America’s Best-In-State Lawyers 2025: Methodology

Getty In the coming months, Forbes will debut its inaugural list of America’s Best-In-State Lawyers —a recognition designed to spotlight the finest attorneys in private practice from across all 50 states. As with all such Forbes lists, it is based on a rigorous, multi-stage process of editorial research and analysis to identify the finest in the profession: lawyers with impressive track records in their specialties, leaders in their fields and attorneys most respected by peers and clients. Forbes ’ methodology and assessment process was designed by an editorial team with broad experience in law practice and knowledge of the legal marketplace. This team identified a wide pool of eligible candidates through interviews with industry insiders, outside nominations, editorial research, and recommendations from an independent advisory board of experts, as well as outreach through law firms and local, state and national bar associations. To qualify for consideration, lawyers were required to be active and licensed. More than two thousand finalists from a variety of backgrounds, specializations and jurisdictions were ultimately considered. The research team conducted in-depth evaluations of each candidate based on a variety of weighted criteria, including: reputation, industry honors, influence on the legal landscape, client list, advocacy performance, practice impact, reviews by peers and clients, credentials and affiliations, thought leadership, pro-bono work, mentorship, and community and/or diversity work. Also assessed were involvement in significant cases, blockbuster verdicts or deals; notable clients or litigation, and volume, variety or type of incoming business. Accolades from state, national and international bar associations, as well as affinity bar groups and other stakeholders and organizations were also evaluated. Although a lawyer’s lifetime achievements were considered, emphasis was placed on their most recent accomplishments. Candidates across each of the 50 states were rated, with the number of listmakers in each state determined by proportional representation. The resulting collection of elite lawyers represents those delivering the finest legal representation for their clients across the nation, and a wide array of practice areas. But what they all share are reputations for integrity, records of excellence—and now, Forbes ’ recognition as the best in the business. As with all Forbes lists, no fee or payment of any kind was required for candidates to be considered or to make the list. For questions about this list, email [email protected] Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lianejackson/2025/05/08/americas-best-in-state-lawyers-2025-methodology/