How Martindale-Hubbell Determines a Lawyer's Rating

• An AV Rating shows that a lawyer has reached the height of professional excellence. He or she has usually practiced law for many years, and is recognized for the highest levels of skill and integrity.
• A BV Rating is an indication of an exemplary reputation and well-established practice. A typical lawyer is in mid-career, with a significant client base and high professional standing.
• A CV Rating is an excellent first Rating and a statement of a lawyer's above average ability and very high ethics.

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

There are two components to each Martindale-Hubbell Rating:

1. Legal Ability Ratings

Legal Ability Ratings take into consideration the standard of professional ability in the area where the lawyer practices, the lawyer's expertise, and other professional qualifications. If a lawyer's practice is limited or specialized, Ratings are based on performance in those specific fields of law.

Legal Ability Ratings are:

C - Good to High

B - High to Very High

A - Very High to Preeminent

2. General Ethical Standards Rating

The General Ethical Standards Rating denotes adherence to professional standards of conduct and ethics, reliability, diligence and other criteria relevant to the discharge of professional responsibilities.

The General Recommendation Rating is:

V - Very High

A lawyer will not receive a Legal Ability Rating unless he or she has been endorsed for a "V." When both categories of Ratings are confirmed, a lawyer receives an CV, BV or AV Rating.

Ratings reflect career development

A lawyer's Rating will generally improve over time. But Ratings can be revised downward, or even removed if a decline is noted in ability or ethical standards.

About Martindale-Hubbell

With a history spanning more than 140 years, generations of lawyers have relied on Martindale-Hubbell as the authoritative resource for information on the worldwide legal profession. The Martindale-Hubbell Legal Network is currently powered by a database of over one million lawyers and law firms in 160 countries.