How Martindale-Hubbell Creates its Peer Review Ratings

Ratings Photo by Chris Liverani on Unsplash

The owner of The Jaklitsch Law Group in Maryland, Rick Jaklitsch and his team represent those who are injured as a result of someone else’s negligence. Possessing upwards of three decades of legal experience, Rick Jaklitsch has been rated as an AV Preeminent lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell for 25 years.

Peer Review Ratings from Martindale-Hubbell recognize attorneys for their high ethical standards and professionalism. Seen as the gold standard in attorney ratings, Martindale-Hubbell ratings help individuals searching for lawyers to fulfill their legal needs by granting them the ability to identify and evaluate attorneys based on various factors. The organization has been providing peer review ratings for more than 100 years, during which time it has perfected its methodology.

To create its ratings, Martindale-Hubbell administers anonymous online surveys. These surveys are made available to attorneys practicing in various geographic locations and jurisdictions and ask respondents to assess the ethical standards and legal ability of their colleagues. Each attorney is rated on a scale of one to five in five different categories: analytical capabilities, judgment, legal knowledge, legal experience and communication ability. On this rating scale, one (1) is the lowest-possible score.

Based on these ratings, Martindale-Hubbell assigns different ratings to attorneys. Notable attorneys are recognized by their peers as having strong ethical standards. Meanwhile, distinguished professionals have some legal experience, high professional achievement and high ethical standards. The highest peer rating possible is AV Preeminent. Martindale-Hubbell reserves this rating for attorneys that are ranked at the highest level of excellence for their communication, ethics and knowledge by a large number of their peers.

Maryland Legislature Discusses Vulnerable Road User Act

Respected personal injury lawyer Rick Jaklitsch has appeared multiple times on prestigious Top Lawyer lists published by the National Trial Lawyers Association and the American Trial Lawyers Association. Rick Jaklitsch has successfully represented Maryland-based clients injured through no fault of their own in accidents caused by motorists.

In an effort to provide extra protection for bicyclists, pedestrians, and other individuals deemed vulnerable road users, Maryland lawmakers have introduced a bill to increase penalties for motorists involved in accidents with this population.

Currently, unless a driver has been grossly negligent, the consequences for striking a vulnerable road user could be as minor as a traffic fine. If passed, the bill would require offenders to pay up to $2,000 and appear before a judge. Further, motorists found guilty may lose their license and be required to complete community service.

While the bill has passed the Maryland House of Delegates, further discussions are postponed until a future, undetermined date. Advocates believe that tougher laws will reduce the number of fatal incidents involving vulnerable road users.