Internet rankings and advertising slogans provide limited help. A designation such as “Top 100” tells you little about how the lawyer's actual cases compare with similar cases handled by other attorneys. The available sentencing data likewise do not justify creating a league table of individual defense attorneys.

 

      More useful considerations include whether the attorney regularly practices criminal defense, understands the particular type of charge involved, communicates clearly, identifies weaknesses in the prosecution's case, understands the client's criminal and personal history, explores treatment and alternative sentencing options, and can develop a realistic sentencing plan.

 

      Just as importantly, you should be able to communicate candidly with your lawyer and develop a relationship of trust. The available data support the value of representation. They do not support choosing a lawyer simply because that lawyer has purchased the most advertising, appears first in an internet search, or belongs to an impressive-sounding ranking organization.