law and/or Consumer Bankruptcy Law specialist.

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The Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization (“LBLS” or “Board”) is looking for interested bar members who would be willing to serve on either the 2022-2023 Employment Law or the 2022-2023 Labor Law Advisory Commissions. Kindly submit your CV no later than May 16, 2022. The term is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2022, and each member shall serve for the term of appointment set by the Board, up to three (3) years. See April 27, 2022 letter from LBLS Chair Bernadette R. Lee for more information. The duties of members of the Advisory Commissions are set forth in LBLS Rule 4. Please contact Specialization Director Mary Ann Wegmann at maryann.wegmann@lsba.org, or 504-619-0128, for more information.

See April 27, 2022 letter from LBLS Chair Bernadette R. Lee for more information.

Dear LBLS Board Certified Specialists,

On September 1, 2020, considering the continuing need to take measures to stop the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Supreme Court of Louisiana increased the limitation on “self-study” credits to a maximum of eighteen (18) hours for board certified specialists in 2020. September 1, 2020 Supreme Court of Louisiana Order. The Court increased the “self-study” credits to assist board certified specialists complete their certification requirements for the approved fields of law set forth in the Louisiana State Bar Association Plan of Legal Specialization in 2020.

On January 13, 2021, considering the continuing need to take measures to stop the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Supreme Court of Louisiana again increased the limitation on “self-study” credits to a maximum of eighteen (18) hours for board certified specialists in 2021. January 13, 2021 Supreme Court of Louisiana Order

On February 11, 2022, again considering the continuing need to take measures to stop the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Supreme Court of Louisiana increased “self-study” credits to a maximum of one-half of the required credits for board certified specialists in 2022. In compliance with the February 11, 2022 Supreme Court of Louisiana Order, Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization (“LBLS”) Estate Planning and Administration specialists and Tax Law specialists may earn up to nine (9) approved specialization “self-study” credits on or before December 31, 2022 (one-half of 18 hours). The remaining nine (9) hours of their required 18 hours (one-half) should be “in person attendance.” See Rule 3(d) of Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XXX. Rule XXX - Supreme Court Rules - Louisiana Supreme Court (lasc.org). LBLS Appellate Practice specialists, Family Law specialists, and Health Law specialists may earn up to seven and one-half (7.5) approved specialization “self-study” credits on or before December 31, 2022 (one-half of 15 hours). The remaining seven and one-half (7.5) hours of their required 15 hours (one-half) should be “in person attendance.” LBLS Business Bankruptcy Law specialists and Consumer Bankruptcy Law specialists must satisfy the continuing legal education requirements of the American Board of Certification (“ABC”).

2022 applicants for Estate Planning and Administration and Tax Law specializations may earn up to nine (9) approved specialization “self-study” credits on or before December 31, 2022. The remaining nine (9) hours of their required 18 hours (one-half) should be “in person attendance.” Applicants for Appellate Practice, Employment Law, Family Law, Health Law and Labor Law specializations may earn up to seven and one-half (7.5) approved specialization “self-study” credits on or before December 31, 2022. The remaining seven and one-half (7.5) hours of their required 15 hours should be “in person attendance.” If you have any questions, please contact our Specialization Director, Mary Ann Wegmann, at (504) 619-0128, 1-800-421-5722, or maryann.wegmann@lsba.org

Sincerely Yours,
Bernadette R. Lee, Chair
Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization

LBLS has extended the deadline to pay 2022 LBLS Annual Dues without penalty to March 11, 2022.

The completed original dues notice, together with proof of professional liability insurance and the appropriate fee, should be mailed or delivered to the LBLS office, 601 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130, no later than March 11, 2022 to avoid a penalty assessment.

For more information, please contact LBLS Specialization Director Mary Ann Wegmann, (504)619-0128, email maryann.wegmann@lsba.org.

LBLS has extended the deadline to accept applications for certification in seven (7) specializations — appellate practice, estate planning and administration, employment law, family law, health law, labor law, and tax law -until Friday, March 11, 2022. The LBLS will be accepting applications for business bankruptcy law and consumer bankruptcy law certification from January 1, 2022 through September 30, 2022.

The Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization (“LBLS” or “Board”) is looking for interested bar members who would be willing to serve on the Labor Law Advisory Commission. There are currently vacancies on the Labor Law Advisory Commission. See January 18, 2022 letter from LBLS Chair Bernadette R. Lee for more information. The deadline is February 8, 2022 to submit a CV. The LBLS is also accepting applications in Labor Law and Employment Law specializations through February 28, 2022. Please contact Specialization DirectorMary Ann Wegmann at maryann.wegmann@lsba.org, or 504-619-0128, for more information, and/or if you are interested in receiving an application packet in Employment Law and/or Labor Law specializations.

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Dear LBLS Board Certified Specialists,

On September 1, 2020, considering the continuing need to take measures to stop the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Supreme Court of Louisiana increased the limitation on “self-study” credits to a maximum of eighteen (18) hours for board certified specialists in 2020. September 1, 2020 Supreme Court of Louisiana Order. The Court increased the “self-study” credits to assist board certified specialists complete their certification requirements for the approved fields of law set forth in the Louisiana State Bar Association Plan of Legal Specialization in 2020.

On January 13, 2021, considering the continuing need to take measures to stop the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Supreme Court of Louisiana again increased the limitation on “self-study” credits to a maximum of eighteen (18) hours for board certified specialists in 2021.

In compliance with the January 13, 2021 Supreme Court of Louisiana Order, Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization (“LBLS”) Estate Planning and Administration specialists and Tax Law specialists may earn up to 18 hours of approved specialization “self-study” credits on or before December 31, 2021. LBLS Appellate Practice specialists, Family Law specialists, and Health Law specialists may earn up to 15 hours of approved specialization “self-study” credits on or before December 31, 2021. LBLS Business Bankruptcy Law specialists and Consumer Bankruptcy Law specialists must satisfy the continuing legal education requirements of the American Board of Certification (“ABC”).

On April 27, 2021, the Louisiana Supreme Court amended its January 13, 2021 Order stating: “In addition to lifting the cap on ‘self-study’ credits…attorneys shall be permitted to carry forward a maximum of four (4) 'self-study' credits to compliance year 2022.” Board certified specialists may carry forward up to eight (8) hours of approved specialization credits to 2022, but only four (4) of those hours may be approved specialization “self-study” credits.

If you have any questions, please contact our Specialization Director, Mary Ann Wegmann, at (504) 619-0128, 1-800-421-5722, or maryann.wegmann@lsba.org

Sincerely Yours,
Robert E. Rowe, Chair
Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization

Dear Board Certified Specialists,

On September 1, 2020, considering the continuing need to take measures to stop the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Supreme Court of Louisiana increased the limitation on “self-study” credits to a maximum of eighteen (18) hours for board-certified specialists in 2020. September 1, 2020 Supreme Court of Louisiana Order. The Court increased the “self-study” credits to assist board-certified specialists complete their certification requirements for the approved fields of law set forth in the Louisiana State Bar Association Plan of Legal Specialization in 2020.

On January 13, 2021, considering the continuing need to take measures to stop the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Supreme Court of Louisiana again increased the limitation on “self-study” credits to a maximum of eighteen (18) hours for board-certified specialists in 2021.

In compliance with the January 13, 2021 Supreme Court of Louisiana Order, Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization (“LBLS”) Estate Planning and Administration specialists and Tax Law specialists may earn up to 18 hours of approved specialization “self-study” credits on or before December 31, 2021. LBLS Appellate Practice specialists, Family Law specialists, and Health Law specialists may earn up to 15 hours of approved specialization “self-study” credits on or before December 31, 2021. LBLS Business Bankruptcy Law specialists and Consumer Bankruptcy Law specialists must satisfy the continuing legal education requirements of the American Board of Certification (“ABC”).

If you have any questions, please contact our Specialization Director, Mary Ann Wegmann, at (504) 619-0128, 1-800-421-5722, or maryann.wegmann@lsba.org

Sincerely Yours,
Robert E. Rowe, Chair
Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization

LBLS has extended the deadline to accept applications for certification in five (5) specializations — appellate practice, estate planning and administration, family law, health law, and tax law -until Monday, March 15, 2021. The LBLS will be accepting applications for business bankruptcy law and consumer bankruptcy law certification from January 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. For more information, contact LBLS Specialization Director Mary Ann Wegmann, (504)619-0128, email maryann.wegmann@lsba.org.

The Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization (LBLS) announces that the Appellate Practice Standards, the Bankruptcy Law Standards, the Family Law Standards, the Estate Planning and Administration Standards, and the Tax Law Standards have been amended for 2020. All amendments were approved by the Louisiana State Bar Association’s (LSBA) House of Delegates and Board of Governors at Jan. 18 meetings.

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Dear Board Certified Specialists,

On September 1, 2020, considering the continuing need to take measures to stop the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Supreme Court of Louisiana increased the limitation on “self-study” credits to a maximum of eighteen (18) hours for board-certified specialists. The Court increased the “self-study” credits to assist board-certified specialists complete their certification requirements for the approved fields of law set forth in the Louisiana State Bar Association Plan of Legal Specialization.

In compliance with the September 1, 2020 Supreme Court of Louisiana Order, Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization (“LBLS”) Estate Planning and Administration specialists and Tax Law specialists may earn up to 18 hours of approved specialization “self-study” credits on or before December 31, 2020. LBLS Appellate Practice specialists, Family Law specialists, and Health Law specialists may earn up to 15 hours of approved specialization “self-study” credits on or before December 31, 2020. LBLS Business Bankruptcy Law specialists and Consumer Bankruptcy Law specialists must satisfy the continuing legal education requirements of the American Board of Certification (“ABC”).

If you have any questions, please contact our Specialization Director, Mary Ann Wegmann, at (504) 619-0128, 1-800-421-5722, or maryann.wegmann@lsba.org

Sincerely Yours,
Robert E. Rowe, Chair
Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization

n accordance with the requirements of the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization (LBLS), as set forth in the individual Specialty Standards for each field of legal specialization, board certified attorneys in a specific field of law must meet a minimum CLE requirement for the calendar year ending December 31, 2020. The requirement for each area of specialty is as follows:

• Appellate Practice – 15 hours of approved appellate practice
• Estate Planning and Administration – 18 hours of approved estate planning and administration
• Family Law – 15 hours of approved family law
• Health Law – 15 hours of approved health law
• Tax Law – 18 hours of approved tax law
• Bankruptcy Law – CLE is regulated by the American Board of Certification

The Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization has mailed Recertification Applications to those Specialists whose certification is due to expire on December 31, 2020. The completed application together with a check payable to the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization in the amount of $100 should be forwarded to the LBLS office c/o Mary Ann Wegmann, Specialization Director, 601 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130, no later than Monday, November 2, 2020, to avoid penalties.

If you have any questions, please contact Mary Ann Wegmann, Specialization Director of the LBLS at (504) 619-0128 or email maryann.wegmann@lsba.org.

On April 29, 2020, the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization unanimously approved the following:

In compliance with the April 28, 2020 Supreme Court of Louisiana Order, and in accordance with LBLS Rules 7.4 and 7.9, the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization deems its rules for specialty education amended for “self-study” credits and the limitation on “self-study” credits is increased from 4 hours to 12.5 hours for 2020 only. All specialists may earn up to 12.5 hours of approved specialization “self-study” credits on or before December 31, 2020.

LBLS has extended the deadline to accept applications for certification in five (5) specializations — appellate practice, estate planning and administration, family law, health law, and tax law - until Friday, April 17, 2020. The LBLS will be accepting applications for business bankruptcy law and consumer bankruptcy law certification from January 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020. Please contact Specialization Director Mary Ann Wegmann at maryann.wegmann@lsba.org for further information.

2020 Annual Dues Notices have been mailed to all qualified Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization (LBLS) specialists. The completed original dues notice together with proof of professional liability insurance and the appropriate fee should be mailed or delivered to the LBLS office located at 601 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130, no later than February 28, 2020 to avoid a penalty assessment.

If you have any questions, please contact Mary Ann Wegmann, Specialization Director, Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization, at (504)619-0128, or email maryann.wegmann@lsba.org.

In accordance with the requirements of the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization (LBLS), as set forth in the individual Specialty Standards for each field of legal specialization, board certified attorneys in a specific field of law must meet a minimum CLE requirement for the calendar year ending December 31, 2019.

The LBLS is accepting applications for certification in five (5) specializations — appellate practice, estate planning and administration, family law, health law, and tax law from November 1, 2019 through February 28, 2020. The LBLS will be accepting applications for business bankruptcy law and consumer bankruptcy law certification from January 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020.

In accordance with the requirements of the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization (LBLS), as set forth in the individual Specialty Standards for each field of legal specialization, board certified attorneys in a specific field of law must meet a minimum CLE requirement for the calendar year ending December 31, 2019.

The Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization (LBLS) is accepting applications for business bankruptcy law and consumer bankruptcy law certification from Jan. 1, 2019, through Sept. 30, 2019. Applications are accepted from November 1st to February 28th of each year in appellate practice, estate planning and administration, family law, and tax law. Applications in health law were accepted until March 31, 2019 for the first year of the specialization. The health law application period will open again on November 1st.

2019 Annual Dues Notices have been mailed to all qualified Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization (LBLS) specialists. The completed original dues notice together with proof of professional liability insurance and the appropriate fee should be mailed or delivered to the LBLS office located at 601 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130, no later than February 28, 2019 to avoid a penalty assessment.

In accordance with the requirements of the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization (LBLS), as set forth in the individual Specialty Standards for each field of legal specialization, board certified attorneys in a specific field of law must meet a minimum CLE requirement for the calendar year ending Dec. 31, 2022. To access specialization transcripts, go to: https://www.lsba.org/specialization/. For more information, contact LBLS Specialization Director Mary Ann Wegmann at (504) 619-0128 or email maryann.wegmann@lsba.org.

The Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization (“LBLS”) was established in 1993 by the Louisiana Supreme Court to assist consumers in finding a lawyer who has demonstrated ability and experience in specialized fields of law. To become a board certified specialist, an attorney must be an active member in good standing with the Louisiana State Bar Association, have a minimum of five (5) years of full-time practice, demonstrate substantial experience in the specialty area and pass a written examination. The areas of law for which LBLS is offering board certification are appellate practice, business bankruptcy law, consumer bankruptcy law, employment law, estate planning and administration, family law, health law, labor law, and tax law. 

From November 1, 2022 through February 28, 2023, LBLS will be accepting applications for board certification in appellate practice, employment law, estate planning and administration, family law, health law, labor law, and tax law.  To receive an application, contact Mary Ann Wegmann, Director of the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization, at maryann.wegmann@lsba.org, or telephone 504-619-0128.

Dear Board Certified Specialists and 2023 Applicants,

For the 2023 compliance period ending December 31, 2023, the Supreme Court of Louisiana has set the limitation for “self-study” credits, defined as “computer-based CLE,” at four (4) hours annually (as defined in Rule 3(d) of Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XXX. Rule XXX. “Self-study” or “computer-based CLE” includes interactive live webcasts, webinars, and on-demand recordings. See the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education.

Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization (“LBLS”) Estate Planning and Administration specialists and Tax Law specialists may earn up to four (4) hours of approved specialization “self-study” or “computer-based CLE” credits on or before December 31, 2023. The remaining fourteen (14) hours of their required 18 hours should be “in person attendance.” See Rule 3(d) of Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XXX. Rule XXX. LBLS Appellate Practice specialists, Employment Law specialists, Family Law specialists, and Health Law specialists may earn up to four (4) approved specialization “self-study” or “computer-based CLE” credits on or before December 31, 2023. The remaining eleven (11) hours of their required 15 hours should be “in person attendance.” LBLS Business Bankruptcy Law specialists and Consumer Bankruptcy Law specialists must satisfy the continuing legal education requirements of the American Board of Certification (“ABC”).

2023 applicants for Estate Planning and Administration and Tax Law specializations may earn up to four (4) approved specialization “self-study” or “computer-based CLE” credits on or before December 31, 2023. The remaining fourteen (14) hours of their required 18 hours should be “in person attendance.” Applicants for Appellate Practice, Employment Law, Family Law, Health Law and Labor Law specializations may earn up to four (4) approved specialization “self-study” or “computer-based CLE” credits on or before December 31, 2023. The remaining eleven (11) hours of their required 15 hours should be “in person attendance.”

If you have any questions, please contact our Specialization Director, Mary Ann Wegmann, at (504) 619- 0128, 1-800-421-5722, or maryann.wegmann@lsba.org

Sincerely Yours,
Richard K. Leefe, Chair
Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization

The Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization (“LBLS” or “Board”) is looking for interested bar members who would be willing to serve on the 2023-2024 Labor Law Advisory Commission. Kindly submit your CV no later than May 19, 2023. The term is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2023, and each member shall serve for the term of appointment set by the Board, up to three (3) years. Members may then be eligible to serve a second three (3) year term. See May 2, 2023 letter from LBLS Chair Richard K. Leefe for more information. The duties of members of the Advisory Commission are set forth in LBLS Rule 4.

Please contact Specialization Director Mary Ann Wegmann at maryann.wegmann@lsba.org, or 504-619-0128, for more information.

See May 2, 2023 letter from LBLS Chair Richard K. Leefe for more information.

The Louisiana Board of Legal Specializa­tion (LBLS) is accepting applications for cer­tification in business bankruptcy law and consumer bankruptcy law until Sept. 30, 2023.

In accordance with the Plan of Legal Spe­cialization, a Louisiana State Bar Association member in good standing who has been en­gaged in the practice of law on a full-time basis for a minimum of five years may apply for cer­tification. Further requirements are that, each year, a minimum percentage of the attorney’s practice must be devoted to the area of certi­fication sought, and the attorney must pass a written examination to demonstrate sufficient knowledge, skills and proficiency in the area for which certification is sought and provide five favorable references. Peer review is used to determine that an applicant has achieved recognition as having a level of competence indicating proficient performance handling the usual matters in the specialty field. Refer to the LBLS Bankruptcy Law Standards for a detailed description of the requirements. 

In addition to the above, applicants must meet a minimum CLE requirement for the year in which application is made and the ex­amination is administered. For bankruptcy law, CLE is regulated by the American Board of Certification, the test­ing agency.

With regard to applications for business bankruptcy law and consumer bankruptcy law certification, although the written test(s) is administered by the American Board of Cer­tification, attorneys should apply for approval of the LBLS simultaneously with the testing agency to avoid delay of board certification by the LBLS. Information concerning the Ameri­can Board of Certification will be provided with the application form(s), and can be viewed at https://www.abcworld.org/.

Anyone interested in applying for certifica­tion should contact LBLS Specialization Di­rector Mary Ann Wegmann, email maryann.wegmann@lsba.org, or call (504)619-0128.