Rod Stephens has been distinguished with an "AV" rating from his fellow legal professionals, a testament to his excellence collected by Martindale-Hubbell. This "AV" rating represents the pinnacle of professional excellence, a distinction reserved for attorneys demonstrating exceptional legal capability and maintaining the highest ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings, established in 1887, is a respected tool for objectively assessing an attorney's competence and professional ethics. Based on confidential reviews from lawyers and judges who have interacted with the rated attorneys, this system has garnered acclaim as the most prestigious lawyer rating system worldwide for over a century.

These ratings result from anonymous reviews by members of the Bar and the Judiciary, including rated and non-rated attorneys. The inaugural review to establish an attorney's rating typically occurs three years after their admission to the Bar.

Through secure online surveys, Martindale-Hubbell gathers peer review ratings across multiple jurisdictions and legal specializations similar to that of the lawyer under evaluation. Reviewers are asked to appraise their colleagues' ethical standards and specific practice area legal ability.

In the competitive legal services market, the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating stands as a powerful tool for differentiating attorneys with similar qualifications. This distinction serves multiple purposes, such as assisting in-house counsel in determining which of their outside law firms should undertake a new matter or aiding private practice attorneys in referring a case to another lawyer with the required expertise in a specific area.

Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ assist legal service seekers in identifying, evaluating, and selecting the most suitable attorney for their needs. The rating process's confidentiality, objectivity, and independence contribute to its unique credibility as a valuable evaluation tool within the legal profession. The legal community appreciates the accuracy of these peer review ratings because they stem from the opinions of peers - those best positioned to evaluate their colleagues' legal abilities and professional ethics.

We are honored by this recognition from our peers, reflecting our commitment to providing our clients with exceptional service. If you have any questions about the services we offer, we welcome the opportunity to provide further information.