Regulating Florida Lawyers

Lawyers are frequently the butt of jokes, called ambulance chasers, greedy, and a number of other things. However, the reality is that lawyers are well-trained individuals who have to answer to authorities designed to ensure that law is properly practiced.

In Florida, lawyers are subject to the rules of The Florida Bar, which is the only agency with the authority to regulate those claiming to be involved in legal practice. But beyond regulating Florida lawyers, The Florida Bar also provides some services that are helpful to the public.

Putting Lawyers To The Test

While other regulatory agencies may simply require that the people they license provide proof of education along with an application, it's a lot harder for Florida lawyers to be able to practice. Florida lawyers must pass an examination to be allowed to practice in Florida, which allows The Florida Bar to ensure that the lawyers admitted to their association are competent enough to practice law.

Beyond this, after a certain amount of time practicing, some Florida lawyers can opt for certification in a field of practice, which is The Florida Bar's way of helping to identify exceptionally talented lawyers for the public.

Monitoring Ethics

Florida lawyers are subject to ethics rules and open to discipline from The Florida Bar if they do not perform their job properly. Because Florida lawyers do require authority given from this agency to practice law, disciplinary actions can come in the form of suspension of ability to practice in Florida.

It serves as a way to ensure that Florida lawyers are acting in the best interest of their clients instead of simply taking their money regardless of the outcome. The Florida Bar keeps information as to what is considered to be a violation of a lawyer's duty for the public and what a person should do if a client is dissatisfied with a Florida lawyer.

Help In Finding Legal Assistance

The Florida Bar not only regulates lawyers, but since they are the regulation authority on Florida lawyers, they do have a comprehensive directory of them for a person seeking legal representation. The flip side of The Florida Bar is that they seek to promote and encourage people to feel comfortable with seeking legal representation, so they have an interest in helping Florida lawyers to find work.

And in addition to that, the previously mentioned Florida Bar certification for more experienced lawyers also serves as a method of further allowing Florida citizens to feel confident in who they go to when they need a lawyer. If you find yourself in need of legal help and are confused about where to go, The Florida Bar is a good place to start your search.