Super Lawyers Selection Process

Finding and selecting an attorney can be disquieting to the most sophisticated of consumers. In simpler times, communities were smaller and more close-knit. Community members knew one another well, and the selection of an attorney was based upon personal knowledge and reputation. In today’s more complex world of Internet connectivity and vast stores of online data, the consumer is faced with an overwhelming array of information.

In selecting an attorney, gathering and evaluating information relevant to one’s circumstances and needs is a daunting task. If you are a consumer in need of an attorney, we believe you will find Minnesota Super Lawyers a good place to begin your search. But don’t base your decision solely on this, or any other source. There are many fine lawyers that may not be included. You need to do your homework. And most importantly, you need to feel comfortable with the person you choose to represent you.

Selection Process

Law & Politics strictly adheres to a rigorous selection process directed at casting as wide a net as possible, evaluating quality in the most objective possible terms and verifying and validating all data. The only way a lawyer can be listed in Super Lawyers magazine is through this selection process. The determination of whether a lawyer will be placed on the Super Lawyers list is independent of advertising or any other payments.

No other legal publisher identifies qualified candidates by using a multi-step evaluation process that incorporates peer recognition and professional achievement. Law & Politics uses a system of nominations, peer evaluation and internal research, which acts as a system of checks and balances. The resulting product is a diverse and comprehensive listing of outstanding lawyers.

Step One: Creation of the Candidate Pool

Statewide survey of lawyers

• Law & Politics invited more than 18,000 Minnesota lawyers to participate in the nomination process.
• Lawyers were asked to nominate the best attorneys they’ve personally observed in action.
• Nominees need not be in private practice. Lawyers were able to nominate legal aid attorneys, prosecutors and in-house counsel.
• Lawyers were able to nominate attorneys in their own firm, but those nominations counted only if each in-firm nomination was matched by at least one out-of-firm nomination.
• Each nomination carried a point value. An out-of-firm vote had substantially greater point value than an in-firm vote.
• Lawyers were not allowed to vote for themselves.
• Utilizing our database, researchers kept track of who voted for whom, a process that helped detect attempts to manipulate the nomination process.

Independent candidate search

• Law & Politics’ research department also searched for outstanding Minnesota lawyers by:
  –   Reviewing national and local periodicals as well as legal trade journals
  –   Searching professional databases and online sources
  –   Conducting in-person and telephonic meetings with law firms
• This step was designed to identify practitioners who may have been missed in the nomination process, particularly highly talented lawyers in specialty areas or those with low-visibility, yet high-quality, practices.

Step Two: Evaluation of Candidates

• Law & Politics’ research department examined the background and experience of candidates, evaluating indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement.
• Factors considered in evaluating candidates were:
  –   Verdicts and settlements
  –   Transactions
  –   Representative clients
  –   Experience
  –   Honors and awards
  –   Special licenses and certifications
  –   Position within law firm
  –   Bar and/or other professional activity
  –   Pro bono and community service
  –   Scholarly lectures and writings
  –   Education and employment background
  –   Other outstanding achievements
  

Step Three: Peer Evaluation by Practice Area

• Those candidates with high point totals from the nomination and qualitative evaluation steps were asked to be on a blue ribbon panel for their practice area.
• Panelists reviewed and evaluated candidates from their practice area.
• Panelists added candidates who were then passed along to research for evaluation.

Final Selection

• Law & Politics divided candidates according to their firm size: large, medium and small (size categories vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction), and selected those with the highest point totals from each category. Only 5 percent of the total lawyers in Minnesota are listed in Super Lawyers.

Before Publishing

• Law & Politics’ research staff checked each candidate’s standing with the local licensing authority.
• Candidates were asked to aver that they have not been subject to disciplinary or criminal proceedings, and to confirm the accuracy of contact and practice area information.
• Final Internet searches were performed on each candidate to ensure there were no outstanding matters that would reflect adversely on the lawyer.

Disclaimer: The information presented in Super Lawyers magazine is not legal advice, nor is Super Lawyers a legal referral service. We strive to maintain a high degree of accuracy in the information provided, but make no claim, promise or guarantee about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in this magazine or linked to superlawyers.com and its associated sites. The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be solely based upon advertising or the listings in this magazine. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services performed by the attorneys listed in this magazine will be greater than that of other licensed attorneys. Super Lawyers is an independent magazine publisher that has developed its own selection methodology. Super Lawyers is not affiliated with any state or regulatory body, and its listings do not certify or designate an attorney as a specialist. State required disclaimers can be found on the respective state pages on superlawyers.com.