There are two components to each Martindale-Hubbel Rating:

1.     Legal Ability Ratings

        Legal Abiltiy 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, Ratings are base on performance in thos specific fields of law.

         Legal Ability Ratings are:

• C - Good to High
• B - High to Very High
• A - Very High to Preeminent

2.      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 will not receive a Legal Ability Rating unless he or she has been endorsed for a "V." When both categories of Ratings are confirmed, a lawyer receives an CV, BV or AV Rating.

Ratings reflect career development

      A lawyer's Rating will generally improve over time. But Ratings can be revised downward, or even removed if a decline is noted in ability or ethical standards.

• A CV Rating is an excellent first Rating and a statement of a lawyer's above average ability and very high ethics.

• A BV Rating is an indication of an exemplary reputation and well-established practice. A typical lawyer is in mid-career, with a significant client base and high professional standing.

• An AV Rating shows that a lawyer has reached the height of professional excellence. He or she has usually practiced law for many years, and is recognized for the highest levels of skill and integrity.