Credentials & Recognition
Recognized by Peers, the Bar, and the Bench
Attorney Milligan holds professional credentials that very few California civil trial lawyers have earned. Each represents serious peer review, sustained practice, and demonstrated trial capability.
Specialist in Civil Trial Advocacy
State Bar of California
Recognition by the State Bar of California as a Certified Specialist means demonstrated, tested expertise in civil litigation. Very few attorneys achieve this distinction, which involves a separate examination and peer evaluations. For clients, it is reassurance that their lawyer is officially recognized as highly proficient in handling complex trial work.
Board Certified, Civil Trial
National Board of Trial Advocacy — recertified December 20, 2020
The NBTA's Board Certification is recognized nationwide as a hallmark of high-level trial capability. Lawyers earning it pass strict screening, peer review, and must have extensive courtroom experience. Recertification proves a sustained commitment to ethics and skill.
Ranked Associate, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
ABOTA membership is by invitation only, reserved for trial lawyers who meet strict qualifications for number of jury trials and professional integrity. Fewer than 10% of attorneys nationwide qualify. Being a Ranked Associate means judges and peers recognize a proven ability in the courtroom and respect for the civil jury trial system.
Master Advocate
National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA)
NITA is known for its rigorous, hands-on training in courtroom skills. Earning the status of Master Advocate reflects extensive focus on mastering trial advocacy — jury selection, cross-examination, and arguments structured to clearly tell a client's story.
AV Preeminent Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
An AV Preeminent rating is the highest mark Martindale-Hubbell awards, based on peer reviews of both legal skill and ethical standards. Earning "AV" signifies preeminent standing in the legal profession.
Super Lawyer (2016 to Present)
Super Lawyers is a peer-rating service recognizing outstanding lawyers with high degrees of peer recognition and professional achievement. Repeated selection reflects sustained recognition for trial work, ethics, and outcomes for clients.
Life Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
The Forum's membership is composed of attorneys who have won million-dollar or multi-million-dollar verdicts or settlements for their clients. Life membership reflects a sustained track record of producing significant results, especially when everything is on the line.
Past President, Central California Trial Lawyers Association
Serving as President of a major regional trial lawyers association reflects the trust of one's professional colleagues. CCTLA's past presidency reflects commitment not only to private practice, but also to the broader mission of justice for the injured.
U.S. Navy Veteran (1985–1993)
Eight years of active duty in the United States Navy. The discipline, duty, and integrity of military service continue to inform the firm's approach to its clients and to the courtroom.
Common Questions About These Credentials
What does “Board Certified Civil Trial” actually mean?
It means the National Board of Trial Advocacy has independently verified that the attorney meets strict requirements for civil trial experience, peer review, ethics, and continuing education. NBTA recertifies every five years. Few attorneys hold this credential.
What is the difference between Specialist in Civil Trial Advocacy · State Bar of CA and NBTA Board Certified Civil Trial?
Both are formal certifications, evaluated independently. The State Bar of California Specialist in Civil Trial Advocacy designation is granted by the State Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization through examination, peer review, and demonstrated experience. NBTA’s Board Certification is a national counterpart with similar rigor. Holding both is uncommon.
What is ABOTA?
The American Board of Trial Advocates. Membership is by invitation only and requires a documented record of jury trials and peer recognition. Fewer than 10% of attorneys nationwide qualify.
How meaningful is the AV Preeminent rating?
AV Preeminent is the highest peer rating Martindale-Hubbell awards. It reflects independent peer evaluation of both legal skill and ethics.
Why does the firm list these credentials prominently?
Many of the firm’s most substantial cases are subject to confidentiality agreements and cannot be discussed publicly. Peer recognitions and forum memberships are an honest indicator of the kinds of cases the firm handles, even when individual case outcomes cannot be described.