The Martindale-Hubbell rating badge that many attorneys display on their website or in their email signature is a peer review rating. In other words, the recognition is based on feedback from other attorneys. Clients will be impressed with the fact that this badge shows you have attained the “highest marks, ” or an AV Preeminent rating.
The AV Preeminent Rating is the highest peer rating standard. It is given to attorneys whose peers rank them at the “highest level of professional excellence for their legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards.”
The Peer Review Ratings Process Explained
Martindale-Hubbell facilitates the awarding of an attorney’s peer review rating. They contact an attorney’s references as well as other lawyers in the same geographic and practice area(s) to ask them to provide feedback on the attorney’s ethical standards. All attorneys must have their ethical standards confirmed by their peers before an AV rating is given.
Martindale also requests the reviewer to rate the attorney in five key categories: Legal Knowledge, Analytical Capabilities, Judgment, Communication Ability and Legal Experience. Written feedback can also be provided as part of the review.
Individual peer reviews are posted on the attorney’s profile on Martindale.com and Lawyers.com within 24 hours of submission by the reference. When a minimum threshold of reviews are received, Martindale calculates the rating score and notifies the attorney of their results.
Following these basic steps will help the process go smoothly:
-Access the Peer Reference Nomination Tool to send your requests. This tool will allow you to compile and submit your peer references so Martindale can email them the questionnaire to rate you.
-Compile and submit your peer references list. Make sure you have at least 18. Keep in mind, though- The minimum number is 18, but it’s a good idea to have about 20-25 (or more) attorneys or judges familiar with your legal ability in mind that you would like to nominate because we may not hear back from all of them.
-Reach out to your peer references in advance. Research shows that attorneys are more likely to obtain a Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating™ if they reach out to their references after they submit their list. Tell them that they should be getting an email message from Martindale and could they please take a few moments to rate you.
This accomplishes several things:
1.Gives them a heads up to expect the email;
2.They will know it is a legitimate email message and won’t delete it;
3.If they do not receive the email, they can call or email to have it resent– this is especially important if Martindale has an incorrect or old email address on file for the attorney.
Martindale suggests waiting at least two weeks to give your references an opportunity to respond. After that time they will contact you with status updates as appropriate, either with the results of your review or providing you the opportunity to submit additional names.
About Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:
Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ have been in existence for over 140 years. They provide a way for attorneys to be rated by their peers on their legal and ethical ability. Our peer review ratings are the gold standard in attorney ratings. Attorneys looking to refer a client, as well as individuals researching lawyers for their own legal needs, use these ratings to identify, evaluate and select the most appropriate lawyer for their legal issue. A peer review rating contributes to the comprehensive view of a lawyer and benefits the entire legal community.
As attorneys face increased competition, the strategic value of obtaining legal awards in your particular area(s) of practice can be an excellent way to gain an edge over the competition. If you have any questions on this topic or would like to hear how the latest media, marketing and technology strategies can help grow your law firm, call us today for a free consultation, or email Kristine, Founder of Pristine PR direct at kristine@pristinepr.com for a price quote.
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