Certifications & Honors

Florida Bar

H. Manuel Hernández is dual Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Criminal Trial Law and Criminal Appellate Law, and is also Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Criminal Trial Advocate.

To assist you in finding the best possible lawyer, the Supreme Court of Florida directed The Florida Bar to offer a "Board Certification" program for Florida Bar members. The program is designed to help the public make an informed decision when seeking and selecting a lawyer. While all lawyers are allowed to advertise, only certified attorneys are allowed to identify themselves as "Florida Bar Board Certified," as a "specialist", or as an "expert." Certification is the highest level of recognition by The Florida Bar of the competency and experience of attorneys in the areas of law approved for certification by the Supreme Court of Florida. A lawyer who is a member in good standing of The Florida Bar and who meets the standards prescribed by the state's Supreme Court, may become a "Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer" or "Board Certified Criminal Appellate Lawyer." Certified lawyers in criminal trial law are involved in investigation, evaluation, pleading, discovery, taking of testimony, presentation of evidence, and argument of jury and nonjury cases. Every lawyer certified in criminal trial law has practiced law on a full-time basis for at least five years.

To become certified the lawyer must have handled 25 criminal appeals. Each criminal appellate certified lawyer has had substantial involvement -- 30 percent or more -- in the practice of criminal appellate law during the three years immediately preceding application. Each certified lawyer must also have passed peer review, completed 45 hours of continuing legal education within three years preceding application and passed a written examination demonstrating knowledge, skills and proficiency in the field of criminal trial law to justify the representation of special competence. Board certification is valid for five years, during which time the attorney must continue to practice law and attend Florida Bar-approved continuing legal education courses.

To be recertified, requirements similar to those for initial certification must be met. Not all qualified lawyers are certified, but those who are board certified have taken the extra step to have their competence and experience recognized. Criminal Law (Trial and Appellate) Certification was approved by the Supreme Court of Florida in 1987. The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education operates under the authority of the Supreme Court of Florida. The certification program and any supporting materials or activities are not funded by the general revenues of The Florida Bar.

National Board of Trial Advocacy

NBTA Certification - The standards set forth by the Board of Directors are challenging and meaningful. NBTA is a voluntary certification. It is not a requirement to practice law and, therefore, any lawyer who has taken the extra time and effort to achieve this credential can be justifiably proud. A consumer of legal services who chooses an NBTA member can be sure of obtaining a highly experienced trial law practitioner.

Martindale Hubbell

A Martindale Hubbell AV Rating shows that a lawyer has reached the height of professional excellence. He or she has usually practiced law for many years, and is recognized for the highest levels of skill and integrity.

The Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

The Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers is a unique listing of the legal community's most distinguished professionals.  The guide was created over 90 years ago and includes only law firms that have achieved the highest rating in the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory. The Bar Register contains over 8,900 listings that are updated and verified each year by the entrants.

Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers magazine names attorneys in each state who have received the highest degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

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H. MANUEL HERNANDEZ, P.A.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 916692, Longwood, Florida 32791
By Appointment Only: 37 N. Orange Avenue, Suite 500, Orlando, FL 32801
407-682-5553