Rating Methodology
Super Lawyers
Selection for inclusion to the Super Lawyer listing follows a 4-step selection process which is a comprehensive, good-faith and detailed attempt to produce a list of lawyers that have attained high peer recognition, meet ethical standards, and have demonstrated some degree of achievement in their field. Step one is the creation of the candidate pool where lawyers enter the candidate pool by being formally nominated by a peer; identified by the research department in the “Star Search” process; or informally nominated. The second step includes the evaluation of the lawyers in the candidate pool. Super Lawyers’ research department evaluates each candidate based on these 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement: verdicts and settlements; transactions; representative clients; experience; honors and awards; special licenses and certifications; position within law firm; bar and or other professional activity; pro bono and community service as a lawyer; scholarly lectures and writings; education and employment background; and other outstanding achievements. These indicators are not treated equally; some have a higher maximum point value than others. The third step in the selection process is to be evaluated by the attorneys peers by practice area. The final selection for the Super Lawyers list is by grouping candidates into four firm-size categories. Those with the highest point totals from each category are selected.
The Rising Star selection process is the same as the Super Lawyers selection process except that: 1) to be eligible for inclusion in Rising Stars, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger or in practice for ten years or less; 2) Candidates for Rising Stars do not go through step-three above in the selection process – peer evaluation by practice area.
Avvo
Information meets guidance in the editorial Avvo Rating. The rating is calculated using a mathematical model that considers elements such as years of experience, board certification, education, disciplinary history, professional achievement, and industry recognition-all factors that are relevant to assessing a lawyer’s qualifications.
ASLA
ASLA’s membership is by invitation only. While we accept nominations from our membership, we do not accept self-nominations, and every nomination is thoroughly vetted by ASLA’s team of lawyers, who themselves span wide practice areas and geographic experience. ASLA members are exclusively lawyers who have been identified by their peers to be the most skilled in practice. Any member who later is disciplined by his or her state bar is expected to report this information to ASLA, and will have their membership revoked.
The National Trial Lawyers
Only the top 100 trial lawyers from each state or highly-populated regions of certain states who are actively practicing in civil plaintiff and/or criminal defense law are eligible for invitation. Invitees must demonstrate superior qualifications, leadership skills, and trial results as a legal professional. The selection process for this elite honor is based on a multi-phase process which includes peer nominations combined with third party research.
Prospective members of The NTL are carefully screened prior to receiving an invitation for membership. The criteria used in the evaluation process include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Reputation among peers, the judiciary, and the public
- The previous year’s achievements, settlements and verdicts as a trial lawyer
- Board Certification as a trial lawyer or trial attorney
- Nominations received from leading trial lawyers, current members and/or our executive committee members
- Leadership and membership within other national and state trial lawyer organizations
- Rankings and ratings of the attorney by established organizations.
Membership is not automatically renewed; attorneys are reevaluated annually to determine whether their activities and accomplishments qualify them for continued membership.
