Our Methodology

How We Select Attorneys

At HowToLawyer.us, we aim to provide objective, research-based information to help users research legal professionals. Below, we explain how attorneys are included in our directories. We do not rank, endorse, or guarantee the quality of any lawyer.

Our Core Criteria

Attorneys listed on our site must meet the following publicly verifiable criteria:

1. Active Licensure & Good Standing

  • Licensed to practice law in their state (verified via official state bar websites).
  • No suspensions, disbarments, or public disciplinary actions in the past 5 years (e.g., California State Bar).
  • How we verify: Annual checks of state bar records.

2. Experience

  • Significant experience in their primary area of law.
  • Exceptions: Attorneys with fewer than 10 years may qualify only if they have peer-reviewed recognition (e.g., Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, AV Preeminent Rating).

3. Peer Recognition

  • Awards or honors from third-party organizations (not self-nominated or paid listings). Examples:
    • Super Lawyers
    • Best Lawyers in America
    • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating
  • Leadership roles in state or national bar associations (e.g., ABA committee chair).

4. Client Reviews

  • We reference third-party platforms like Avvo or Google Reviews only if publicly available.
  • We do not:
    • Publish reviews directly on our site.
    • Guarantee the accuracy of third-party reviews.

Exclusion Criteria

We exclude attorneys who:

  • Have unresolved malpractice lawsuits (as per court records).
  • Received sanctions for ethical violations(e.g., misappropriation of client funds, conflicts of interest) in the past 5 years.
  • Paid for placement (sponsored content is disclosed separately).
  • Made unverifiable claims (e.g., “90% success rate” without court documentation).

Research Process

  1. Data Collection:
    • State bar association databases (licensure/disciplinary status).
    • Court records for notable cases (e.g., published appellate decisions).
    • Awards from credible organizations (e.g., Best Lawyers).
  2. Verification: Cross-checked across at least two independent sources.
  3. Updates: Profiles are reviewed annually. Users may report outdated information to howtolawyers@gmail.com.

Limitations & Disclaimers

  • Not a recommendation: Inclusion does not imply endorsement.
  • Not exhaustive: Many qualified attorneys may not be listed.
  • Jurisdictional focus: Lawyers are listed only for states where they are licensed.
  • No guarantees: We do not verify case outcomes or attorney-client interactions.

Sponsored Content Policy

  • HowToLawyer.us does not accept payment for attorney listings.
  • If sponsored content is introduced in the future:
    • It will be labeled “Advertising” in bold, visible text.
    • Sponsored listings will appear in a separate section from non-sponsored content.
    • Paid partnerships will not influence our selection criteria for non-sponsored attorneys.

User Responsibilities

  • Verify independently: Always confirm an attorney’s status via state bar websites.
  • Consult a licensed attorney: Our content is for general informational purposes only.

Report Issues

Contact howtolawyers@gmail.com to:

  • Flag outdated or inaccurate information.
  • Request removal (attorneys only).

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