Separate from the organizations whose principal purpose, or perhaps only purpose, is to give ratings to lawyers, there are other, important organizations with broader purposes who sometimes recognize attorneys for their service or achievements.
These matter mostly because they indicate a serious commitment to the profession by the attorney who receives them. Some lawyers look at their work as just a job – something they chose over other jobs because they earn more money or perhaps have to do less work. Obviously the lawyer you need is not that type. Attorneys who are more committed to their work are very likely to also be willing to do volunteer work to better the profession they love. So awards and recognition are something to look for.
At Swope, Rodante, our lawyers have received awards from the local County Bar Association, the State Bar in which they practice, the Florida Justice Association, the American Bar Association, and others.