Certified Specialist

 An attorney must satisfy the following
requirements to be a certified specialist:

1. Pass a written examination

2. Maintain a license to practice law for at least five years

3. Be approved by attorneys, judges or professionals in the specialty field

4. Practice four years in the specialty field

5. Devote 50% of their law practice to the specialty field 

6. Demonstrate integrity, professionalism and a high degree of competence in the specialty field

An attorney may be certified for 10 years, after which time the attorney may apply for re-certification.  The attorney must demonstrate that they meet the requirements of continuing legal education and substantial involvement in the specialty field on an ongoing basis.

Both Buddy Rake and David Catanese are certified specialists in the field of injury and wrongful death.  Buddy Rake was one of the first attorneys certified in the state of Arizona and devotes a majority of his attention to litigation concerning personal injury and wrongful death.