PERSONNEL FILE: Two W.Va. firms receive national recognition in 'Best Law Firms'

CHARLESTON – Several state law firms were named in the 2014 edition of “Best Law Firms.”

Firms included in the 2014 “Best Law Firms” list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. Achieving a tiered ranking signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise.

"U.S. News has more than two decades of experience in providing the public with the most accurate and in-depth rankings of a wide range of institutions, including our Best Law Schools rankings," says Tim Smart, Executive Editor of U.S. News & World Report. "Law firms are an integral part of our rankings and a natural accompaniment to the law school rankings."

The 2014 rankings are based on the highest number of participating firms and highest number of client ballots on record. To be eligible for a ranking, a firm must have a lawyer listed in The Best Lawyers in America, which recognizes the top four percent of practicing attorneys in the US.

The Charleston offices of two firms received Tier 1 National rankings. They were Dinsmore & Shohl (mining law) and Jackson Kelly (mining law and natural resources law).

Hendrickson & Long’s Charleston office received two Tier 1 metropolitan rankings and one Tier 2 metropolitan ranking.

Dinsmore & Shohl received 111 Tier 1 metropolitan rankings.

Bowles Rice received 33 Tier 1 metropolitan rankings.

Steptoe & Johnson’s West Virginia offices received 55 Tier 1 metropolitan rankings.

Spilman Thomas & Battle’s West Virginia offices received 23 Tier 1 metropolitan rankings.

Flaherty Sensabaugh Bonasso received 11 Tier 1 metropolitan rankings.

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough received three Tier 1 metropolitan rankings.

Allan N. Karlin & Associates received two Tier 1 metropolitan rankings.