NATIONAL BAR REGISTER OF PREEMINENT LAWYERS

Ms. Russell is listed in the 2005 Edition of Martindale-Hubbel Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.  The Register is the definitive guide to America's outstanding lawyers.  The Bar Register lists only the most distinguished lawyers in the country -- only those who are viewed by their colleagues as achieving excellence.  Only 5% of all law firms in the country qualify for and are included in the Bar Register.

"AV" RATING BY MARTINDALE-HUBBELL

Crystal A. Russell is among a very select group of attorneys who have received Martindale-Hubbell's highest rating of "AV".  Martindale-Hubbell's ratings of legal ability and general professionalism have been the authoritative guide for ratings of lawyers for over one hundred years. The Martindale-Hubbell ratings are solicited from members of the Bar (including those members of the Bar who are not listed); judges and other legal professionals.  The rating system is completely confidential. 

There are two aspects to the rating system.  The first aspect is for legal ability.  "A" is for "very high to preeminent";  "B" is for "high to very high"; and "C" is for "fair to high".  Ratings below "C" are not given.  The second aspect is for professionalism.   The General Recommendation Rating is "V" for "very high".  This rating encompasses faithful adherence to professional standards of ethical behavior governing lawyers.  Unless a rating is given in both categories, no rating is published.

The "AV" rating is accorded to only a small percentage of the nation's lawyers and law firms.  The rating system provides an important independent, industry wide system to narrow the search for qualified legal representation.  The "AV" rating represents an unbiased verification of an attorney's high standing and reputation in the legal community.