It depends on your State Bar's laws. In CA the word "specialty or specialist" can only be used if you have passed a Legal Specialization Exam. I hope this helps.
. David Rosenthal EsquireCar / Auto Accident LawyerRoseville, CA ·
As noted, whether the word specialty can be used will depend on the Virginia or other governing rules of professional conduct. See this link for more information - http://www.vsb.org/pro-guidelines/index.php .
In California you cannot say you are a "specialist" unless you are certified in a certain area. I can say with confidence that I doubt it be acceptable under any states rules to say you are "certified" in an area without actually being certified.
Good luck.