Board certification shows that a lawyer has met additional requirements in a defined area of law. Those requirements generally include substantial relevant experience, specialty-focused continuing legal education, professional references, and a written examination.
The credential may be useful when comparing attorneys who handle similar legal matters. It does not guarantee or predict the outcome of a case. The outcome of any legal matter generally depends on its specific facts, the available evidence, applicable law, and decisions made by courts, agencies, and other parties.
Practical considerations matter as well when selecting an attorney. A person may want to ask how often the lawyer handles matters similar to theirs, who will manage the day-to-day work, how the firm communicates, and what fees or expenses will apply.