We are proud to announce that Attorney Marc Lopez has been selected to Super Lawyers, and Attorneys Naun Benitez and Zac Bailey have been selected to Rising Stars.
These distinctions are not based on applications or self-promotion. They are earned through a rigorous, multi-phase selection process designed to identify attorneys who demonstrate high levels of professional achievement and peer recognition.
What Is Super Lawyers?
Super Lawyers recognizes the top 5 percent of attorneys in each state through an annual selection process. Rising Stars recognizes the top 2.5 percent of attorneys who are either 40 years old or younger, or who have been practicing law for 10 years or less. The evaluation standards for both lists are the same, with the only difference being the age or experience requirement for Rising Stars.
How Attorneys Are Selected
The selection process is detailed and research-driven. It includes multiple stages designed to ensure fairness, credibility, and professional integrity.
1. Peer Nominations
Each year, attorneys are invited to nominate peers they have personally observed in action. Self-nominations are not allowed.
Nominations must come from attorneys licensed in the same state. While lawyers may nominate someone within their own firm, those nominations only count if matched by at least one nomination from outside the firm. Out-of-firm nominations carry greater weight.
Super Lawyers also tracks nomination patterns to prevent improper practices such as reciprocal nominations or coordinated firm submissions. Campaigning for nominations is prohibited.
Importantly, nominations alone do not guarantee selection. They simply place an attorney into the candidate pool for further evaluation.
2. Independent Research and Evaluation
Once nominated or identified through research, each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement, including:
- Verdicts and settlements
- Transactions
- Representative clients
- Experience
- Honors and awards
- Special licenses and certifications
- Position within the firm
- Bar and professional activity
- Pro bono and community service
- Scholarly lectures and writings
- Education and employment background
- Other outstanding achievements
These indicators are weighted differently. The process also includes identifying attorneys who may not have been nominated but who demonstrate significant professional accomplishment through independent research.
3. Blue Ribbon Panel Review
Top candidates in each practice area are reviewed by a Blue Ribbon Panel composed of attorneys with the highest point totals in that area. Panelists evaluate candidates within their specific practice field and rate them on a standardized scale.
Candidates are grouped by firm size, ensuring that solo and small firm attorneys are evaluated alongside similarly situated peers, while larger firm attorneys are compared within their category.
From this comprehensive evaluation, only 5 percent of attorneys in the state are selected to Super Lawyers and 2.5 percent are selected to Rising Stars.
4. Verification and Final Review
Before publication, each selected attorney undergoes a verification process. Good standing with the state bar is confirmed. Candidates must affirm that they have not been subject to disciplinary or criminal proceedings. Additional independent searches are conducted to ensure accuracy and professional standing.
The final list is published annually in Super Lawyers magazine and featured in regional publications. All selected attorneys are listed on SuperLawyers.com.
Recognizing Excellence at Our Firm
We are honored that members of our firm have been recognized through this highly competitive and research-based process.
- Marc Lopez has been selected to Super Lawyers, placing him among the top 5 percent of attorneys in the state.
- Naun Benitez and Zac Bailey have been selected to Rising Stars, recognizing them among the top 2.5 percent of eligible attorneys in the state.
These recognitions reflect peer respect, demonstrated professional achievement, and consistent dedication to client advocacy.
Why This Matters
While no award defines an attorney, peer-driven recognitions like Super Lawyers provide meaningful insight into professional reputation and performance within the legal community. The selection process is designed to identify attorneys who have earned the respect of their colleagues and demonstrated a high degree of competence and achievement in their practice areas.
We congratulate Marc, Naun, and Zac on this well-earned recognition and remain committed to providing the highest level of representation to those we serve.
