# Score methodology: a ranking with zero black box

The Score is a public score out of 100, recomputed every night with the same fixed weighting for every law firm. Reviews are verified with proof of the matter. No position can be bought.

## Formula

```
Score = verified reviews x 40% + profile and responsiveness x 25% + documented matters x 25% + badges and accreditations x 10%
(each signal scored 0-100, then weighted; the weighted sum is the Score /100)
```

## Signals

Each signal is scored out of 100, then weighted. The sum gives the Score shown on profiles, rankings and the comparator.

### Verified client reviews: 40%

Average rating weighted by volume and freshness. A 2026 review weighs more than a 2023 one. The 4 sub-ratings (quality of advice, responsiveness and timing, clarity and follow-up, fee transparency) count equally.

Note: ONLY REVIEWS WITH PROOF OF ENGAGEMENT COUNT

### Profile completeness and responsiveness: 25%

Every filled field earns points: practice areas, fees, lawyers, languages. Update freshness and responsiveness to consultation requests count too. A dormant profile mechanically drops.

Note: RECOMPUTED EVERY NIGHT AT 3AM CET

### Documented expertise: 25%

Anonymized cases, publications, speaking engagements and bar registrations. One well-documented case is worth more than three empty ones.

Note: OUTBOUND LINKS ARE CHECKED BY MODERATION

### Certifications and badges: 10%

Certified specializations, accreditations and bar registrations backed by proof. Each badge has public criteria. The website badge (embed the Lawfirmrated badge on your site, linked to your profile) is worth up to +5 points: +2 on detection, then +1 at 1, 3 and 6 months of continuous presence. Checked nightly: badge removed = points removed immediately.

## How a review gets verified

No review publishes itself. Every submission goes through three checks before appearing on a profile.

1. Proof of engagement: Engagement letter or fee invoice. The document stays private, only the "verified engagement" mention is public.
2. Human moderation: The Lawfirmrated team checks the proof and the text within 72h. It can ask for more details, and removes any identifying or confidential detail.
3. Right of reply: The law firm can reply publicly to every review. It can report an abuse, never delete a verified review.

## What never moves the score

- Paying Lawfirmrated. There is no paid offer that touches the ranking.
- The volume of consultation requests sent or received through the platform.
- Reviews without proof of engagement. They simply never get published.
- Seniority on Lawfirmrated. A law firm that signed up yesterday can overtake one from 2024.

## FAQ

### How often does the score change?

Every night. A new review, a published case or an updated profile shows up the next morning.

### Why did my score drop without any action on my side?

Freshness matters. A profile without updates for 6 months loses points on completeness.

### Can rank #1 be sponsored?

No. There is no paid placement on Lawfirmrated, and there never will be.

### How do I dispute a review?

From your dashboard, "Report" button. Moderation re-examines the proof within 72h.


Source: https://lawfirmrated.com/methodology
Directory: https://lawfirmrated.com (the independent ranking of law firms, notaries, legal advisory firms and legal service providers, with matter-verified client reviews; public Score /100, no paid placement)
Disclaimer: No legal advice. This directory compares firms; it never creates a lawyer-client relationship. Never share confidential details of your case in a review or a request.