The ratings are often no more than PR for the Lawyers listed. The listers use different criteria, and then solicit permission to have you listed.

Here is one listing DM as No # 1 in Maryland...

http://www.duanemorris.com/pressreleases/duane_morris_ranked_top_tier_best_lawyers_us_news_3815.html

I don't care if DM is listed # 9650 so long as they know what they are doing in the area you , have hired them for. In short the question to be asked and answered have they made law in the specific section of Law?...

On that scale DM is # 1 in my book. They are the originators of the Concept of a Markman Hearing which was adopted by the Supremes in the Markam case...

Gil...