Ruth-Ann Toups has earned the designation of Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Of the over 120,000 licensed attorneys in Texas only 672 are Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law. Ruth-Ann is also a Certified Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation, which is recognized as a board certification. There are 28 CELAs in Texas. Only 11 attorneys, including Ruth-Ann, hold both board certifications.
Per the Texas Board of Legal Specialization “Board Certification is a mark of excellence and a distinguished accomplishment within the Texas legal community.” To earn this certification, Ruth-Ann had to demonstrate substantial involvement in the areas of estate planning and probate law by submitting an application summarizing the number and types of cases she has handled. In addition to substantial involvement, board certification applicants must also show extensive continuing legal education credits and provide peer references with at least one judicial reference. If an applicant proves their experience, continuing education, and peer references are sufficient, then they must pass a rigorous examination. Finally, board certified attorneys must maintain these qualifications and submit to recertifications.
Ruth-Ann is also a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) by the National Elder Law Foundation, which is the only organization who can certify elder law attorneys. A CELA must have several years of work in the discipline and pass a rigorous examination to prove her knowledge of tax, public benefits, trust, and other disciplines comprising elder law. CELAs are required to update their skills and knowledge throughout their careers and are subject to peer review.
This rare designation as Double Board Certified demonstrates not only Ruth-Ann’s depth of knowledge and experience, but also her commitment to the practice of Estate Planning, Probate, and Elder Law.
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