Directory methodology
How profile evidence works
The directory separates identity, licensing, practice evidence, firm affiliation, publication, claims, participation, payment, sponsorship, availability, and ranking.
Minimum publication evidence
The portal never automatically publishes a candidate from an import, score, or source match. Publication requires the complete evidence gate and administrative review.
- A stable individual identity and public business location.
- Attorney-specific evidence connecting the individual to medical-malpractice work.
- A traceable first-party or official source with a review date.
- A clear representation-side statement when the source supports it.
- Unclaimed, correction, dispute, and removal controls.
What the current evidence does not prove
- Current official registration unless an exact official match is stored.
- Availability, willingness to accept a matter, conflicts, or response time.
- Quality, suitability, likely outcome, case value, or professional endorsement.
- Portal participation, payment, sponsorship, or a relationship with Smarter Justice.
Field-level evidence states
| Field | Current directory standard |
|---|---|
| Identity | Attorney- or firm-owned source recorded; official matching remains separate. |
| Medical-malpractice relevance | Attorney biography, relevant team listing, or similarly direct individual evidence. |
| Firm relationship | Current relationship stated by the individual or firm-owned source. |
| Public business contact | Business-only information from a current public source. |
| Licensing | Exact official registry match required before platform verification. |
Claims, corrections, and removal
A professional does not have to pay to correct an inaccurate fact. A claim requires reliable proof of authority, such as a firm-domain email or an administrative match to an official professional source.