Why Board Certification is the Gold Standard for Your Maritime Claim
Expertise is not a marketing term; it is a legal distinction. In the State of Florida, an attorney cannot call themselves a “specialist” or an “expert” unless they have achieved the highest level of evaluation by The Florida Bar: Board Certification. At Brais Law Firm, founding partner Keith Brais has been Board Certified in Admiralty & Maritime Law since 1996, a distinction held by only a fraction of 1% of Florida attorneys.
What is a Board Certified Maritime Specialist?
Board certification is the Florida Bar’s highest evaluation of an attorney’s competency and experience. To become a Board Certified Specialist (B.C.S.) in Admiralty & Maritime Law, an attorney must:
- Pass a Rigorous Examination: A comprehensive test of knowledge regarding the Jones Act, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), and General Maritime Law.
- Undergo Peer Review: Evaluation by fellow lawyers and judges who attest to the attorney’s ethics, professionalism, and superior skill.
- Demonstrate Substantial Involvement: Proof of extensive trial experience and a career dedicated specifically to maritime litigation.
- Commit to Ongoing Education: Meeting strict continuing legal education requirements to stay at the forefront of maritime law.
Keith Brais didn’t just meet these standards; he helped set them. Having passed the very first Florida Bar certification exam in this field, he has maintained this elite status for over 25 years.
The “Brais Advantage”: A Marine Engineer’s Perspective
What sets Brais Law Firm apart from other board-certified firms is Keith Brais’s background prior to the law. Before becoming a trial attorney, Keith:
- Graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a B.S. in Marine Engineering.
- Held three U.S. Coast Guard Licenses.
- Spent seven years working offshore on oil rigs and commercial vessels.
Why this matters for your case: Most lawyers have to hire experts to explain how a ship’s engine works or why a deck was unsafe. Keith Brais has lived it. He speaks the language of the crew, understands the mechanics of the vessel, and can identify negligence that other “maritime lawyers” miss.
Why Your Choice of Attorney Matters
Maritime law is governed by unique federal statutes and centuries-old international treaties. A general personal injury lawyer may not understand the nuances of:
- Maintenance and Cure benefits for injured seamen.
- The Limitation of Liability Act, which shipowners use to avoid paying claims.
- Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) complexities.
By hiring a Board Certified Admiralty & Maritime Specialist, you are ensuring that your legal representation has been vetted by the Florida Supreme Court for excellence in this specific, highly technical field.
See Why So Many People Trust Brais Law Firm
Recognized Authority in Maritime Litigation
Our firm’s expertise is recognized nationally by the most prestigious legal organizations:
- AV Preeminent Rated (Martindale-Hubbell) – The highest level of professional excellence.
- Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum – Fewer than 1% of U.S. lawyers are members.
- Best Lawyers in America – Consistently recognized for Admiralty and Maritime Law.
- Over $100 Million Recovered for injured passengers and crew members.
FAQ’s about Board Certification
Q: Does it cost more to hire a Board Certified lawyer?
No. At Brais Law Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis. You get the benefit of a Board Certified Specialist without any upfront costs.
Q: How many lawyers are Board Certified in Maritime Law?
Very few. Out of over 100,000 lawyers in Florida, only a small group specializes in Admiralty and Maritime law to this degree.
Q: Can I verify an attorney’s certification?
Yes. We encourage you to visit the Florida Bar’s website to verify Keith Brais’s standing as a Board Certified Specialist.
Protect Your Rights with a Proven Expert
If you or a loved one has been injured at sea, do not settle for a general practitioner. Put the power of a Board Certified Specialist and a former Marine Engineer on your side. Contact us today! Phone Number: (305) 709-4117.