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Firm Rating


POWERS CHAPMAN ENJOYS AN “AV” FIRM RATING FROM MARTINDALE-HUBBELL

Powers, Chapman, DeAgostino, Meyers & Milia, P.C., is an “AV” rated law firm. This is the highest rating awarded by Martindale-Hubbell. An “AV” rating means that the firm enjoys the highest reputation for legal competence and ethical standards in the legal community. This page explains how the Martindale-Hubbell rating system works.

MARTINDALE-HUBBELL AND WHY ITS RATING SYSTEM MATTERS

For over a century, lawyers and clients alike have turned to a company called Martindale Hubbell and its publication called the “Law Directory” for authoritative rating information on the worldwide legal profession. Martindale's Peer Review Ratings play an integral role in this service to the legal community. The Martindale-Hubbell system is universal and is the system for attorney ratings used worldwide. The company conducts surveys on individual lawyers for the purpose of determining their legal competence and ethical reputation in the legal community where they practice. A Martindale-Hubbell rating reflects the professional opinion of an attorney as held by his peers.

HOW MARTINDALE-HUBBELL DETERMINES A LAWYER'S RATING

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

Generally, a law firm is given the rating of its highest rated active partner.

There are two components to each Martindale-Hubbell Rating:

  1. Legal Ability Ratings
    Legal Ability 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 based on performance in those 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 a 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.

HOW TO USE THE MARTINDALE-HUBBELL RATING

The Martindale-Hubbell rating is just one factor to consider when hiring an attorney or law firm. By combining a Rating with a review of other data in a lawyer's Professional Biography - such as practice areas, bar memberships, professional affiliations, education and clients - a person can be certain he or she has made the right choice for that particular legal matter.


Professional Profiles » Firm Rating

About Powers Chapman

Powers, Chapman, DeAgostino, Meyers & Milia, P.C. is a full service law firm located in Troy, Michigan. We specialize in many areas of law, including business law, estate planning, corporate, personal injury, family law, criminal law, litigation, wills and trusts.
Contact us today:
3001 West Big Beaver Road, Suite 704
Troy, Michigan 48084
(248) 643-6500
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