Fort Smith, Arkansas – Martindale-Hubbell® has a long and distinguished history originating in 1887 of evaluating lawyers for high ethical standards and strong legal abilities. This has traditionally been accomplished via a Peer Review Rating (PRR) system.

The original Martindale’s American Law Directory was the first of its kind to rate attorneys’ skills, allowing potential clients to determine if a lawyer they were considering was skilled, ethical, and considered to be trustworthy. The focus of the ratings remains the same today as it was when they first began – to help those seeking legal advice decide to retain a firm and/or an attorney.

Last year, this distinguished honor was bestowed upon Jason M. Hatfield of the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield in Springdale, Arkansas. Martindale-Hubbell bases their verified ratings on their legal abilities and ethical standards as adjudicated by their peers but also takes into account reviews from clients.

The Martindale-Hubbell peer ratings are considered to be the gold standard in attorney ratings and assess the attorney’s Legal Knowledge, Analytical Capabilities, Judgment, Communication Ability, and Legal Experience.

“I am deeply honored to receive the highest peer rating from Martindale-Hubbell, AV Preeminent,” said Springdale attorney Jason M. Hatfield. This rating, evaluated by an attorney’s peers, is given to lawyers ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for their ability to communicate effectively, their expertise, and ethical standards.

At one time, the rating system was known to use an A-B-C scale, with the A rating meaning an attorney had rated “Very High” in legal abilities and had been in practice for at least a decade. A “B” rating indicated the lawyer was rated “High” and had been in practice for at least 5 years. A “C” rating indicated the attorney was rated as fair, with no limits on the length of practice.

There was not just one rating system. There was also a second one that included a “V,” which meant the lawyer’s peers had said they had “Very High” ethics. As time passed, the “V” became “AV,” “BV,” and “CV” ratings. Today, the “AV” means the lawyer has attained the highest of professional excellence and is also recognized and known for the highest level of integrity and skill.

To connect with Jason M. Hatfield, AV Preeminent, for an interview or comments, visit https://www.jhatfieldlaw.com/