Ratings of Florida Criminal Defense Lawyers

Although I touched on the rating of a criminal defense lawyer yesterday, it's time to really clear the air about a few things. My opinion on this subject is the result of years of reflecting upon the subject and from my experience as a practicing criminal defense attorney who runs a law firm.

There is entirely too much marketing spam which confuses the public, in my opinion. These rating systems are really about selling advertising for the rating service and is all about marketing for the DUI or criminal defense lawyer or law firm.

For example, at the time of this writing, I have a perfect "10" AVVO rating, but so what? Does the lawyer rating system used by AVVO have an exam requirement? No. Does their lawyer rating system have a trial requirement? No. A chance to buy online advertising? You bet. Even better, their "online lawyer reviews" can be gamed.

How about Thompson-Reuters "Superlawyers" lawyer rating system? No exam, no trial requirement but a chance for the lawyer or law firm to . . . buy advertising!

Finally, the venerable Martindale-Hubble lawyer rating system: Again, no requirement that a DUI or criminal defense lawyer has any actual trial experience and no exam. However, "Lawyer ratings raise your firm’s standing in the legal community while boosting your legal networking potential" according to their website, and of course you can advertise with their company to . . . promote the rating they gave you!

None of these ratings for Florida DUI and criminal defense attorneys compares to the Florida Bar's Board Certification program. Becoming a certified lawyer is extremely hard. As it should be.

When hiring a lawyer, consumers deserve more than marketing spam and gamed online lawyer reviews. The cost of advertising on the web for these essentially useless DUI & Criminal defense lawyer rating systems is passed on to you, the consumer of legal services.