The 2009 ratings are out! Again Lee Michaels, Jan Smolak, Dave Kalabanka and Michael Bersani were all named “Super Lawyers” in the category of “personal injury” and “medical malpractice” by Law & Politics Magazine. Only 5% of the lawyers in New York State achieve “Super Lawyer” status. In deciding whom to name to its “Super Lawyer” list, the Magazine researchers used 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement: verdicts and settlements; transactions; representative clients; experience; honors and awards; special licenses and certifications; position within law firm; bar and or other professional activity; pro bono and community service as a lawyer; scholarly lectures and writings; education and employment background; and other outstanding achievements.

How does this help Michaels & Smolak’s clients? Well, we are the only personal injury law firm between Syracuse and Rochester to have all lawyers distinguished as “Super Lawyers”. Insurance adjusters take into account the reputation of the plaintiff’s attorneys when deciding whether to settle cases for a fair amount in order to avoid the risks of an even larger payout at trial. Most of all, however, this distinction should simply confirm our clients’ understanding that they are extremely well represented and will get the best result possible for their injury.