Certified Specialist SBA: what does the title guarantee?
An official specialisation title
The title of "Certified Specialist SBA" (avocat spécialiste FSA / Fachanwalt SAV) is awarded by the Swiss Bar Association (SBA), the umbrella organisation of the profession. It certifies that a lawyer has substantial practical experience and advanced training in a defined field of law, validated according to the SBA's requirements.
Covered specialisation fields notably include employment law, family law, criminal law, construction and real estate law, inheritance law, liability and insurance law, and tax law.
What the title guarantees, and what it does not say
The title guarantees a verified foundation: a significant number of cases handled in the field, specialised training and up-to-date knowledge. It is a useful marker, especially for complex matters where specialisation makes the difference.
Conversely, the absence of the title does not mean a lawyer is not specialised: many experienced practitioners concentrate their work on one or two fields without having pursued certification. The title is a reliable positive signal, not an exclusion criterion.
Frequently asked questions
Who awards the Certified Specialist SBA title?
The Swiss Bar Association (SBA), the umbrella organisation of Swiss lawyers, according to its own practice and training requirements in each specialisation field.
Can a lawyer without the SBA title be competent in a field?
Yes. Many experienced lawyers concentrate their practice on a few fields without pursuing certification. The title is a reliable positive signal, but its absence is not an exclusion criterion.
How do I know whether a lawyer is a Certified Specialist SBA?
The title usually appears on the firm's website and in the lawyer's communications. In case of doubt, the SBA and the cantonal bar associations can confirm it.