What is a Certified Family Law Specialist? To be certified in family law in Arizona, a lawyer must be a member in good standing of the State Bar Association and have practiced law for at least five years while devoting 50 percent of his or her practice to marital and family law. During the past five years the lawyer must have handled a minimum of 25 contested marital and family law cases involving substantial legal and factual issues other than the dissolution of marriage. The lawyer must also have demonstrated substantial involvement and negotiation of settlement agreements. The attorney must pass a comprehensive written examination and peer review and have 50 hours of continuing legal education specific to marital and family law. Of a total State Bar membership of over 14,000, there are approximately 75 Arizona attorneys now Board Certified in Family Law.