Many lawyers with the significant experiences in the defense of drug-related cases find that they are spending a good deal of time in municipal courts. While in those courts, these lawyers quickly learned that some of their colleagues are not truly serving their clients best interest because they fail to appreciate some of the more important issues associated with the prosecution of drug cases.

Recently, a study commissioned by New Jersey’s Supreme Court has recommended that municipal law practice should be added to the list of practices where lawyers can obtain special certifications. Currently, lawyers can obtain certifications for criminal work, civil work, workmen's compensation claims and family law.  Lawyers certified by the Supreme Court to practice in these areas of law are able to advertise as specialist in the field and to send referral fees to other lawyers.

The study looked to a number of considerations in making the recommendation to certify municipal court practioners.  First, it was determined that the certification process would educate the public and improve the quality of municipal court practice. Second, the court also recognize that a significant number of attorneys are now soliciting “unwary litigants" in municipal court and that consumers need some protection from lawyers who do not have necessary skills or qualifications to protect the client.

An attorney seeking certification in municipal court will have to show that he/she has participated in at least 10 trials, six of which have to be in defense of drunk driving cases.  The lawyer must also produce references, continue his/her legal education and obtain recertification periodically.