By Marc Apple ● ● 6 min read
Table of Contents
TL:DR Super Lawyers is a rating service that recognizes outstanding lawyers across over 70 practice areas. The selection process involves peer nominations, independent research evaluating 12 indicators (like verdicts, settlements, honors, and pro bono work), and a review by a blue ribbon panel. This rigorous process ensures that only the top attorneys are listed.
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Are you wondering what it’s going to take to make your practice stand out from the crowd? Doing great work on behalf of your clients can certainly go a long way towards growing your law firm. However, it takes more than word of mouth from satisfied clients to truly prosper.
You’ve chosen a profession where reputation and client trust are absolutely critical, so being recognized as a top attorney can make all the difference in the world.
One way to do that is to be listed on Super Lawyers.
What is Super Lawyers?
Super Lawyers is a rating service that aims to identify top attorneys across a wide range of practice areas. But in a profession where reputation and credibility are so important, is a Super Lawyers designation really worth your time?
Whether you’re a solo practitioner weighing the benefits of individual recognition or a large firm considering a broader marketing strategy, you should get a deeper understanding of what Super Lawyers is all about to see if it’s worth pursuing.
So what does being a Super Lawyer even mean?
Super Lawyers identifies and honors outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have achieved a high level of peer recognition and professional accomplishment. The service is intended to provide a credible and comprehensive listing of exceptional attorneys to be used as a resource for lawyers and consumers searching for legal counsel.
How Does Super Lawyers Work?
Super Lawyers uses a multi-phase process to identify and recognize the top attorneys in the country. They achieve this goal by using a rigorous patented selection process that involves peer nominations, independent research, and evaluations by a blue ribbon panel.
Nominations
The annual selection process begins with peer nominations. Lawyers are encouraged to nominate other attorneys they’ve seen in action, whether as opposing counsel, co-counsel, or through other professional interactions.
These nominations carry significant weight since they come from knowledgeable insiders within the legal community who can vouch for the nominee’s abilities and professionalism.
While a lawyer can nominate someone else in their own firm, it has to be matched by at least one nomination outside of the firm.
There is a point system, and out-of-firm nominations are worth more than votes from within one’s own firm.
Finally, no attorney can nominate themselves and no campaigning or solicitations for votes are allowed.
Independent Research
Following the peer nomination phase, Super Lawyers’ attorney-led team conducts independent research on each nominee.
During this step, they evaluate the following 12 indicators for each candidate:
- Verdicts/Settlements
- Transactions
- Representative clients
- Experience
- Honors/Awards
- Special licenses/certifications
- Position within the law firm
- Bar and/or professional activity
- Pro bono and community service
- Scholarly lectures/writings
- Education/employment background
- Other outstanding achievements
This thorough investigation ensures that all potential Super Lawyers have a proven track record of success and commitment to their profession.
Criteria for Inclusion
Here’s a closer look at some of the criteria considered to be awarded a Super Lawyer designation:
Professional Achievements
To be listed on Super Lawyers, attorneys must demonstrate significant professional achievements. This includes winning major cases, securing large settlements, and consistently delivering outstanding legal services.
The emphasis on professional accomplishments ensures that those listed have a history of excellence and success in their practice areas.
Community Service
Another important factor that’s considered for inclusion is service to your community. Lawyers who engage in pro bono work, participate in community outreach, or contribute to the legal profession through mentoring and education are highly regarded.
This aspect of the selection process highlights the importance of giving back to the community and underscores the holistic nature of a lawyer’s professional life.
Special Licenses or Certifications
Attorneys are awarded points for obtaining specialized certifications or licenses that demonstrate expertise in a specific area of law. These credentials reflect a lawyer’s dedication to continuous learning and professional development, setting them apart from their peers.
Evaluation by a Blue Ribbon Panel
Candidates who pass the independent research phase move on to an evaluation by a blue ribbon panel. This panel consists of top-rated lawyers from each practice area who review and rate the candidates based on their professional expertise and achievements.
This phase of the evaluation process further refines the list, ensuring that only the most exceptional lawyers are considered for inclusion.
Benefits of Being a Super Lawyer
As you can see, the process of being nominated, let alone being selected, is incredibly rigorous. So, why bother? Is it really worth jumping through all those hoops? Simply put – yes!
Being listed on Super Lawyers offers a number of advantages that can significantly impact a lawyer’s career and a law firm’s success.
Enhanced Credibility and Prestige
One of the primary benefits is the enhanced credibility and prestige that comes with being recognized as a Super Lawyer. This distinction sets lawyers apart from their peers, signaling to potential clients and colleagues that they are among the best in their field.
The Super Lawyers badge serves as an indication of excellence and accomplishment that can boost a lawyer’s reputation.
Increased Visibility and Exposure
Super Lawyers can also raise an attorney’s profile. The listings are published in Super Lawyers Magazine and other affiliated publications, which are widely read by consumers and legal professionals alike. This exposure can lead to more client inquiries, higher referral rates, and opportunities for media coverage, all of which can contribute to a law firm’s growth.
Networking Opportunities
Being part of the Super Lawyers community opens up valuable networking opportunities. Lawyers can connect with other top-rated attorneys, fostering relationships that can lead to collaborations, referrals, and professional support. Networking with peers who share a commitment to excellence can also lead to personal and professional growth.
Promotional Advantages
Super Lawyers offers marketing and promotional advantages as well. Attorneys who are listed on Super Lawyers can use the Super Lawyers badge on their websites, business cards, and other marketing materials.
This recognition can enhance a law firm’s branding and attract more clients.
Being featured in Super Lawyers’ magazine and directory can also serve as a powerful marketing tool, showcasing a lawyer’s achievements to a broad audience.
It Builds Trust
No matter what industry you’re in, displaying independent third-party badges on your website can go a long way towards building trust with prospective clients. According to a survey by Helplama, 76% of consumers said that trust logos affected their sense of trust in the website they were browsing.
A Super Lawyer designation helps establish that all-important trust, reassuring potential clients of an attorney’s competence and success. When someone sees the Super Lawyer designation on your website, they’ll feel more confident that they are making the right choice, leading to the potential for increased client acquisition.
It’s Just The First Step
Being listed on Super Lawyers offers a number of benefits, including enhanced credibility, increased visibility, and valuable networking opportunities. The rigorous selection process ensures that only the best of the best are included.
It can be worthwhile for lawyers and law firms who want to bolster their reputation and attract more clients. However, it should only be considered one part of a larger marketing strategy.
Whether it’s search engine optimization, social media, a website refresh, or all the above, it’s worth consulting with a digital marketing agency that specializes in law firm marketing to assess your needs and to plan a strategy for future growth.
FAQ About Super Lawyers
Is the Super Lawyers selection process biased?
The Super Lawyers selection process is designed to be as objective as possible. Their methodology ensures that selections are based on professional achievement and peer recognition rather than self-promotion or subjective opinions, thereby striving for an objective and credible assessment of top attorneys.
How often are Super Lawyers selected?
Super Lawyers are selected on an annual basis. Each year, the selection process starts over, allowing for the inclusion of new outstanding lawyers and ensuring that the list remains current and relevant.
Is there a fee to be listed on Super Lawyers?
There is no fee to be selected as a Super Lawyer. However, attorneys have the option to purchase additional promotional opportunities, such as enhanced listings or advertising in Super Lawyers publications.
Can a lawyer be removed from the Super Lawyers list once selected?
Yes, if a lawyer no longer meets the high standards set by Super Lawyers, they can be removed from the list. The selection process is reviewed annually to ensure ongoing compliance.
What happens if a lawyer is not selected for Super Lawyers?
If an attorney doesn’t make the cut, they should still look for ways to improve in the various criteria used to select candidates. Lawyers can be nominated again in the future, since the selection process is conducted each year.
