Is the superlawyer title real skill or just hype? Here’s what it takes to earn it—and if it truly matters in the legal world. You’ve probably seen it.
Splashed across glossy law firm websites, proudly displayed on LinkedIn bios, even on those aggressive billboard ads with steely-eyed attorneys: “Named a Super Lawyer from 2014 to 2024.”
When my cousin Emma got rear-ended by a semi-truck just outside of Dallas, she had no idea what to do. Her back was shattered, her car totaled, and her inbox filled with medical bills faster than she could open them. So she Googled “best injury lawyer near me.”
Guess what dominated the top results?
Superlawyers, She turned to me her cousin with a background in legal marketing and way too much time spent analyzing attorney bios—and asked, point-blank:
“Okay, but what does being a Super Lawyer actually mean? Like… are they really super? Or just good at paying for ads?”
That question hit me harder than I expected. Because I’ve worked with some Super Lawyers—and also with lawyers who refused the badge entirely on principle.
So, I did what I always do: I broke it down for her. And now, I’m doing the same for you. This post dives into the real question: Is the Superlawyer Title Legit or Just Legal Industry Hype?
What Is a Superlawyer, Really?
Let’s start with the basics.
The term Super Lawyer is not just a catchy nickname. It’s a marketing designation awarded by SuperLawyers.com, a third-party rating service owned by Thomson Reuters. Every year, lawyers are nominated by their peers, vetted through 12 performance indicators, and finally selected—supposedly representing the top 5% of attorneys in each state.
Sounds elite, right?
Well… kind of.
The Top 5% Myth
Super Lawyers does claim to represent the top 5% in a state. But the reality is, it’s more like a curated list than a true ranking. Peer nominations play a huge role—up to 30% of the total score—which opens the door for buddy-votes and internal firm politics.
And let’s not ignore this: more than 60% of lawyers on the Super Lawyer list reappear annually. That “elite 5%” is often the same name, year after year, making it more of a recurring club than a fresh showcase of talent.
Why Most Superlawyers Work at Big Firms
One thing that’s always bugged me: over 90% of Super Lawyers come from medium or large law firms (10+ attorneys). If it were truly a neutral rating system, you’d expect more diversity especially since solo and small-firm attorneys often win cases with massive client impact.
But in reality? If you’re not part of a firm that has marketing staff, nomination coordination, or visibility in the legal community, you’re probably not getting on that list. Period.
It’s Not a Lifetime Achievement It’s a One-Year Title
- Here’s something most people (even lawyers) don’t realize:
- The Super Lawyer badge only lasts one year.
- Yep. Just like a gym membership.
- If you want to keep your title, you’ve got to be re-nominated and re-evaluated every single year. Unsurprisingly, over 60% of lawyers reapply or are re-selected the following year.
Some even treat it like an annual ritual. Others… not so much.
Do Clients Even Know What a Superlawyer Is?
Emma sure didn’t. And she’s not alone.
According to a 2023 survey conducted by the ABA and Avvo, over 70% of legal clients either had no idea what a “Super Lawyer” is or thought it was a state-bar credential. (Spoiler: it’s not.)
Think about that for a second.
We’re putting this badge front and center in marketing—and most clients don’t even know what it means. Worse, some assume it’s government-backed certification.
I’ve seen clients trust a Superlawyer badge more than actual trial results. That’s marketing for you.
Follow the Money: Superlawyers and Marketing Spend
Law firms with Superlawyers spend 3x more on advertising especially in states like Texas and California. That includes digital ads, billboards, bus benches, and even branded coffee cups at legal expos.
Being named a Superlawyer is free. But you’ll get a call right after the announcement, offering you “enhanced profiles” and “top placement” for a fee.
- Let’s just say it’s not technically pay-to-play.
- But it’s pay-to-be-seen.
So… Is It All Just Hype?
- Here’s where I land:
- The Superlawyer badge isn’t meaningless—but it’s far from flawless.
Let’s look at some truths I’ve seen play out firsthand:
Some Superlawyers Have Never Been Inside a Courtroom
I’ve written bios for attorneys who were Super Lawyers… and also hadn’t tried a case in five years. Some were transactional attorneys—handling contracts and compliance, not courtroom battles.
Yet when their billboard said “Voted Super Lawyer,” most people assumed they were legal gladiators.
No Case Win Minimum Required
Think Super Lawyers means million-dollar verdicts? Think again.
You don’t need any major courtroom wins to get listed. Some of the most successful trial attorneys I’ve worked with—those who won massive settlements and game-changing verdicts—aren’t even on the list. Why? They never bothered with nominations. They let their results speak for themselves.
Can You Buy It? Not Exactly. But…
Technically, you can’t pay to become a Superlawyer. But once you’re in, you’re aggressively upsold on profile packages, web badges, plaques, and magazine spreads. Many attorneys feel pressured to buy in—because if they don’t, their listing looks “bare” compared to competitors.
Why Some Lawyers Opt Out Entirely
One of the best attorneys I ever met—a small-town Texas litigator with a 90% trial win rate—refused to accept the Superlawyer title. He’d been nominated twice. He said no both times.
Why?
“I don’t need some magazine telling me what my clients already know.”
That stuck with me. Because sometimes, true legal skill doesn’t come with a badge. It comes from grit, listening, and showing up for your clients again and again.
But Here’s the Twist: Superlawyer Does Work… Sometimes
Despite my skepticism, I can’t deny the power of perception.
In a 2022 legal marketing study, attorneys with the word “Superlawyer” in their bio saw 22% higher client conversion rates than those without. Even when clients didn’t understand the title, it created a halo of trust.
Not only that, but Google searches for “Super Lawyer” spike 48% during Q1 each year—right when new selections are announced. It’s no accident. Firms time their press releases, SEO, and ad spend to ride that wave.
What You Can Do (Whether You’re a Client or a Lawyer)
Clients: Don’t Stop at the Badge
Use the Superlawyer title as a starting point—not the finish line.
- Cross-reference with Google reviews.
- Check state bar disciplinary records.
- Ask how many cases they’ve taken to court.
- Look for actual results not just titles.
Lawyers: Use It, But Don’t Rely on It
If you’re selected, great. Celebrate it. Post it. Use the badge. But remember—it’s just one piece of your reputation puzzle. If your entire practice hinges on a third-party list, you’re not building real authority.
Key Takings
Here’s the truth:
- The Superlawyer title can be meaningful—but only when it’s backed by real results, real skill, and real integrity.
- Otherwise? It’s just another gold star in a sea of marketing noise.
- Emma ended up hiring a lawyer who wasn’t listed on Superlawyers.com.
But you know what?
He had won five jury trials in the last two years. - He called her back within 30 minutes. And he helped her win a life-changing settlement.
Addition Resources:
- Is Super Lawyers Worth It? (Attorney Marketing Solutions): Offers a legal marketing expert’s perspective on the Super Lawyers badge—explaining how it’s earned, where the costs come in (profile enhancements), and whether it’s valuable for branding.
- Are Super Lawyers Legit or Just Marketing? (Reddit: r/LawFirm): Unfiltered opinions from practicing attorneys who discuss the legitimacy, recurring selections, and potential bias in the peer-voting system. Some view it as a meaningful honor, others as a glorified popularity contest.
- Ask Lawyers: Is Super Lawyers a Scam or Real Recognition? (Reddit: r/Ask_Lawyers): Another Reddit thread where licensed attorneys debate whether Super Lawyers recognition reflects legal skill or just clever marketing. Includes both defenders and skeptics of the badge.