What Makes Someone a Florida Super Lawyer?

Florida Super Lawyers is a rating service that identifies outstanding attorneys from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process involves multiple phases including peer nominations, independent research, and peer evaluations.

To qualify, attorneys must first be nominated by their peers or identified by the research department. Following nomination, candidates undergo thorough evaluation based on 12 indicators of professional achievement, including verdicts and settlements, experience, honors and awards, special licenses and certifications, position within the law firm, scholarly lectures and writings, education and employment background, pro bono and community service, and other outstanding achievements.

Only about 5% of attorneys in Florida receive this distinguished recognition annually, making it a truly selective designation that helps distinguish exceptional legal talent from the broader pool of practicing attorneys.

The Selection Process Explained

The multi-phase selection process for Florida Super Lawyers begins with nominations, which can come from attorneys or through the research department's outreach. Self-nominations are not accepted, ensuring the integrity of the initial candidate pool.

Once the nominations phase concludes, the research team conducts a thorough evaluation of candidates based on the 12 indicators of professional achievement. This evaluation includes reviewing databases, online sources, and conducting interviews to gather comprehensive information about each candidate's qualifications and accomplishments.

The final phase involves peer evaluation by practice area, often called the 'blue ribbon review.' During this stage, candidates with the highest point totals from the first two phases are invited to evaluate other candidates within their practice area. This peer review component adds another layer of credibility to the selection process, ensuring that only truly respected attorneys receive the designation.

Major Florida Law Firm Comparison

When seeking legal representation in Florida, clients often look to firms with a strong presence of Super Lawyers among their ranks. Below is a comparison of some prominent Florida law firms and their Super Lawyer distinctions:

  • Holland & Knight - This national firm with strong Florida roots consistently has numerous attorneys recognized as Super Lawyers across multiple practice areas. Their depth in commercial litigation and real estate law is particularly notable. Visit their website at Holland & Knight for more information.
  • Greenberg Traurig - With offices throughout Florida, Greenberg Traurig regularly features many attorneys on the Super Lawyers list, particularly in areas like corporate law and litigation. Learn more at Greenberg Traurig.
  • Shutts & Bowen - As one of Florida's oldest law firms, Shutts & Bowen maintains a strong presence on the Super Lawyers list across various practice areas. Visit Shutts & Bowen to explore their services.
  • Carlton Fields - Known for its litigation prowess, Carlton Fields consistently has numerous attorneys recognized as Super Lawyers. Check their credentials at Carlton Fields.

When comparing firms, it's important to look beyond the number of Super Lawyers and consider which attorneys specialize in your specific legal needs. Many firms highlight their Super Lawyer designations on their websites and professional profiles.

Benefits and Limitations of the Super Lawyers Designation

The Super Lawyers designation offers several benefits for clients seeking legal representation. First, it provides an independent validation of an attorney's capabilities and standing among peers. This third-party endorsement can help clients narrow their search for qualified legal counsel in a crowded marketplace.

Additionally, the rigorous selection process evaluates attorneys across multiple dimensions of professional achievement, giving clients confidence that designated attorneys have demonstrated excellence in various aspects of their practice. The Super Lawyers directory, available through Super Lawyers, also offers a user-friendly way to search for attorneys by practice area and location.

However, there are limitations to consider. The Super Lawyers designation doesn't guarantee a particular outcome for any legal matter. It's also important to note that many excellent attorneys may not appear on the list for various reasons, including practicing in smaller firms or more specialized areas. The selection process, while thorough, naturally favors attorneys with higher visibility and longer careers, potentially overlooking promising newer talent.

Clients should view the Super Lawyers designation as one helpful factor among many when selecting legal representation. Personal rapport, specific experience with similar cases, fee structures, and communication style remain crucial considerations that should be evaluated through direct consultation.

How to Effectively Use the Super Lawyers Directory

The Super Lawyers directory serves as a valuable resource for individuals and businesses seeking qualified legal representation in Florida. To maximize its utility, start by visiting the Super Lawyers website and filtering your search by location and practice area to find attorneys specializing in your specific legal needs.

When reviewing attorney profiles, look beyond the Super Lawyers designation itself. Pay attention to the attorney's educational background, years of experience, representative clients, and any published articles or speaking engagements that demonstrate their expertise. Many profiles also include contact information and links to the attorney's firm website, making it easy to reach out directly.

Consider using the directory to create a shortlist of potential attorneys rather than making a final decision based solely on the designation. Once you've identified several candidates, schedule consultations to discuss your specific situation, assess compatibility, and understand their approach to cases similar to yours. During these consultations, ask about their experience with cases like yours, their success rate, their fee structure, and their communication style.

Remember that while the Super Lawyers directory is a helpful starting point, finding the right attorney involves matching their qualifications with your specific legal needs and personal preferences. The Florida Bar Association also provides resources for verifying an attorney's standing and finding legal representation.

Conclusion

Florida Super Lawyers represents a valuable resource for identifying attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievement and peer recognition. While the designation provides helpful guidance in your search for qualified legal representation, it should be used as one of several factors in your decision-making process. Take time to research potential attorneys, schedule consultations, and consider how their specific experience aligns with your legal needs. By combining the Super Lawyers resource with thorough personal evaluation, you can find legal representation that offers both recognized expertise and the right fit for your unique situation.

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This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.