The Clifford & Brown web site is intended to provide general information only and is not intended as a source of legal advice. Although this web site is considered a communication under California Rules of Court Rule 1-400(D)(4), your use of this web site does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship with Clifford & Brown or any of its attorneys. Because the law is always in a state of change and differs from state to state, Clifford & Brown does not guarantee the accuracy of the information on this web site. This web site contains general legal information only. You should not assume that any information contained in our site applies to your specific situation without consulting competent legal counsel in your state. You should not use this web site as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney in your state.

The Clifford & Brown web site is not intended to be an advertisement or solicitation, or to represent legal advice. No one reading this web site should consider any statement within the web site to be a guarantee of success of any legal matter or the promise of a quick payment.

We do not wish to represent anyone desiring representation based upon viewing this web site in a state where this web site fails to comply with all laws and ethical rules of that state. While certain members of Clifford & Brown are licensed to practice in states other than California, Clifford & Brown does not have any office in any state but California. None of the attorneys at Clifford & Brown actively practices in any state but California. This web site should not be considered a solicitation or communication for work outside of the State of California.

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For the purpose of California Rules of Professional Conduct Rule I-400, the attorney to contact regarding the content of this web site is Michael O’Dell.

An Explanation of the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings Categories

There are two components to Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

1. General Ethical Standards Rating
   The General Ethical Standards Rating denotes adherence to professional standards of conduct and ethics, reliability, diligence and other criteria relevant to the discharge of professional responsibilities.
   The General Recommendation Rating is:
   V – Very High
   A lawyer must receive a General Ethical Standards Rating before his or her review can proceed to the next step.
2. Legal Ability Ratings
   Legal Ability Ratings take into consideration the standard of professional ability in the area where the lawyer practices, the lawyer’s expertise, and other professional qualifications. If a lawyer’s practice is limited or specialized, Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings are based on performance in those specific fields of law.
   Legal Ability Ratings are:
   C – Good to High
   B – High to Very High
   A – Very High to Preeminent
   When both categories of Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings are confirmed, a lawyer receives an CV