The credibility of Best Lawyers® is rooted in our rigorous Purely Peer Review®.
This uniquely thorough process is designed to ensure the recognition of only the most accomplished and reputable legal professionals in their respective fields.
Each year, tens of thousands of the country’s leading lawyers are invited to assess their peers on criteria such as professional abilities, legal expertise, ethical standards, and overall excellence.
By focusing solely on peer evaluations, we remove external factors or biases, creating a list that is truly reflective of the legal community’s consensus.
Our Unique Approach
The process begins with an open nomination system.
Nominations can be submitted by anyone—whether they are a fellow lawyer, a client, or a member of the public. This inclusive approach broadens the pool of candidates, allowing for a more comprehensive representation of legal talent.
Once a candidate is nominated, they proceed to the evaluation stage, where their performance and reputation are assessed through detailed surveys completed by lawyers who have previously been recognized in Best Lawyers.
These surveys are conducted confidentially to promote honest and unbiased feedback.
What makes this methodology particularly special is the depth and precision of our evaluation process. The surveys go beyond surface-level observations and invite respondents to provide substantive insights into their peers’ legal competencies and personal ethics.
This distinctive peer-driven approach is the foundation for our research. Lawyers themselves are often the best judges of each other’s skillsets and professionalism.
To ensure accuracy, quality, and consistency, our research team meticulously analyzes and verifies feedback. This hands-on review process guarantees that only the most qualified lawyers earn recognition through Best Lawyers.
The 2026 Edition of Best Lawyers
In our 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America we achieved another record-breaking year of evaluations, ultimately recognizing 81,420 lawyers. This distinguished group, consisting of attorneys with at least 10 years of practice who have demonstrated exceptional skill and a well-established reputation, represents about 5% of legal professionals across the United States.
For early-career lawyers with fewer than 10 years of experience, our Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America awards, now in its sixth edition, highlight emerging legal talent. This year, we honored 27,241 rising stars, representing roughly 2% of promising new professionals in the legal field.
Additionally, 5,068 lawyers received the prestigious “Lawyer of the Year” recognition, awarded to those who have made outstanding contributions and demonstrated leadership in their practice areas.
Quality Legal Representation, Wherever You Are
Our lists cover a wide range of geographical areas, allowing you to find the best lawyers recognized for their excellence wherever you are in the United States. From major metro areas to smaller towns, Best Lawyers connects you with top legal talent.
Inclusion on our list is not guaranteed by simply being the only lawyer in a specific area. Our focus remains on upholding the highest standards of quality and professional integrity. Lawyers earn their place through peer recognition and a proven track record of excellence in their field.
This peer-driven approach ensures that each lawyer has genuinely earned their spot based on the respect and acknowledgment of their colleagues. The result is a trusted list of top legal professionals, with each category representing a distinct group of highly regarded lawyers.
Professionals consistently rely on Best Lawyers to find high-quality legal representation across various jurisdictions.
Alan Eidsness of Henson Efron notes, "I have used the listings in Best Lawyersto aid me in finding counsel for clients or referral sources in other states. Each time the attorney chosen has been top-notch."
Firm Feedback
Clients and professionals alike recognize the value of this approach.
Jason O'Dell of OJM Group highlights how "Best Lawyers showcases a carefully curated selection of lawyers who have demonstrated outstanding legal skills, exceptional professionalism and an unwavering commitment to their clients."
Mark W. Williams from Sherman & Howard LLC adds, "When I need the best lawyer in a particular jurisdiction, or with a particular expertise in which we do not practice, my first source is Best Lawyers and Best Law Firms®."
Best Lawyers prioritizes the service our insights and comprehensive peer-review research provide to the legal community. That means integrity, transparency, and professionalism.
By building our methodology on trust, accountability, and the collective wisdom of the legal industry, we deliver a reliable and up-to-date resource for anyone who needs superior legal representation.
