Choosing a trial attorney should not be based only upon an interview, reputation or recommendations. While these sources can be invaluable, there is another option. Board Certification.In light of the self appraisals attorneys generally state to create trust in a lawyer's competence, consider, as patients do when choosing a physician, Board Certification as an objective means of demonstrating competence. michael j lebow has been Board Certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy since 1991 and has been recertified every five years since. NBTA certification is your assurance that a rigorous review of your attorney's abilities. NBTA board certified attorneys submit to a secondary bar type exam, show proof of trial experience and submit written submissions for review. In addition, to meet the standards of the NBTA, an applicant must provide recommendations from the bench and bar that confirm he has demonstrated specialized competence as a trial attorney. The United States Supreme Court has stated: "NBTA certification has been described as a "highly-structured" and "arduous process that employs a wide range of assessment methods."... After reviewing NBTA's procedures, the Supreme Court of Minnesota found that "NBTA applies a rigorous and exacting set of standards and examinations on a national scale before certifying a lawyer as a trial specialist." [and that a another state] Supreme Court also stated "a certification of specialty by NBTA would indicate a level of expertise with regard to trial advocacy in excess of the level of expertise required for admission to the bar generally. Peel v. Atty. Registration & Disciplinary Comm'n, 496 U.S. 91, 96 (1990). michael lebow has served as the 2004-2005 President of the NBTA and has many years of board service.Scores of trials, bench and jury, have yielded settlements and verdicts over $1,000,000.00, and defense victories as well. He has earned the distinction of representing judges, attorneys and successful businesses in a variety of litigation. In addition to board certification, michael lebow has received numerous professional awards and achievements such as:* 2006, 2007, 2008 Super Lawyer designation.* 2007 National Business Litigation Super Lawyer* 2007, Fellow of The American Academy of Trial Counsel. (2,500 Fellows, nationwide)* 2007, Fellow, American Trial Lawyers Association* 2001, Fellow, State Bar of Michigan (Membership limited to 5% of Bar. Nomination and election by Fellows only)* "AV" Rating by Martindale-Hubbell (highest possible peer rating for skills and ethics)michael lebow is admitted in Michigan, the United States District and Bankruptcy Courts for the Eastern District of Michigan, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court and has been admitted pro hac vice in many courts.