Martindale-Hubbell^SM Ratings are a result of a well-established peer review system spanning over a century. Ratings attest to a lawyer's professional legal ability and ethics, and reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the Judiciary. Following are some frequently asked questions about the Martindale-Hubbell Rating process:

How does an attorney obtain a Rating?

Most rating reviews are initiated by Martindale-Hubbell in five-year intervals after admission to the Bar. In larger cities, where it often takes longer to build a reputation, ten years is the norm. A lawyer, partner, marketing director or colleague can also request a rating review.

How are law firms rated?

Generally, a law firm is given the rating of its highest rated active partner.

Does an individual have to have a paid listing in the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory to be rated?

No. The goal of the ratings system is to develop accurate ratings for as many lawyers as possible, whether or not they have a paid listing.

What is a good Rating?

All Ratings are positive indicators of an attorney's ethics and professional stature. The CV ® is a good first rating for lawyers and a definitive statement of their above average ability and unquestionable ethics. The BV ® is an excellent rating for an attorney with more experience. An AV ® rating is a significant accomplishment - a testament to the fact that a lawyer's peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence.

How does an attorney obtain an AV ® rating?

The knowledge and skill derived from extensive experience in the practice of law are usually the attributes considered when endorsing a lawyer for an AV ® rating. The standard of excellence is determined by the lawyers currently practicing in that particular Bar.

What is the role of the Martindale-Hubbell Field Representative in the rating process?

Field Representatives play an important role in making initial, confidential inquiries during their visits with lawyers. However, no Rating is established, advanced or lowered without further written investigation.

If attorneys practice in a large metropolitan area where there are thousands of lawyers, how do you identify those who know them well enough to gauge their professionalism?

Ratings surveys in larger cities are often directed to lawyers with the same practice area focus as the individual under review. This makes it easier to gather the data necessary to determine a rating.

Attorneys are often asked to provide names of lawyers and judges who can evaluate them. How does this fit into the rating process?

These additional ratings sources are requested when there is insufficient response to our initial surveys. However, no rating is ever established solely on the basis of references supplied by the individual under review.

Are ratings transferable from one state to another?

Ratings are generally transferable within state boundaries. If an attorney moves to a different state, his or her rating will appear in the Law Directory with the symbol "T" (transfer) indicating that it was established in another state or province.

What does it mean if an attorney is not rated?

Some lawyers request not to have any Rating published, while others may not be rated due to the length of time in practice, the size of the Bar, or other reasons unrelated to their competence or ethical standards. Thus, the absence of a Rating should not be construed as unfavorable.

Can a lawyer or law firm promote their rating in general press releases or marketing materials?

Ratings are the result of a peer review system, created by attorneys for attorneys and are published only in materials directed to professional audiences. Permitted uses by lawyers and firms include professional ads and communications targeted to the legal community, including resumes, firm brochures, and public relations announcements when a rating is established. For more information see Permitted/Non-Permitted Uses.

MARTINDALE-HUBBELL is a service mark and a registered trademark and CV, BV, and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used under license.

Source: http://www.martindale.com/company/ratings-faq.html