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Certified Trial Specialist The Help You Need When You Need It Most

What is a Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist?

Nashville Attorney and Specialist Stanley A. Davis Advocates for You

Tennessee is home to thousands of lawyers, but fewer than 300 are certified specialists in any area, and even fewer specialize in Civil Trial Advocacy. Attorneys are not required to obtain certification in a legal area to practice. Those who choose to do so must prove themselves experienced and committed to a specific aspect of law. A Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist, for example, must demonstrate substantial experience in the courtroom as well as submit samples of their legal work and pass a written exam. If you retain a Civil Trial Specialist, you know that he or she will go to court for you if necessary, as has the skills necessary to craft and deliver a quality argument on your behalf. Plus, the defense also knows this, meaning that they may be more willing to negotiate outside of court.

Nashville personal injury attorney Stanley A. Davis is a Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist and holds an additional certification in Civil Pre-Trial Advocacy. For the past 28 years, he has specialized in personal injury litigation, which has earned him a spot among the most prolific trial lawyers in Tennessee, as awarded by the Tennessee Jury Verdict Reporter, for multiple consecutive years. Stanley Davis uses his expertise in civil litigation to help his neighbors in Nashville and across Tennessee achieve justice in personal injury claims.

What are the Requirements for a Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist?

The National Board of Legal Specialty Certification (NBLSC) is the organization that oversees the guidelines for specialization. It recognizes qualified applicants for their achievements and experience by awarding specialist certifications. The certification standards are different for each practice area. To become a Civil Trial Specialist, an attorney must demonstrate:

  • Significant practice and good standing. Applicants must provide evidence of bar admission and good standing in their state of practice, as well as five years of experience in their practice area.
  • Substantial experience or involvement in a practice area. This means that at least 30 percent of an attorney’s legal experience and practice must involve civil trial litigation, during the past three years. The lawyer must also have handled at least 100 cases involving taking testimony. There are many additional requirements necessary to prove “substantial” involvement as well. In general, these relate to the number of times the applicant participated in different aspects of a trial, such as witness examinations and opening and closing arguments.
  • Continuing educational experience. An attorney must attend a certain number of legal seminars or classes during the three years prior to application. Teaching or writing books and/or articles also count toward this requirement.
  • Peer review. A lawyer must submit 10 to 12 references from fellow attorneys and judges. These must come from the relevant field of law, and cannot be from present partners, associates or family members.
  • Legal writing. Applicants must submit a sample of their legal writing that is no more than three years old. However, this does not have to be a previously published piece. Trial and appellate briefs as well as certain motions to the court also qualify.
  • Written exam. Finally, an attorney must pass an extensive, day-long exam in order to achieve specialization in a given field.

What are the Advantages of Hiring a Civil Trial Specialist?

Hiring a Civil Trial Specialist does not cost any more than hiring a less experienced lawyer. Nevertheless, having a specialist on your side does provide certain advantages in negotiations with insurance companies and other defendants. Firstly, if your case does go to trial, then you can be confident that your attorney has relevant litigation skills and expertise.

However, your most powerful advantage is having a lawyer who is known to be highly skilled in court. In most personal injury claims, the defendant is an insurance company and their team of attorneys. These defendants understand what Board Certification in Civil Trial Advocacy means, so they know that your lawyer has experience in court. This gives you and your attorney a negotiating clout. If the defense knows that your lawyer will not back down from a trial and has a history of success in litigation, then they may be more willing to negotiate a fair settlement out of court.

Need Legal Help? Contact Civil Trial Specialist Stanley Davis Today

After a car crash, trucking accident or other injury, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other damages. A Civil Trial Specialist like Nashville personal injury attorney Stanley A. Davis can help ensure you get the recovery you deserve in a fair settlement or jury verdict. A Board Certified Specialist must maintain high ethical and professional standards, which are to your advantage in civil matters.

If you have questions about personal injury claims or specializations, then contact our Nashville law firm today. Stanley Davis can explain your legal options in a free initial consultation.

Your Success Is Our Success

Real Injuries. Real Recoveries.


  • $325,000 Settlement Rear-End Collision

    A young 32-year-old woman was carefully and cautiously proceeding on I-24 in Nashville, Tennessee when she was rear-ended by the Defendant driver.  She suffered damages to her shoulder requiring surgical repair and had significant preexisting injuries which were aggravated by this crash.

  • $425,000 Recovered Premises Liability

    A middle-aged man sustained injuries on the premises of a retail store in Tennessee due to the defendant’s negligence. This injured man was diagnosed with a bulging disc in his neck and suffered headaches.

  • $1.5 Million Verdict Failure to Yield

    The victim was injured when the defendant failed to yield the right of way, causing him to suffer a ruptured disc in his lower back. Nashville auto accident attorney Stanley A. Davis prosecuted the claim and obtained this verdict for the victim.

  • $182,260 Verdict Soft-Tissue Injuries

    Nashville personal injury attorney Stanley A. Davis gained his client a jury verdict for soft tissue injury sustained in a car accident. The client had approximately $20,000.00 in medical bills, along with lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

  • $120,000 Verdict Spine Injury

    A woman who was 15 weeks pregnant, with a history of back and neck problems, was involved in a car accident. She had abdominal and spinal pain after the crash. A week of monitoring determined that her unborn child was fine.

  • $339,163 Verdict Rear-End Collision

    A radiology technician was traveling on Charlotte Avenue in Nashville, Tennessee and while stopped in traffic he was rear-ended by the Defendant.  It was a moderate impact and his vehicle sustained a significant amount of bumper damage.

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  • "Stanley Davis is an excellent attorney."
    Attorney Davis came through for me at a very difficult time in my life. I am truly grateful for him and his staff and would highly recommend his services. Even when my case was settled, the professional and friendly relationship didn’t end.
    Madelene G.
  • "I highly recommend and would not trust anyone else!"
    I recommend anyone to this firm as they treat you like a human being and not a number. I was clueless about the law in these situations... They took care of me more than I even imagined.
    Christina R.
  • "Highly Recommend"
    Mr Davis helped me on my case. He and his staff were very friendly and professional. I would definitely recommend Davis Law Firm to work your personal injury case for you!
    Nashwa N.
  • "I highly recommend this company."
    Stan and his team were great! When I had my accident I got caught up with solicitors, they did a great job getting me out. Stan handled my case with care and got me the max with my settlement.
    Breasia S.
  • "The Absolute Best Attorney in Nashville"
    Stan and his team have a "never give up" attitude and always put your best interest above their bottom line. This isn't your typical law firm. They're just good, honest people fighting to make sure you get what you deserve from your case.
    Geoff H.
  • "Stan Davis and his staff are beyond amazing!"
    The time and effort they put into my case blew my mind. Any questions, concerns, reservations, or fears I had they laid them to rest as well as provided me with reassurance.
    Nikki R.
  • "Look no further, Stanley A Davis and his team are here for YOU!"
    Stan and his team treated me like family. The communication, respect, and care for their clients here are incomparable.  I wasn’t just a number here. I was their client, their friend. They are top-notch.
    Zoraida P.
  • "The firm offers a phenomenal experience and staff."
    Circumstances regarding personal injury are unpleasant and uncomfortable. Contacting the firm granted expertise and reassurance. If I ever had to use a personal injury lawyer again, I would call the Law Office of Stan Davis.
    Jolene D.