One of the “little secrets” about the law profession is that attorneys can buy their own awards.
The profession has unfortunately allowed these advertising tools – where the attorney pays to get an award and then uses the award to advertise they are “the best of the best”.
The ABBO group and their supporters have argued that Counsel Timmins has received numerous “awards” “from her peers”.
Unfortunately, each of Timmins “awards” is a variation of these marketing tools.
(Again, ABBO is Christopher Smith (Arlen), Rita Bertolli (Smith’s City Council campaign manager), Brenda Bronson (strong supporter and financial backer of Smith) and Kathe Odenweller. Supporters include Deb Romero, Mike Muller, Imara and Richard Bennett)
Here is a list of the Timmins “awards” published by the ABBO group and described in their own words from Next Door posts:
“The American Institute of Trial Lawyers named her Litigator of the Year for Civil Litigation for 2021. Very few attorneys receive such recognition”
They do if they pay for it:
“The American Institute of Legal Professionals named her Lawyer of the Year for Civil Litigation for 2020 and 2021”
Along with hundreds of other “Lawyers of the Year” who paid the fee:
“Received the Lawyers of Distinction Award Recognizing Excellence in Civil Litigation for 2019 and 2020”
Along with hundreds of other lawyers of distinction who paid the fee:
“AV Pre-eminent rated attorney, rated by Martindale Hubble and has the highest peer (fellow lawyers) rating available. Recognized as a Lawyer of Distinction by Martindale Hubble in civil litigation.”
Martindale is the closest you get to genuine “peer review” but it primarily takes submitting 18 references from 18 other attorneys and not being suspended or disbarred.
Essentially if you can find 18 other attorneys who will vouch for you, you get the rating.
They also send out requests to attorneys in the area and unless you have a terrible reputation, other attorneys will sign off – because they want the same courtesy.
Notably, Martindale also has a “client” rating where clients are asked to rate their attorney. Counsel Timmins either did not submit that application or was turned down.
Attorneys can suppress “negative” references:
“Recognized by Denver Magazine as a “top lawyer in the greater Denver area.”
The “Denver Magazine” is probably 5280 and it is another way to advertise. From what I understand, the attorney submits an application to be included (for a fee), 5280 checks to make sure you are an attorney in good standing and don’t have any ethical complaints. Then you get listed.
Here is one of many complaints published about these “scams”:
https://naveteam.com/news/fakeawards/
There are examples of pet dogs getting some of these awards – just have to pay and submit an application.
John Henderson