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SELECTION PROCESS

Join the Elite Ranks of Defenders for Justice: Top Criminal Defense Attorneys

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Defenders for Justice is dedicated to recognizing the most exceptional criminal defense attorneys in the country. By joining, you’ll have the opportunity to leverage powerful marketing tools and be among the best of the best in the legal industry.

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Our selection process is rigorous and comprehensive, ensuring that only the most qualified candidates are recognized.

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All candidates are evaluated in three key areas:

MINIMUM 
QUALIFICATIONS

All Defenders for Justice:

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  • Are in good standing with their state bar

  • Dedicate at least 50% of their practice to criminal defense law

  • Have been in private practice for at least five years

PEER & CLIENT
REVIEW

Candidates are then evaluated based on peer and client reviews. Our researchers synthesize results across five legal rating services to assign points to each candidate. Defenders for Justice honorees must earn a minimum number of points.

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By aggregating feedback from clients and other attorneys, our team of researchers gains a holistic view of each candidate. We believe this approach is what sets Defenders for Justice apart from other lawyer awards.

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CAREER MILESTONES
& SUCCESS

Finally, researchers consider and add discretionary points for:

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  • Case results

  • Professional activities and memberships

  • Pro bono work and philanthropy

  • Education

  • Special certifications

  • Other awards, rankings, and ratings

CANDIDATE IDENTIFICATION
 

Attorneys can enter the pool of candidates in two ways:

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  1. Through our staff’s independent research.

  2. Through an online nomination. Attorneys can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else.

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Defenders for Justice was built on a foundation of quality and careful research. If you know someone who deserves inclusion in Defenders for Justice, nominate them today.

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