Minneapolis criminal defense attorney, Ryan Garry, what it means to be a Minnesota State Bar Association Certified Criminal Law Specialist. He explains that an MSBA Certified Criminal Law Specialist is an attorney formally certified by the Minnesota State Bar Association. This designation is significant for the public when selecting legal representation, as it distinguishes which attorneys have met the rigorous standards required for certification. To qualify, a lawyer must have substantial jury trial experience and be in good standing with the Bar. The process also requires submission of writing samples to demonstrate strong legal analysis and successful briefing, along with evaluations from judges, opposing counsel, and prosecutors. Because the threshold for certification is high, achieving the designation signals that the attorney is recognized among the most skilled and experienced practitioners in criminal defense.