The Avvo Rating is calculated using the information in your profile. We collect some amount of publically available information such as bar licensing and disciplinary actions. But there is information that we rely on attorneys to provide in order to increase their individual rating. Claiming your profile and adding current, relevant information can translate into points toward your rating.
Be sure to include:
Work experience. What legal-related work have you done since you graduated from law school? The Avvo Rating factors in the type of work experience as well as the number of years you have practiced. This can include leadership positions that you have held with legal associations (e.g., your state bar).
Awards. Awards from recognized groups like Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and Martindale-Hubble, will positively impact your Avvo Rating. This impact decreases over time, so be sure to list any new awards you receive.
Legal associations. We are interested in your professional involvements in the legal community. This shows that you take your law practice seriously and that you are committed to improving yourself as an attorney. The boost to your rating will be even bigger if your peers have elevated you to an office or position within that group.
Publications. If you have not published anything, now is the time to do so. You probably already belong to at least one legal organization that puts out a newsletter, and odds are that the organization needs content to go in their newsletter. Submit an article in your area of knowledge; once it is published, you have a publication credit for your Avvo profile. If you have already published law-related articles, then you are ahead of the game--you just need to list them.
Speaking engagements. This can include events where you have given a talk at the annual bar association dinner, or if you have conducted any continuing legal education (CLE) programs. If you haven’t yet taught a CLE program, think about what you have to offer. In addition to expanding your knowledge of the subject you teach, it's a great way to increase your Avvo Rating.
Peer endorsements. Endorsements from fellow attorneys on your Avvo profile can increase your rating. Please note that there is a limit to how many endorsement points you get. Also, note that client reviews do not have any effect on your Avvo Rating.
Additional tips
Fill out your Avvo profile to maximize your score. A surprising number of lawyers claim their Avvo profile and then do nothing to make sure it accurately reflects their credentials and experience. Take a second to make sure that the information we have and that you’ve provided is correct in your license and education sections. It is important to provide as much relevant information as you can. Remember: If it's not in your profile, then we can't give you credit for it.
Add dates. It is very important that you include dates when appropriate. If we don’t know the date you received an award, then we assume the oldest date we can, which results in the minimum number of points for that entry.
Keep your profile updated. Recent awards, publications, etc. are given more weight than older ones when calculating your Avvo Rating. Laws change, and current accomplishments are a good indicator that you have kept up with the changes.