ST. PETERSBURG – Florida Trend magazine recently released its 2016 Legal Elite list, and there was one firm that got more recognition than anybody else.
Florida firm Carlton Fields had the most attorneys recognized with 17.
“The Florida Legal Elite recognizes prestigious attorneys selected by their peers,'' Carlton Fields Public Relations Manager Kate Barth told the Florida Record. "Carlton Fields is honored to rank as a top law firm for most lawyers listed and with the most women honorees.”
Five firm attorneys also made the Legal Elite Hall of Fame list, and one Carlton Fields attorney was selected to Up & Comers – a section listing the top Florida attorneys who have practiced law for less than 10 years or are younger than 40 years of age.
The 2016 Legal Elite list is comprised of attorneys chosen by their peers and who practice in Florida.
According to a press release, 1,114 attorneys made the list. In all, lawyers from 562 law firms practicing in 67 Florida cities were selected. The number of honored attorneys represent 2 percent of all those practicing in Florida.
“For the past 13 years, our 250,000 readers have turned to Florida Legal Elite as a guide to help select a trusted legal partner to handle many crucial corporate assignments,” Florida Trend Publisher Andrew Corty said. “This July issue provides a valuable resource for these readers, and the FloridaTrend.com website offers another pathway to access this key information."
Voting for this year’s Legal Elite attorneys began in October when Florida Trend sought nominations from all in-state members of the Florida Bar.
Lawyers were asked to nominate attorneys whom they would recommend to others. Voters were also asked to name three “up and coming” attorneys, and in a separate category, attorneys working in the government and non-profit sectors.
The ballots were processed, checked and tabulated by Bradenton-based Outsource America and EA Fernbacher LLC in St. Petersburg. Each lawyer was given a score based on votes he or she received, with more weight given to outside-the firm-votes. Only lawyers who are currently licensed and practicing in Florida were eligible for selection.
The list was further examined using membership status and histories provided by the Florida Bar. A panel of previous Legal Elite winners, representing different practice areas in cities across the state, reviewed the selection process and the list of finalists.
The entire Legal Elite roster can be viewed at www.FloridaTrend.com/Legal-Elite.
“My goal is to engage and utilize the incredible resources of legal leaders throughout the state," Florida Bar President William J. Schifino Jr. said. "For the public and our profession, Florida Legal Elite offers a guide to outstanding attorneys recommended by their peers.”