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Accredited Specialist
The Law Institute of Victoria first offered practitioners the option of becoming an Accredited Specialist in 1989. Since that time, Law Society’s of other states (including Queensland) have followed suit. In Queensland the opportunity was first offered in 1995.
Accredited Specialist status in Family Law is a nationally recognised qualification.
To attain Accredited Specialist status, a practitioner must satisfy a number of requirements, including having practised for at least five years and have had substantial involvement in Family Law during that time. References must be obtained from other practitioners who can attest to the Applicant’s knowledge and experience, as well as their practical skills.
There are also rigorous assessment processes which must be undertaken including the provision of examples of the practitioners work, written examinations and video recorded interviews. This process is designed to ensure that the practitioner can perform all tasks required for their area of expertise. The assessment is specifically designed to be challenging both in terms of practical skills and legal knowledge.
Only after satisfying all eligibility criteria and each assessment process is a Solicitor able to be considered an Accredited Specialist in Family Law. Every Accredited Specialist must continue their involvement in their chosen field and undertake additional and specialist professional development each year, in order to retain their status as an Accredited Specialist.
Whilst Solicitors do not have to be an accredited specialist to have significant knowledge and experience in Family Law, accreditation demonstrates that the chosen Solicitor has a high level of legal expertise and extensive practical experience in Family Law.
Abbi BeggsSenior Associate & QLS Accredited Family Law Specialist
