Michael E. Clark of Baker Donelson has successfully achieved recertification with the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) as a criminal trial advocate.

The NBTA was formed out of a strong conviction that both the law profession and its clients would benefit from an organization designed specifically to create an objective set of standards illustrating an attorney's experience in the practice of trial law. All NBTA board certified attorneys must successfully complete a screening process that includes demonstration of substantial trial experience, submission of judicial and peer references to attest to their competency, attendance of continuing legal education courses and proof of good standing.

Mr. Clark is part of a growing number of trial attorneys who have illustrated their commitment to bettering the legal profession by successfully completing a rigorous application process and providing the consumer of legal services with an objective measure by which to choose qualified and experienced legal counsel.

Mr. Clark, who is of counsel in Baker Donelson's Houston office, has a wide variety of experience assisting clients in matters involving complex civil and criminal fraud allegations, contract and business disputes, and white collar defense of environmental, health care fraud, securities and commodities fraud, and tax cases. He has served as lead counsel in more than 100 jury trials and handled dozens of appeals.

Mr. Clark earned his undergraduate degree in English from the University of Texas, Arlington. He is a graduate of South Texas College of Law – Houston (J.D.) and the University of Houston Law Center (LL.M.). Mr. Clark, who is licensed to practice in Texas and Hawaii (inactive), is a member of various bar organizations, including the American Bar Association, where he is a past chair of the Health Law Section, among other positions. He has published extensively, including his service as editor-in-chief of Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Law: Regulation of Research, Development, and Marketing (BNA Bloomberg Books/ABA Health Law Section, 2d Ed.).

Board Certification, the only distinction awarded by non-profit organizations, is the highest, most stringent, and most reliable honor an attorney can achieve. Board certifying organizations such as the NBTA are committed to safeguarding the public's ability to choose a good attorney. Approximately three percent of American lawyers are board certified, and Mr. Clark is a member of a very select group who has taken the time to prove competence in their specialty area and earn board certification.