Ind. Prof. Cond. Rule 7.4

Specialization

Effective January 1, 2011

(a) A lawyer may communicate the fact that the lawyer does or does not practice in particular

fields of law.

(b) A lawyer admitted to engage in patent practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office may use the designation “Patent Attorney” or a substantially similar designation.

(c) A lawyer engaged in Admiralty practice may use the designation “Admiralty,” “Proctor in

Admiralty” or a substantially similar designation.

(d) A lawyer shall not state or imply that the lawyer is a specialist in a particular field of law,

unless:

(1) The lawyer has been certified as a specialist by an Independent Certifying Organization

accredited by the Indiana Commission for Continuing Legal Education pursuant to Admission and Discipline Rule 30; and,

(2) The certifying organization is identified in the communication.

(e) Pursuant to rule-making powers inherent in its ability and authority to police and regulate

the practice of law by attorneys admitted to practice law in the State of Indiana, the Indiana

Supreme Court hereby vests exclusive authority for accreditation of Independent Certifying

Organizations that certify specialists in legal practice areas and fields in the Indiana Commission for Continuing Legal Education. The Commission shall be the exclusive accrediting

body in Indiana, for purposes of Rule 7.4(d)(1), above; and shall promulgate rules and

guidelines for accrediting Independent Certifying Organizations that certify specialists in legal

practice areas and fields. The rules and guidelines shall include requirements of practice

experience, continuing legal education, objective examination; and, peer review and evaluation, with the purpose of providing assurance to the consumers of legal services that the

attorneys attaining certification within areas of specialization have demonstrated extraordin-

ary proficiency within those areas of specialization. The Supreme Court shall retain review

oversight with respect to the Commission, its requirements, and its rules and guidelines. The

Supreme Court retains the power to alter or amend such requirements, rules and guidelines;

and, to review the actions of the Commission in respect to this Rule 7.4.

Commentary

[1] Paragraph (a) of this Rule permits a lawyer to indicate areas of practice in communications about the lawyer's services. If a lawyer practices only in certain fields, or will

not accept matters except in a specified field or fields, the lawyer is permitted to so indicate.

[2] Paragraph (b) recognizes the long-established policy of the Patent and Trademark

Office for the designation of lawyers practicing before the Office. Paragraph (c) recognizes that designation of Admiralty practice has a long historical tradition associated with

maritime commerce and the federal courts.