For over a century, the legal community has relied on Martindale-Hubbell for peer-review ratings, establishing a gold standard for evaluating attorneys. Originally detailed in a 2004 Diversity & the Bar® article, the Martindale-Hubbell rating system has evolved significantly since its inception 117 years ago. Today, with over 120,000 attorneys in the U.S. and Canada reviewed annually, understanding these ratings is crucial, especially when you’re conducting a Martindale Hubbell Lawyer Search to find the right legal representation.
Despite the widespread use and prestige of Martindale-Hubbell ratings, misconceptions persist. This article aims to demystify the rating system and clarify how you can effectively use a Martindale Hubbell lawyer search to identify highly qualified legal professionals. We’ll explore the peer-review process, the meaning of different ratings, and how these ratings can be a valuable tool in your lawyer search.
Understanding Martindale-Hubbell Ratings: Debunking Myths for Your Lawyer Search
One common misconception is that attorneys must pay to be rated by Martindale-Hubbell. R. Michael Gibeault, Vice President of Ratings and Strategic Relations for Martindale-Hubbell, firmly refutes this, stating, “That’s not true.” The ratings are based purely on peer review, ensuring an objective assessment of an attorney’s legal ability and ethical standards, crucial factors to consider when you conduct a Martindale Hubbell lawyer search.
Another outdated notion suggested a lack of diversity in Martindale-Hubbell ratings. Gibeault clarifies that factors like race, religion, or gender play no role in the evaluation process. The primary determinants are the length of time an attorney has been in practice and their professional reputation within the legal community. Peer reviews typically commence after an attorney has practiced for 10 years in larger cities and five years in smaller cities, with subsequent reviews conducted every five to eight years. This commitment to unbiased evaluation strengthens the reliability of Martindale-Hubbell ratings as a tool for your lawyer search.
The peer review system itself is a cornerstone of Martindale-Hubbell’s credibility. According to Gibeault, the review sources comprise approximately 15% judges and 85% rated and unrated lawyers. This broad participation from legal professionals ensures a comprehensive and balanced evaluation. Martindale-Hubbell prioritizes efficiency for reviewers, recognizing the value of their time while maintaining a high response rate. This rigorous yet practical approach underscores the value of Martindale-Hubbell ratings when you search for a lawyer.
The confidential review form is straightforward, asking respondents to assess an attorney’s legal ability on a scale ranging from “Very High to Preeminent” to “Does Not Qualify.” Ethical standards are similarly evaluated, with a focus on “Very High” standards. Gibeault emphasizes that “We only rate attorneys who are judged by their peers to have very high ethical standards for professional conduct.” This stringent ethical evaluation is paramount when choosing legal counsel, making Martindale-Hubbell ratings a trusted guide in your lawyer search.
It’s important to note that not all lawyers are rated by Martindale-Hubbell, and an absence of rating is not necessarily negative. Factors such as time in practice or firm size can influence rating status. Furthermore, lawyers can choose not to publish their ratings. Law firms are generally rated based on the highest-rated active partner. Confidentiality is strictly maintained throughout the review process, ensuring honest and unbiased feedback.
Navigating the Martindale-Hubbell Rating System for Effective Lawyer Search
Barbara Dooley, Senior Ratings Consultant at Martindale-Hubbell, explains the systematic approach to generating reviews. Reviews are computer-generated based on years of practice and geographical location, ensuring relevant peer evaluations. For instance, when rating an intellectual property attorney in New York City, reviews are solicited from other intellectual property attorneys in the same area. This targeted approach enhances the precision of Martindale-Hubbell ratings for your specific lawyer search needs.
In situations where information is limited due to specialized practice areas or location, Martindale-Hubbell may employ a professional reference method. Attorneys may be asked to provide professional references to supplement the review process. However, it’s crucial to understand that ratings are never solely based on self-submitted references. Martindale-Hubbell field staff may also conduct personal interviews to further validate an attorney’s credentials, ensuring a comprehensive and reliable evaluation process that you can trust when conducting a lawyer search.
Once a review is complete, attorneys are notified of their rating via a first-class letter. A 30-day hold is placed on publishing ratings below AV, allowing attorneys to decline publication. This provides a level of control for attorneys, minimizing any potential downside to being rated and making the system more appealing for participation, which ultimately benefits users of Martindale Hubbell lawyer search by providing a more comprehensive pool of rated attorneys. The entire review process typically takes six to eight weeks. Attorneys can also proactively request a review. Dooley estimates that about 20% of reviews are initiated by attorney referrals, demonstrating the proactive engagement of legal professionals with the system.
Martindale-Hubbell continuously updates its information through state bar authorities. Disciplinary actions, such as disbarment or suspension, automatically result in rating removal. Ratings are transferable within states, indicated by a “T” notation for attorneys moving within the same state. Dooley actively engages with law firms, explaining the significance of ratings to managing partners and marketing departments, further emphasizing the importance and relevance of Martindale-Hubbell ratings within the legal community and for those conducting a lawyer search.
Why Legal Professionals and Clients Rely on Martindale Hubbell Lawyer Search Ratings
Richard J. Badolato, of Connell Foley LLP, emphasizes the long-standing reliance on Martindale-Hubbell within the legal profession. “When I was first admitted to the bar, you always went to the Martindale-Hubbell books,” he recalls. For inter-jurisdictional case referrals, checking an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell rating is standard practice, highlighting the practical utility of these ratings when lawyers need to collaborate across different regions. This inter-professional reliance underscores the value of Martindale Hubbell lawyer search for both legal professionals and clients seeking trusted counsel.
Badolato, a past president of the New Jersey State Bar Association and Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, takes the rating process seriously. He emphasizes objectivity and thoroughness in his peer reviews, stating, “I really rate fair, hard, and honest. It’s important to always be objective.” This commitment to integrity within the peer review process reinforces the trustworthiness of Martindale-Hubbell ratings as a key factor in lawyer selection.
According to Gibeault, peer ratings are vital for demonstrating professional achievements and maintaining credibility, essential attributes for attorneys seeking to attract clients or referrals through a Martindale Hubbell lawyer search. Badolato, with extensive experience as a trial lawyer, receives numerous rating inquiries annually, diligently reviewing each with careful consideration, and recusing himself when personal relationships might compromise objectivity. This dedication to impartiality further validates the reliability of Martindale-Hubbell ratings as a resource for your lawyer search.
Badolato also acknowledges Martindale-Hubbell’s adaptation to technological advancements, noting the availability of information online and on CD-ROM, in addition to the traditional print directories. Despite digital accessibility, he still prefers the print directories, stating, “There’s nothing else like looking in the books,” highlighting the enduring legacy and trusted format of Martindale-Hubbell resources for lawyer information.
Lawyer Perspectives on the Value of Martindale-Hubbell Ratings in Professional Recognition and Client Trust
Jonathan Cole of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, views his Martindale-Hubbell rating as a significant career achievement, especially early in his practice. He emphasizes the importance of participation in the rating system due to the subjective nature of the legal profession and the need for objective evaluation. For lawyers like Cole, Martindale-Hubbell ratings provide a valuable, independent validation of their professional standing, which can be a key differentiator when clients conduct a lawyer search.
Cole considers the ratings a service to both the profession and the public, describing Martindale-Hubbell as setting “the gold standard for rating lawyers.” He also voices concern about the increasing commercialization of the legal field and stresses the importance of maintaining high professional standards, which Martindale-Hubbell ratings actively support. This perspective underscores the broader role of Martindale-Hubbell in upholding professional integrity within the legal community, benefiting both lawyers and those seeking legal services through a lawyer search.
Grace Speights, a member of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, values her Martindale-Hubbell rating as “one of the highest tributes” an attorney can receive, earned through the rigorous evaluation of peers and competitors. She acknowledges that clients consider these ratings, viewing them as a credible reference. For Speights, participating in the rating process is akin to a “performance review” by her peers, further highlighting the professional significance of Martindale-Hubbell ratings and their relevance for clients during a lawyer search.
Utilizing Martindale-Hubbell Ratings to Enhance Your Lawyer Search and Selection
In today’s competitive legal landscape, attorneys need effective ways to distinguish themselves. A Martindale-Hubbell rating serves as a powerful differentiator, signaling a lawyer’s expertise and ethical standing. For those conducting a lawyer search, these ratings offer a readily available and trusted metric for evaluating potential legal counsel.
Gibeault points out that ratings are a valuable resource for various purposes, including hiring decisions by general counsel, referrals among attorneys, and selecting co-counsel in different jurisdictions. The ratings facilitate informed decision-making within the legal community and provide clarity for individuals seeking qualified legal representation through a Martindale Hubbell lawyer search.
Understanding Martindale-Hubbell Peer Rating Categories for Lawyer Search
- CV Rating: Denotes “above-average ability” and “unquestionable ethics,” representing a solid initial rating, indicating a capable and ethical lawyer for your search.
- BV Rating: Signifies a “well-established practice,” “significant client base,” and “high professional standing,” suggesting a highly experienced and reputable attorney for consideration in your lawyer search.
- AV Rating: Represents the “highest level of professional excellence,” awarded to attorneys with extensive experience and recognized for “highest levels of skill and integrity,” signifying a preeminent lawyer and a top choice in your lawyer search.
Martindale-Hubbell provides a ratings icon for attorneys to promote their achievements, subject to terms of use and ethical guidelines. Permitted uses include firm brochures, attorney résumés, letterheads, and websites. However, the ratings and icons are restricted from use in mass-market advertising aimed at a lay audience, maintaining the professional integrity of the ratings and their intended use within the legal community and for informed lawyer searches.
Martindale-Hubbell: From Print Directory to Essential Tool for Modern Lawyer Search
From its humble beginnings as a two-book edition, the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory has expanded into a comprehensive database of over one million lawyers globally, accessible online through Martindale.com and LexisNexis, as well as in print and CD-ROM formats. A consumer-focused edition is available on lawyers.com. The Martindale-Hubbell database is searched over four million times monthly, demonstrating its widespread use and relevance in the digital age.
For over a century, Martindale-Hubbell peer-reviewed ratings have served as a vital evaluation tool for the legal community. The introduction of the Peer Review Rated icon has further amplified the value of these ratings for attorneys and firms. For individuals and businesses seeking legal counsel, Martindale Hubbell lawyer search offers a powerful and reliable platform to find highly-rated attorneys, backed by a century-long tradition of peer-reviewed excellence.
Endnote:
Adapted from the September/October 2004 issue of Diversity & The Bar®
