AV Peer Review Rating - Explanation
(as explained on the
Martindale-Hubbell web
site)
An Explanation of the Peer Review Ratings Categories
There are two components to each Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating:
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, 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 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.
Peer Review Ratings reflect career development
A lawyer's Peer Review Rating will generally improve over time. But 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 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 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 rating is a significant
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. |
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