The Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings help in-house counsel and other sophisticated buyers of legal services identify, evaluate and select the most appropriate lawyer for a specific task at hand. Lawyer Ratings serve as an objective indicator that a lawyer has the highest ethical standards and professional ability and are used by buyers of legal services to justify their hiring decisions.
A unique service to the Bar
For over a century, lawyers have relied on the Martindale-Hubbell® Law Directory for authoritative information on the worldwide legal profession. The Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ play an integral role in this service to the legal community.
Buyers of legal services, as well as those making referrals, consider Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings invaluable when evaluating a lawyer. Whether choosing between two equally qualified candidates or looking for counsel in another jurisdiction, lawyers and consumers need to have confidence in the individual under consideration. Using ratings, they can select counsel with superior ethics, as well as the desired level of professional experience.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings attest to a lawyer's legal ability and professional ethics, and reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and Judiciary. They appear in all formats of the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, in the online listings on martindale.com, on the LexisNexis® services, on CD-ROM, and in print.
An objective way to assess a lawyer
A Martindale-Hubbell rating guides buyers of legal services and those referring business in making faster, smarter decisions. A rating's third party validation of ethics and legal ability provides that extra level of confidence that the right lawyer or firm has been selected. By combining a rating with a review of other data in a lawyer's Professional Biography - such as practice areas, bar memberships, professional affiliations, education and clients - a person can be certain he or she has made the right choice for that particular legal matter.
A cooperative effort with the legal profession
Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings are established by lawyers. The legal community respects the accuracy of ratings because it knows that its own members — the people best suited to assess their peers — are directly involved in the process.
The process of the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings service
The Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings service, which evaluates lawyers and law firms in the United States and Canada, is based on the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the Judiciary, including both those who are rated and those who are not.
Martindale-Hubbell representatives conduct personal interviews to discuss lawyers under review with other members of the Bar. A compilation of these opinions from various sources is necessary to form a consensus, and lawyers under review are sometimes asked to provide professional references to assist with the process.
In addition, eConfidential — a Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ service of secure online surveys — or paper review sheets are sent to lawyers and judges in the same geographic location, area of practice or industry as the lawyer being rated. Members of the Bar are instructed to assess their colleague's legal ability and general ethical standards.
If reports indicate that the lawyer in question does not meet the highest ethical standards, further explanations are requested.
Regular Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings reviews
Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings are reviewed in stages over the course of a lawyer's career. The first review - to establish a rating - usually occurs five years after first admission to the Bar. Established Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings are reviewed every five to eight years thereafter - or earlier if Martindale-Hubbell receives information indicating that a lawyer's ethics or abilities are under question.
Disbarred or suspended lawyers automatically have their Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings removed. In addition, please be advised that other types of attorney disciplinary actions administered by the appropriate bar or judicial authorities may also be grounds to remove a rating. While Bar admitting authorities continuously supply Martindale-Hubbell with disciplinary information, Martindale-Hubbell also reserves the right to investigate information developed from the bar or the judiciary regarding rated lawyers that have occurred within the last five years that may reflect a decline in the ethical standards of a rated attorney.
Completely Confidential
All Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings review materials are strictly confidential, enabling participants to provide completely candid assessments of their colleagues. Under no circumstances are any Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings review materials released. It is also important to note that, since Martindale-Hubbell does not undertake to develop Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings for all lawyers, the fact that a lawyer is not rated should not be construed unfavorably.
An Explanation of the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings Categories
There are two components to Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:
1. 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 must receive a General Ethical Standards Rating before his or her review can proceed to the next step.
2. 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, Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review 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
When both categories of Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings are confirmed, a lawyer receives an CV®, BV® or AV® Rating.
If a lawyer moves to a different state, his or her rating will appear in Martindale-Hubbell with the state abbreviation indicating that it was established in another state or province.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings reflect career development
A lawyer's rating will generally improve over time. But Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings can be revised downward, or even removed if a decline is noted in ability or ethical standards.
CV® Peer Review Rating — The CV® certification mark is a good first rating for lawyers and a definitive statement of their above-average ability and unquestionable ethics. This is the maximum rating a lawyer can receive who has been admitted to the bar from 3-4 years.
BV® Peer Review Rating — The BV® certification mark is an excellent rating for a lawyer with more experience. This is the maximum rating a lawyer can receive who has been admitted to the bar from 5-9 years.
AV® Peer Review Rating — An AV® certification mark is a significant rating accomplishment - a testament to the fact that a lawyer's peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence. A lawyer must be admitted to the bar for 10 years or more to receive an AV® rating. |
Inquiries
Questions about Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings can be sent by email to ratings@martindale.com.
or by mail to:
Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings Services
LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell
121 Chanlon Road
New Providence, NJ 07974
Frequently Asked Questions
Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings are a result of a peer review system with a history that spans more than a century. Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings attest to a lawyer's professional legal ability and ethics and are based on the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the Judiciary.
Following are some frequently asked questions about the peer review ratings process: confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the Judiciary.
How does a lawyer obtain a Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings review?
Most rating reviews are initiated by Martindale-Hubbell after a lawyer is admitted to the Bar for five years or more. A lawyer, partner, marketing director or colleague can also request a rating review. Inquiries about initiating the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings service may be addressed to ratings@martindale.com.
Is an individual required to have a paid listing in the Martindale-Hubbell® Law Directory to be rated?
No. The goal of the Peer Review Ratings service is to develop accurate ratings for as many lawyers as possible. Those lawyers who are also Martindale-Hubbell subscribers may benefit from increased exposure of their rating throughout martindale.com.
How do Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings take place?
Lawyers and members of the judiciary receive an invitation from Martindale-Hubbell, in electronic, eConfidential™ form or via the mail, to provide their review on a lawyer or lawyers about whom they have personal knowledge.
What is a good Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings review?
The CV® certification mark is a good first rating for lawyers and a definitive statement of their above-average ability and unquestionable ethics. This is the maximum rating a lawyer can receive who has been admitted to the bar for 3 to 4 years. The BV® certification mark is an excellent rating for a lawyer with more experience. This is the maximum rating a lawyer can receive who has been admitted from 5-9 years. An AV® certification mark is a significant rating accomplishment - a testament to the fact that lawyer's peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence. A lawyer must be admitted to the bar for 10 years or more to receive an AV rating.
How does a lawyer obtain an AV rating?
Knowledge and skill derived from extensive experience are usually prerequisites for an AV rating. The standard of excellence is determined by the lawyers practicing in that particular Bar. Much like the partner track of a law firm, a lawyer cannot receive this rating unless he or she has been admitted to the bar at least 10 years.
How are law firms rated?
Generally a law firm is given the rating of its highest rated active partner. Firms also have the option of displaying their total number of rated lawyers on martindale.com.
How are Practice and Industry Groups rated?
Law firms have the option to display the total number of rated lawyers in each Practice and Industry Group on martindale.com.
What is the role of the Martindale-Hubbell Field Representative in the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings review?
Martindale-Hubbell Field Representatives play an important role in making initial, confidential inquiries during their visits with lawyers. However, no ratings are established, advanced or lowered without further written investigation.
What is the role of the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings Specialist in the ratings review?
Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings Specialists work closely with larger law firm clients to educate, engage and assist their lawyers in the peer review process and the marketing opportunities surrounding the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings.
If lawyers 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?
Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review 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.
Lawyers are often asked to provide names of lawyers and judges who can evaluate them. How does this fit into the Peer Review Ratings review?
These additional Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review 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. Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings Toolkit subscribers also receive the opportunity to submit additional ratings sources to augment those solicited by Martindale-Hubbell.
Are Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings transferable from one state to another?
Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings are generally transferable within state boundaries. If a lawyer moves to a different state, his or her rating will appear in the Law Directory with the state abbreviation, indicating that it was established in another state or province.
What does it mean if a lawyer 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. Lawyers also undergo periodic rating reviews during their career; lawyers who have reached the "retired" status will no longer be included in the review process and their rating will be removed. Therefore, the absence of a rating should not be construed as unfavorable.
Can a lawyer or law firm promote their Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating in general press releases or marketing materials?
Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings are the result of a peer review system, created by lawyers for lawyers, and can be published in various materials. Permitted uses by lawyers and firms include professional ads and communications, including resumes, firm brochures, websites, and public relations announcements when a rating is established. For additional information, see Permitted/Non-Permitted Uses.
Usage Guidelines
Permitted and Non-Permitted Uses of the Martindale-Hubbell Lawyer Rating Icon Marks ("Icon Marks") and the AV®, BV® and CV® Certification Marks ("Martindale-Hubbell Ratings Marks" or "Ratings Marks")
The Martindale-Hubbell Lawyer Ratings
Icon Marks ("Icon Marks") are service marks owned by Reed Elsevier Properties Inc. and used under license by Martindale-Hubbell to identify the lawyer ratings services conducted and administered by Martindale-Hubbell. Peer evaluations establish ratings on a lawyer's legal ability and ethical standards - the CV, BV and AV certification marks are owned by Reed Elsevier Properties Inc. ("Martindale-Hubbell Ratings Marks" or "Ratings Marks").
Martindale-Hubbell Ratings Marks
Permitted Uses by Rated Attorneys and Law Firms
It is expected that, wherever possible, when the Ratings Marks are used, the Icon Marks will also appear. If the Icon Marks will not also appear, the phrase "Peer Review Rated" should follow the display of the Ratings Mark. When both the Ratings Marks and Icon Marks are displayed, the guidelines for use of both the Ratings Marks and the Icon Marks must be observed.
Rated attorneys and law firms may use the Martindale-Hubbell Certification Marks AV®, BV®, CV® under the following circumstances, and with the appropriate approved Certification Mark Reference or Rating Explanation as noted below:
Printed Communications
- Law firm brochures
- Attorney resumes or curricula vitae
- Firm or individual attorney letterhead
- Business cards *
- Professional announcements
- Listings in other legal directories directed to attorneys - prior written consent is required for directories not published by Martindale-Hubbell to ensure that the policies and standards for use of the marks are observed and the function of the marks is preserved.
Internet applications
- Websites
- Martindale-Hubbell® Lawyer Homepages/Lawyer homepages
- Email communications
- Internet banner advertisements
Printed communications (i.e. law firm brochures, attorney resumes, legal directories), printed professional announcements and
Internet Applications must include the following
Certification Mark Reference:
"CV, BV and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies."
Printed professional announcements, and all print and CD-ROM based legal directories must include the Certification Mark Reference AND the following Rating Explanation:
Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the Judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell Ratings fall into two categories - legal ability and general ethical standards.
Internet Applications must include the Certification Mark Reference AND either the Rating Explanation identified above OR a link to a web page maintained by Martindale-Hubbell which contains the approved explanation.
Web-based legal directories targeted to lawyers and law firms will be required to have a link to a Web page maintained by Martindale-Hubbell which contains the approved Certification Mark Reference and Rating Explanation.
* Please note, business cards are not required to include the Certification Mark Reference or Rating Explanation; however, this information must be posted on other Printed Communications or Internet Applications offered by the Rated Attorney.
Non-permitted uses
Use or mention of the Martindale-Hubbell Ratings is not allowed in:
- Yellow Page advertisements
- Newspaper advertisements
- Outdoor advertisements (billboards, buses, benches, etc.)
- Political pieces or advertisements/campaign promotions
- Radio and television commercials
- "Letters to the Editor" or similar articles or opinion pieces that are public commentary or reflect the personal opinions of the rated attorney or firm
When to Contact Martindale-Hubbell
If the Martindale-Hubbell Ratings Marks are to be used in a format that is not identified above as a permitted usage, then the user must contact Martindale-Hubbell Rating Services to obtain written permission prior to use. Permission will be predicated upon the specific guidelines/format set forth by Martindale-Hubbell being met. Permission may be revoked at any time for failure to comply with said specific guidelines/format or for any reason within the discretion of Martindale-Hubbell as the entity responsible for the protection of the certification marks.
Inquiries
Questions about the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings system, use of the Icon Marks and the AV®, BV® and CV® Certification Marks can be sent by email to ratings@martindale.com or by mail to:
Peer Review Ratings Services
LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell
121 Chanlon Road
New Providence, NJ 07974
CV, BV and AV are registered certification marks and Martindale-Hubbell is a registered service mark and trademark of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used under license.
Acknowledgements
Many peer review rated lawyers have requested the opportunity to display their Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings as an added validation of their professional skill and high ethical standards. We are pleased to respond to this request while also providing an avenue for attorneys to contribute to legal education.
A New Way to Display Your Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings
Martindale-Hubbell, in collaboration with Universal Recognition, LLC, our exclusive partner for the manufacture and distribution of approved Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings acknowledgements, has created a handsome selection of Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings acknowledgements to showcase your professional standing.
Individuals can choose from a Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings Crystal Certificate, Wall Plaque or Certificate Marquee, personalized to your specifications. Firms can proudly showcase their Rated lawyers with a Firm Plaque. All items are available for preview and purchase online at www.mhur.com.
Your Purchase Supports the LexisNexis® Martindale-Hubbell® Legal Fellowship
For generations Martindale-Hubbell has provided a unique service to the Bar by including evaluative ratings with our authoritative information on the legal profession. The LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell Legal Fellowship extends this mission by supporting the continued development of individuals and associations that are dedicated to the advancement of the legal profession. Your purchase supports the LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell Legal Fellowship with a percentage of the proceeds from the sale.
For more information on Fellowship awards, click here.
Order Today
A personalized acknowledgement allows you and your firm to display your Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings while providing essential support for tomorrow's legal professionals. Click here to order today!
About the LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell Legal Fellowship
The LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell Legal Fellowship was created to support the continued development of individuals and associations that embrace the advancement of education, the practice of public interest, and diversity in the legal profession.
The Fellowship is funded by revenues received from the sale of the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings Acknowledgements, which offer peer review rated attorneys the opportunity to display their Peer Review Rating while contributing to the future of the legal profession. The Martindale-Hubbell Legal Fellowship is granted annually in December, with an award of $15,000.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the annual Martindale-Hubbell Legal Fellowship your organization must hold non-profit [501(c)(3)] status or must be defined as a national, state, local or provincial bar association or professional association. Individuals also may apply. You must submit a full description of the organization, accompanied by a proposal of how the award funds will be applied to meet the mission of the Legal Fellowship.
Recipients of the LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell Legal Fellowship
December 2008 - Leaders for Justice Institute
December 2007 - New Jersey Law & Education Empowerment Project
June 2007 - The Future of the Law Institute, an affiliate of the King County Bar Association
December 2006 - Indigenous Law and Policy Center at Michigan State University College of Law
June 2006 - Washington State Bar Foundation
December 2005 - New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association
June 2005 - Laurie Parisi, Legal Action Center
How to apply
Submit your application for the LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell Legal Fellowship.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings Toolkit
Leverage the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings Difference
To enhance your marketing initiatives, LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell has created a Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings Toolkit that offers lawyer- and firm-specific Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings icons for downloading. In addition to these customized icons, the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings Toolkit offers other key benefits to showcase your ratings.
- Promote your firm's collective ratings strength with high visibility placement of the total number of rated lawyers in your firm.
- Ratings totals further differentiate your firm and its lawyers as buyers of legal services compare you to competitors in the martindale.com side by side comparison tools.
- Featured placements in search results as users "Find featured rated lawyers only" on martindale.com.
For more information about this new product, please complete the form below.
RSS | Blogs | Site Map | Contact Us