Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch

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.

Featured "Ones to Watch"

Eligibility & Coverage

  • Lawyers who have been in private practice for 5-9 years are eligible to be nominated.
  • Candidates can only be considered for one recognition at a time (i.e. either "Ones to Watch" or our traditional Best Lawyers awards).
  • We do not currently accept nominations for or recognize talent among in-house lawyers.
  • Candidates must be nominated in one of our awarded areas of expertise.
  • Visit our research timeline to learn more about the submission and announcement schedule.

Methodology

Recognition with a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch award is based entirely on the same Purely Peer Review® methodology that has made Best Lawyers the gold standard for legal recognitions worldwide. Read about the Best Lawyers methodology in more detail.
Like our traditional Best Lawyers awards, the first step in our methodological process is for a lawyer to be nominated.
Ones to Watch diagram
1

Nomination Submission

Lawyers can be nominated by anyone but themselves.

2

Peer Review

All candidates for “Ones to Watch” are invited to vote on their peers.

3

Analysis of Feedback

Results are calculated and feedback is reviewed.

4

Eligibility Check

Candidates are confirmed to be in good standing with their local bar associations.

5

Results Released

Firms and individuals are informed of the results and the awards are published.

From "Ones to Watch" to Best Lawyers Recipient
Nominee or Candidate
Ones to Watch Headshot
  • For lawyers earlier in their careers
  • Typically have been in practice 5-9 years
  • Often hold the title of Associate or Senior Associate
  • All "Ones to Watch" candidates are invited to vote
  • Are also voted on by Best Lawyers awardees within their firm
Best Lawyers Headshot
  • For established lawyers exhibiting top legal talent
  • Traditionally have at least 10 years' experience in private practice
  • Most often have been promoted to Partner
  • Are voted on exclusively by Best Lawyers awardees
  • Are only invited to vote once they are recognized by Best Lawyers

Ways to Promote

"Ones to Watch" honorees can share this recognition with their friends, colleagues, clients and professional network. We also provide marketing options to feature your individual and firm awards. These include lawyer and firm profiles that appear in the Best Lawyers search engine and customized logos that can be used in your marketing and client outreach.

PUBLICIZE

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POST

DISTRIBUTE

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If you wish to learn more or if you need assistance promoting your awards, please reach out to marketing@bestlawyers.com and read our publicizing guidelines.
Want to learn more about Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch?

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