Super Lawyers rankings provide an objective and qualitative data point for consideration when choosing an attorney. The rankings complement other resources available to consumers, including personal and professional recommendations and referrals.
Individuals named in the Super Lawyers publications are chosen based entirely on the following evaluation process and not on the basis of any paid consideration. Lawyers cannot pay to be editorially featured. And of course, lawyers cannot vote for themselves.
Super Lawyers has a very thorough selection process. In fact, there is no other attorney evaluation publication in the U.S. with the depth and thoroughness of our research process. The extensive evaluation process includes the following:
An annual ballot to all active attorneys in the relevant state who are licensed for 5 years or more. We maintain procedures and systems to detect and prevent “ballot stuffing” and other manipulations. In New Jersey for the year ending July 31, 2006, approximately 30,000 ballots were sent out across New Jersey.
- An annual search to discover those not identified through the balloting process. We use professional databases, review local and national legal journals, and interview managing partners and marketing directors. In this annual search, we look for indicators an attorney has received special peer recognition or attained notable professional achievement.
- A review of candidates by the attorneys with demonstrated expertise in the various areas of law. For example, antitrust candidates are evaluated by attorneys whose primary specialty is antitrust. For 2006, this review was conducted by more than 200 preeminent New Jersey attorneys of up to 6,800 candidates.
- Extensive in-house research during which each candidate is scored on a 12-point evaluation of peer recognition and professional achievement.
Further Evaluation
For all attorneys selected as Super Lawyers, we also check their standing with the bar—ensuring they are not subject to disciplinary proceedings or other legal action. Finally, we do a Web-based search on each attorney to assure there are no outstanding matters that would reflect adversely on them.
Further, our marketing of the Super Lawyers publication, including the distinction between editorial and advertising content, is direct, transparent and consistent with common practice and professional standards. Seemingly, no other publisher conducts such an extensive annual combination of statewide balloting, peer evaluation by practice area and independent research to identify and evaluate candidates.
