Best Lawyers®, and its U.S. publication Best Lawyers in America®, is one of the most reputable, trustworthy, and prestigious lawyer directories in the country. We’re proud to announce that our very own Kay Van Wey has earned recognition as one of the Best Lawyers in America for the 2022 award year.
But if you’re unfamiliar with the brand and its track record, you may be wondering, what is Best Lawyers in America? Why is it a gold standard for identifying the top lawyers in the country?
This article will review what makes the Best Lawyers publication so reliable and prestigious, why its methodology is highly reputable, and why its peer-reviewed process is paramount to trustworthiness.
What Is Best Lawyers In America?
If you’re looking for a lawyer, you may ask yourself why you should trust Best Lawyers.
For one, the Best Lawyers in America list is the publication of an annual peer-reviewed survey. It bases its rankings on votes from other lawyers who have significant experience with these attorneys and their work ethic.
To be eligible for consideration, this lawyer must meet several criteria that include:
- In good standing with any relevant bar associations
- Practicing law for at least five years; no public disciplinary history or criminal conviction (if applicable)
- Licensed to practice law by U.S. state where they reside or employed as counsel outside the United States
- English fluency preferred
- Authorized to practice in one or more states within the U.S.
- Not engaged primarily in litigation support services such as consulting/expert testimony
What Makes The Best Lawyers Publication So Reliable?
In short, the peer-reviewed methodology of the publication is what makes it so reliable.
This process includes a nationwide survey with more than 25,000 American lawyers who are qualified to vote. These votes count as points, and when someone gets enough points, they get ranked for inclusion in this list. There is no set number of times you can appear on the rankings or how long one should wait before being eligible again.
It’s all about getting enough votes from other reputable attorneys around America.
Additionally, all voting members go through an online validation process that alerts them if they have already voted for that attorney by emailing them directly after submitting their ballot. If there is any suspicion over a vote, Best Lawyers will remove an attorney’s name from consideration for the rankings.
From the Best Lawyers website:
“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 area and legal practice area.”
Why Is The Best Lawyers Peer-Reviewed Process Important?
The peer-reviewed process is important because of its trustworthiness, which cannot be bought or faked.
This publication has been around since 1983. Attorneys started it in California to create a resource for others like themselves looking for reputable lawyers. It has grown tremendously over time into the most respected guide on finding top legal talent across America.
All the while, it has never sacrificed its commitment to trustworthy recognitions.
Why Best Lawyers Recognized Kay Van Wey
So, now that you know just how prestigious the organization and its pronouncements are, you may be asking, why was Van Wey & Williams’ very own Kay Van Wey recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America?
Kay was recognized specifically for the following two categories:
- Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
- Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
Kay Van Wey is a passionate patient safety advocate and takes a hands-on, personalized approach to help her clients. She’s a fierce trial lawyer, as well, never taking the easy way out. Her battles against Christopher Duntsch, aka Dr. Death, are a testament to her willingness to fight vigorously for justice.
What’s more, she strives to ensure that the medical community has the proper checks and balances in place to prevent bad medical practices, doctors, and procedures.
Looking for a Medical Malpractice or Personal Injury Lawyer?
Van Wey & Williams is here to help. Get in touch by clicking the button below, and we’ll provide you with a free consultation.
