The Trust & Estate Specialty Board (TESB) is an independent certifying organization approved by the Indiana Office of Admissions and Continuing Education within the Indiana State Bar Association (ISBA). The TESB, not the Indiana Judicial Branch, oversees the trust and estate specialization certification program and certified specialists. For more information about the TESB, including current members, click here.
Board Certification
The trust and estate specialization certification program is designed to recognize Indiana attorneys who have achieved a distinguished level of experience and expertise in their field and to advance professionalism and civility in the area of trust and estate law.
Board certification in trust and estate law is a voluntary, individual credential that recognizes Indiana attorneys who have exceeded basic competence and demonstrate extraordinary knowledge and skill, strengthening the practice of law and enhancing the state’s legal profession in this practice area.
Value of Certification
Certification offers both clients and fellow lawyers a trusted way to identify an attorney who possesses specialized expertise for complex trust and estate matters. It can also strengthen a lawyer’s practice by encouraging deeper engagement with continuing education and professional standards in the field.
Eligibility and Application
Certification is earned by passing a rigorous exam, meeting defined practice standards, and receiving favorable evaluations from peers and judges familiar with the attorney’s work. This credential signals a documented depth of expertise specifically in trust and estate matters. Detailed eligibility standards and information about upcoming application periods can be found here.
Certification Renewal
An awarded certification is valid for five years. To renew and remain in good standing, certified specialists must continue meeting the practice and continuing education standards set by the TESB. This ongoing accountability helps ensure that certified attorneys keep pace with developments in trust and estate law and continue to merit the confidence the credential is meant to convey. For specific recertification requirements, refer to the TESB Plan for Trust & Estate Specialty Certification and the TESB Rules, Policies and Regulations, available here.