State Bar of California
Board of Legal Specialization
Why You Should Only Trust a Certified Specialist with Your Sacramento Estate
Fewer than 1% of California attorneys hold a Certified Specialist designation. Dustin MacFarlane is one of them — formally certified by the State Bar in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law.
Quick Answer
A California Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law has passed a State Bar written examination, demonstrated years of focused practice, received peer review from judges and attorneys, and maintains ongoing certification requirements. Fewer than 1% of California attorneys hold this designation. Most attorneys who "do" estate planning are general practitioners without this formal vetting.
What It Takes to Become a California Certified Specialist
The State Bar certification process is rigorous. Here is exactly what every Certified Specialist must complete:
Rigorous Written Examination
Candidates must pass a comprehensive written examination administered by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. The exam covers all aspects of California estate planning law, trust law, probate procedure, tax implications, and ethical requirements for estate planning attorneys. Many candidates take the exam multiple times before passing.
Demonstrated Substantial Involvement
Applicants must document years of substantial involvement in estate planning, trust, and probate law — not just occasional work. This means a significant percentage of their active practice must be devoted to this specialty. Attorneys who dabble in estate planning while primarily practicing in other areas do not qualify.
Peer Review & Judicial References
Candidates must submit references from other attorneys and judges who have directly observed their work in estate planning and probate matters. These references evaluate the attorney's competence, ethical standards, and professional conduct. The State Bar independently contacts and verifies these references.
Ongoing Continuing Education
Certification is not permanent. Certified Specialists must complete ongoing continuing legal education in their specialty area and go through a renewal process to maintain the designation. This ensures that certified attorneys stay current with changes in California law, IRS regulations, and court decisions that affect estate planning.
Certified Specialist vs. General Practitioner
| What Matters to You | Certified Specialist | General Practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Formal State Bar vetting | ✅ Required | ❌ Not required |
| Written exam on CA estate law | ✅ Must pass | ❌ Not required |
| Peer review by judges & attorneys | ✅ Required | ❌ Not required |
| Years of focused practice required | ✅ Documented | ❌ No minimum |
| Ongoing recertification | ✅ Required | ❌ Not required |
| Depth in trust funding & Prop 19 | ✅ Specialized knowledge | ⚠️ Varies widely |
| Familiarity with Placer County probate court | ✅ Direct experience | ⚠️ May be limited |
Common Questions
What is a California Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law?
Quick Answer
A Certified Specialist is an attorney who has been formally certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization in a specific area of law. To become a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law, an attorney must: (1) pass a written examination covering all aspects of California estate planning and probate law, (2) demonstrate substantial involvement in the specialty — typically years of active practice, (3) receive favorable evaluations from other attorneys and judges who have observed their work, and (4) complete ongoing continuing education requirements to maintain certification..
A Certified Specialist is an attorney who has been formally certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization in a specific area of law. To become a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law, an attorney must: (1) pass a written examination covering all aspects of California estate planning and probate law, (2) demonstrate substantial involvement in the specialty — typically years of active practice, (3) receive favorable evaluations from other attorneys and judges who have observed their work, and (4) complete ongoing continuing education requirements to maintain certification.
How rare is the Certified Specialist designation?
Quick Answer
Fewer than 1% of California-licensed attorneys hold a Certified Specialist designation in any area of law. In estate planning, trust, and probate law specifically, the number is even smaller relative to the total number of attorneys who practice in this area.
Fewer than 1% of California-licensed attorneys hold a Certified Specialist designation in any area of law. In estate planning, trust, and probate law specifically, the number is even smaller relative to the total number of attorneys who practice in this area. Most attorneys who handle wills and trusts are general practitioners — they are not specialists and have not been tested or peer-reviewed in this specific area.
Why does it matter if my estate planning attorney is a Certified Specialist?
Quick Answer
Estate planning involves some of the most consequential legal documents you will ever sign. A mistake in your trust, a missing power, or an improperly executed document can cost your family tens of thousands of dollars and years of litigation.
Estate planning involves some of the most consequential legal documents you will ever sign. A mistake in your trust, a missing power, or an improperly executed document can cost your family tens of thousands of dollars and years of litigation. A Certified Specialist has been independently verified — by the State Bar, by fellow attorneys, and by judges — to have the knowledge and experience to handle these matters correctly. A general practitioner who "also does" estate planning may lack the depth to catch the issues that matter most.
How do I verify that an attorney is a Certified Specialist in California?
Quick Answer
You can verify any California attorney's Certified Specialist status through the State Bar of California website at calbar.ca.gov — search for the attorney's name and look for the "Certified Specialist" designation in their profile. Dustin MacFarlane's State Bar number is 262162.
You can verify any California attorney's Certified Specialist status through the State Bar of California website at calbar.ca.gov — search for the attorney's name and look for the "Certified Specialist" designation in their profile. Dustin MacFarlane's State Bar number is 262162. The Board of Legal Specialization website also lists all currently certified specialists by practice area.
Verify Dustin MacFarlane's Certification
State Bar of California Number: 262162
Verify on the California State Bar website ↗Work with a Certified Specialist
Your estate plan is too important to leave to a general practitioner. Speak directly with Dustin MacFarlane — one of the few California Certified Specialists in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law.