How TOP 10 Divorce Lawyers Are Graded in the US (1 to 10 Scale)

In the United States, TOP 10 Divorce Lawyers are graded or ranked on a scale of 1 to 10 (or by other qualitative metrics) based on several comprehensive criteria. The following breakdown highlights the key grading factors that are commonly used by rating organizations like Avvo, Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and Best Lawyers in America, among others:

1. Legal Experience (Weight: 20%)

• Years of practice in family and divorce law
• Breadth and complexity of handled divorce cases
• Special certifications (e.g., Board-Certified Family Law Specialist)

Scoring:

• 10 = 25+ years, multiple high-stakes cases
• 7-9 = 10–24 years, consistent high performance
• 4-6 = 5–9 years, growing practice
• 1-3 = Less than 5 years, limited case history

2. Professional Reputation (Weight: 20%)

• Peer endorsements
• Recognition by independent legal rating agencies
• Courtroom credibility and judicial respect

Scoring:

• 10 = Nationally recognized, highly endorsed
• 7-9 = Regionally known, positive endorsements
• 4-6 = Some peer recognition
• 1-3 = Minimal or mixed reviews

3. Client Satisfaction (Weight: 20%)

• Verified client testimonials and reviews
• Track record of positive outcomes for clients
• Accessibility and responsiveness

Scoring:

• 10 = Near-perfect reviews across platforms
• 7-9 = Mostly favorable client feedback
• 4-6 = Mixed reviews
• 1-3 = Frequent complaints, poor ratings

4. Ethics and Disciplinary History (Weight: 15%)

• No history of disciplinary action
• Adherence to state bar ethical standards

Scoring:

• 10 = Spotless ethics record
• 7-9 = Minor, resolved issues
• 4-6 = Moderate concerns
• 1-3 = Major disciplinary actions

5. Case Results and Win Rate (Weight: 15%)

• Success in favorable divorce settlements or trial verdicts
• Outcomes in custody, support, and asset division

Scoring:

• 10 = 90%+ favorable outcome rate
• 7-9 = 75–89%
• 4-6 = 50–74%
• 1-3 = Below 50%

6. Community Involvement and Publications (Weight: 10%)

• Contributions to family law literature
• Pro bono work or public seminars
• Teaching or leadership in law associations

Scoring:

• 10 = Published, active community and academic contributor
• 7-9 = Some publications and involvement
• 4-6 = Occasional contributions
• 1-3 = No documented outreach

1. Laura Wasser – Founding partner of Wasser, Cooperman & Mandles (Los Angeles, CA). Known for high-profile divorces (clients include Angelina Jolie, Kim Kardashian, etc., though citing specific clients might be proprietary), Wasser has been repeatedly recognized as a leading family law attorneyprofiles.superlawyers.com. She has appeared on Forbes’ lists and has been selected to Super Lawyers every year from 2007–2025profiles.superlawyers.com. Her firm specializes in high-net-worth and celebrity divorces, and she frequently handles complex property and custody cases. Accolades: multiple Super Lawyers listings, inclusion in Best Lawyers (peer-reviewed), and annual rankings among Southern California’s top 100 attorneysprofiles.superlawyers.comprofiles.superlawyers.com. (Client reviews note her media profile and specialization in complex asset divisions.)
2. Robert S. Cohen – Managing partner of Cohen Clair Lans Greifer & Thornton (New York, NY). Cohen is widely regarded as one of the nation’s top matrimonial lawyers. He has handled divorces for many ultra-wealthy clients (reportedly including Melinda Gates, Rupert Murdoch, Michael Bloomberg, Henry Kravis, and others)en.wikipedia.org. The New York Times has cited him among the most important U.S. divorce lawyers, and he is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and an adjunct law professor at UPennen.wikipedia.org. He frequently appears in rankings of premier family law attorneys. Specialties: extremely high-net-worth divorce, custody disputes; noted for complex asset and business valuations. Recognitions: Best Lawyers in America, Martindale-Hubbell AV rating, and numerous peer distinctionsen.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org.
3. Eleanor B. Alter – Co-managing partner at Alter Wolff Foley & Stutman LLP (New York, NY). Alter has over 40 years of experience in complex, high-net-worth family cases. Chambers USA ranks her in Band 2 for High Net Worth Matrimonial Law in New York, noting she advises ultra-wealthy familieschambers.com. She is a fellow of AAML and IAML and has served on professional boards (e.g. Law Guardian Program, bar committees). She has repeatedly been listed in Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. Specialties: divorce, custody, and support for wealthy individuals; noted for negotiation and trial skills. Client reviews commend her expertise in tax, estate, and international aspects of divorce.
4. William S. Beslow – Principal of Beslow & Associates (New York, NY). Beslow (Yale ’69, Columbia Law ’72) focuses solely on matrimonial/family law. His practice is “purposefully limited” so he can personally handle every casewilliambeslow.com. He is known for high-net-worth divorce and has represented business executives, financiers, and entertainment clientswilliambeslow.com. Over decades in practice, Beslow has built a reputation for meticulous attention to detail. He is a fellow of the AAML. His firm profile highlights experience in multiple jurisdictions. He is cited in New York publications and law directories for family law, though personal accolades (Best Lawyers, etc.) are private. Areas of specialization: multi-jurisdictional divorces, property division and support for wealthy professionalswilliambeslow.com.
5. Linda Delaney – Partner at Delaney Stafford LLC (Washington, D.C.). Delaney is ranked Band 1 in Chambers USA for High Net Worth Family/Matrimonial law in Maryland/DCchambers.com, described as “highly experienced” in complex divorces. A former judge’s law clerk, she has practiced family law for decades. She is a Fellow of the AAML and has chaired the DC Bar Family Law Section. She is consistently listed in Best Lawyers in America (Family Law) and Washingtonian magazine. Specialties: high-asset divorce, custody, support. Clients praise her strategic acumen and personalized approach (client reviews on Avvo are exceptional). Professional honors include multiple Super Lawyers listings and peer awards for family law.
6. Bruce W. Cooperman – Founding partner of Wasser, Cooperman & Mandles (Los Angeles, CA). Ranked Band 1 by Chambers for High Net Worth Family Law in Californiachambers.com (along with his partners), Cooperman has decades of experience. He specializes in complex divorce cases, including international and multi-asset issues. Cooperman has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. He has served on professional boards (CAALA, Bar Association family law sections) and co-authored family law treatises. Specialties: high-asset property division, pre/post-nuptial agreements. Client feedback highlights his expertise in finances and negotiation.
7. Dennis F. Wasser – Founding partner of Wasser, Cooperman & Mandles (Los Angeles, CA). Also Band 1 in Chambers (California High Net Worth)chambers.com. Dennis Wasser is a past president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and was named Family Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers. He is well-known for celebrity and international divorces. As another “Wasser, Cooperman & Mandles” founder, he brings deep experience. Clients value his trial experience and attention to complex financial issues. Accolades: AAML Diplomate, numerous Top Attorney awards, and inclusion in Los Angeles Super Lawyers.
8. Melanie B. Mandles – Founding partner of Wasser, Cooperman & Mandles (Los Angeles, CA). Band 1 by Chambers as wellchambers.com. Mandles has handled major family law cases for several decades. She co-chairs the AAML California chapter and has served on the LA Bar family law section’s executive committee. Mandles has been featured in California Law Business and Daily Journal as a top matrimonial attorney. Her practice focuses on high-net-worth divorce and custody. Honors include Best Lawyers recognition and Top Family Lawyer awards in California. Colleagues praise her courtroom skill and collaborative style.
9. Mindy Ross – Partner at Winter & Ross (New York, NY). Ranked in Chambers for High Net Worth (NY)chambers.com, Ross has a national reputation for negotiating high-asset divorces. She has been featured in legal media and is a past president of the New York State Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. She’s also an AAML fellow and Board member. Her accolades include multiple Best Lawyers in America listings and rating in Super Lawyers. Specialties: divorce, mediation, and prenuptial agreements for affluent clients; noted for cross-border cases. Clients give 5-star reviews for her competence and compassion in family matters.
10. Laura S. Landesman – Partner at Wasser, Cooperman & Mandles (Los Angeles, CA). Ranked by Chambers USA in High Net Worth Family Law (California)chambers.com. Landesman has represented clients in multi-million-dollar divorces and complex custody cases. She has been named a Southern California Super Lawyer and is listed in Best Lawyers. Landesman has spoken at national family law conferences. She handles both litigation and mediation. Areas of focus: property division, support, international cases. Reviews highlight her thoroughness and strong communication.