Rule 6-15.3 - MINIMUM STANDARDS(a) Minimum Period of Practice. The applicant must have been engaged in the practice of law for at least 5 years preceding the date of application.(b) Substantial Involvement. The applicant must demonstrate substantial involvement in the practice of immigration and nationality law during the 3 years immediately preceding the application date. Substantial involvement means that the applicant has devoted 40 percent or more of the applicant's practice to matters in which issues of immigration and nationality law are significant factors and in which the applicant had substantial and direct participation in those issues. Matters in which issues of immigration and nationality law are significant factors include, but are not limited to, the representation of clients before: (1) the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Customs and Border Patrol, or Immigration and Customs Enforcement through either the preparation of petitions and applications for immigration benefits and discretionary relief or the appearance as counsel at deferred inspections, adjustment of status, and other interviews;(2) the Executive Office for Immigration Review during exclusion, deportation, removal, asylum only, bond proceedings, and appeals;(3) the Department of Labor through the preparation of Labor Certification Applications, Labor Condition Applications, and other Department of Labor applications, petitions, and processes required in the Immigration and Nationality Act as a prerequisite for immigration benefits;(4) the Department of State in matters pertaining to the consular processing of visa applications; and(5) United States district courts and United States courts of appeals in matters of original and appellate jurisdiction concerning immigration and nationality matters. The immigration and nationality certification committee may waive the 3 years immediately preceding the application date requirement for good cause shown.
(c) Peer Review. The applicant must submit the names and addresses of 5 lawyers to complete peer review forms who are neither relatives nor current associates or partners, as references to attest to the applicant's reputation for substantial involvement and competence in the field of immigration and nationality law, as well as the applicant's character, ethics, and reputation for professionalism. At least 1 reference must be board certified in immigration and nationality law. The immigration and nationality law certification committee may authorize references from nonlawyers.(d) Education. The applicant must complete 50 credit hours of approved continuing legal education in immigration and nationality law during the 3-year period immediately preceding the application date. Accreditation of educational hours is subject to policies established by the immigration and nationality law certification committee or the board of legal specialization and education.(e) Examination. The applicant must pass a written examination designed to demonstrate sufficient knowledge, skills, proficiency, and professionalism in the field of immigration and nationality law to justify the representation of special competence to the legal profession and the public.Added Sept. 1, 1994 (641 So.2d 1327); amended by Board of Governors on 10/3/2008, effective 10/3/2008; amended and effective 12/4/2020 by The Florida Bar Board of Governors.