Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical region and legal practice area. Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer-review survey is directly related to the quality of its voting pool. 

These recognitions do not guarantee future outcomes, as every case is unique and judged on its own merits. Award standards vary, and we encourage those interested to seek specific criteria from the respective organizations. Remember, while we aim for success, similar results cannot be assured in each case. Please click here to view the award criteria.  

 Business North Carolina’s Power List identifies the people who lead North Carolina, based on interviews with business community officials, research and reader suggestions. BNC emphasizes those who have made a particularly noteworthy impact in the last year. Political leaders are omitted. 

 Each year, Business North Carolina sends ballot notices to every member of the N.C. State Bar living in North Carolina — asking each a simple question: Of the Tar Heel lawyers whose work you have observed firsthand, whom would you rate among the current best in these categories? Voters are not allowed to vote for themselves.  

Voters may select members of their firms only if they pick out-of-firm lawyers in the same categories, with the latter votes weighted more heavily. 

 These awards are recognitions given to attorneys who are earlier in their careers for outstanding professional excellence in private practice in America. Our “Ones to Watch” recipients typically have been in practice for 5-9 years. 

 Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a patented multiphase selection process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis. The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel. Since Super Lawyers is intended to be used as an aid in selecting a lawyer, we limit the lawyer ratings to those who can be hired and retained by the public. 

Best Law Firms rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of clients and professional reference evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys, industry leader interviews and review of additional firmographic highlights provided by law firms as part of the formal research submission process. 

 USFN Members must meet rigorous screening standards and selection criteria, the Award of Excellence recognizes firms that represent the highest realization of the ideals embodied by our organization, and they symbolize USFN’s continuing commitment to quality. The Award of Excellence is based on high standards in the following areas: Active participation and leadership in the MBA, USFN and the legal profession | Significant contributions to leadership in the industry | On-going staff development | Superior client relations. 

 Martindale-Hubbell conducts a thorough review of attorneys who wish to receive a Martindale- Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™, through a secure online peer review survey where a lawyer’s ethical standards and legal ability in a specific area of practice is assessed by their peers. Once the review process is completed an attorney may receive 1 of the following Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™: AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This is given to attorneys who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards by their peers. Distinguished: An excellent rating for an attorney who has some experience and is widely respected by their peers for their professional achievement and ethical standards. Notable: A rating given to a lawyer who has been recognized by a large number of their peers for their strong ethical standards.