We are excited to announce that a California licensed bankruptcy attorney Kateryna Bilenka has also been certified as a specialist in Bankruptcy Law by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization.

What does this mean?  The state of California has more than 200,000 licensed attorneys, thousands of whom handle bankruptcy cases.  As of May 1, 2020, however, there were approximately 60 certified bankruptcy specialists in the Los Angeles County and approximately 200 certified bankruptcy specialists in the entire state of California.

The State Bar of California certifies attorneys as bankruptcy specialists who have gone beyond the standard licensing requirements.  This is the highest degree of certification in the area of the bankruptcy law.  According to the State Bar of California, the legal specialization program was adopted to provide a method for attorneys to earn the designation of certified specialist in particular areas of law, increase public protection and encourage attorney competence.

In order to become a Certified Bankruptcy Specialist, the State Bar of California program for certifying bankruptcy specialists requires already licensed California attorneys to:

Successfully pass a written examination in the area of the bankruptcy law;

Practice law continuously for at least 5 years, devoting at least 25 percent of their practice to bankruptcy law;

Complete a significant number of legal education courses in the area of the bankruptcy law; and Obtain favorable peer evaluations.

Attorneys certified as legal specialists are also required to regularly apply for recertification.  This requirement clearly ensures that attorneys are held to rigorous professional and ethical standards associated with the certification.

There are many advantages of working with a Certified Bankruptcy Specialist. It is always important to keep in mind that bankruptcy law is a complex area of law and that bankruptcy is a specialty. The referenced certification evidences that the attorney has extensive knowledge, expertise, dedication and a stellar reputation in the legal community. Learn what a certified specialist can do for you.