Certified Family Law Specialist

When you’re facing a divorce, custody dispute, or support case in California, the letters after your attorney’s name can tell you a lot about their depth of experience.

A Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) is a title the State Bar of California grants only after an attorney passes a rigorous written specialty exam, proves substantial hands-on family law experience, and clears a peer review process involving judges and other attorneys. It is one of only eleven legal specialties the State Bar certifies directly, and attorneys who have not earned it may not advertise themselves as “specialists” under California law.

Stephane Quinn and David Dworakowski, the founding partners of Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, are both Certified Family Law Specialists serving Orange County families from their Irvine office. Call (949) 660-1400 to schedule a case strategy consultation with a board-certified specialist.

What is a “Certified Family Law Specialist”?

Only attorneys certified by the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California may represent themselves as Family Law Specialists certified by the State Bar of California.

Attorney Stephane Quinn and Attorney David Dworakowski have both been designated as “Certified Family Law Specialists” by the State Bar of California.

Both attorneys hold a second, even rarer credential: David Dworakowski is also a Certified Appellate Law Specialist, and Stephane Quinn has been designated a Certified Appellate Specialist by the California Board of Legal Specialization, giving clients trial-level and appellate-level strategy from the same certified team.

To qualify as a Certified Family Law Specialist an attorney must:

• Be an active member in good standing of the State Bar of California.
• Pass a written examination covering all aspects of California Family.
• Have substantial experience in the field of Family Law.
• Complete specified approved legal education requirements applicable to the Family Law field.
• Be favorably evaluated by judges and other attorneys concerning his or her knowledge, ability and experience in the practice of Family Law.
• Certification by the Board of Legal Specialization is for a five-year period. Recertification for additional five-year periods does not require further examination but does require continuing compliance with other listed standards such as reporting 36 hours of educational compliance every three years. Certification gives lawyers the opportunity to make their experience and practice specialty known to the public and other attorneys. By continued compliance with the listed requirements, a Certified Family Law Specialist maintains and improves his or her knowledge and competence in the Family Law field.
• Names and addresses of all Board Certified Family Law Specialists may be obtained from the office of the Board of Legal Specialization, State Bar of California. 180 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, or via phone at 415-538-2000. Specialist status is also noted on the State Bar’s website in the Attorney Search.
• Certified Family Law Specialist note their certification on all legal pleadings with the abbreviation “CFLS,” after their names.

Only attorneys board certified in family law can advertise or identify themselves as “certified specialists” in California for that field.

Why Hire a Certified Family Law Specialist for Your Orange County Case?

A general practice attorney may take on a handful of divorce or custody cases each year. A Certified Family Law Specialist has spent at least five years, with a quarter of that time in family law matters such as child custody, child and spousal support, property division, and restraining orders, then proven that record to the State Bar of California.

Most Orange County family law cases, including those filed by our Irvine clients, are heard at the Lamoreaux Justice Center in Orange, and having a CFLS who regularly appears there means your case strategy is led by an attorney whose family law knowledge has already been independently verified, not just self-described.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a Certified Family Law Specialist in California?

An attorney generally needs at least five years of law practice, with a quarter of that time in family law, before the State Bar allows them to sit for the specialty exam. Certification then runs in five-year terms and requires ongoing continuing education to renew.

Is a Certified Family Law Specialist different from a regular family law attorney?

Yes. Only attorneys who pass the State Bar’s certification exam, meet its experience requirements, and receive favorable evaluations from judges and peers may legally call themselves a “Certified Family Law Specialist” in California.

Does hiring a Certified Family Law Specialist cost more than hiring a general attorney?

Not necessarily. Fees depend on case complexity and the firm, not certification status alone, so it’s worth asking about rates during your initial consultation.

How can I verify an attorney’s Certified Family Law Specialist status?

You can look up any California attorney’s certification status for free through the State Bar’s Attorney Search tool, or by contacting the Board of Legal Specialization directly. For example, both Stephane Quinn’s and David Dworakowski’s active certifications are listed there.

Schedule Your Case Strategy Consultation

Call (949) 660-1400 or use the contact form on this page to schedule a case strategy consultation with a Certified Family Law Specialist.

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