Understanding the Super Lawyers Rising Stars Process: A Step-by-Step Guide Regarding Attorney Sheena Burke Williams, Esq. Super Lawyers Rising Star Selection
Sheena Burke Williams, Esq. was previously selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star®, an honor given to only 2.5% of attorneys in each state. After receiving this distinction, we wanted to offer clarity, transparency, and helpful insight into how the Rising Stars process actually works, especially for clients and colleagues who ask what the designation means and how attorneys are chosen.
This blog post breaks down the specific voting process, selection criteria, and professional standards evaluated by Super Lawyers, so that those reading can understand.
What Is the Super Lawyers Rising Stars List?
The Rising Stars list recognizes exceptional attorneys who are either 40 years old or younger OR who have been practicing for 10 years or less. It highlights emerging leaders in the legal profession who demonstrate:
- Professional achievement
- Ethical excellence
- Strong case results
- Peer respect
- Commitment to clients and community
How the Voting & Selection Process Works: Step by Step
Below is the exact multi-phase evaluation process used by Super Lawyers to nominate, score, and ultimately select Rising Stars.
STEP 1: Formal Nominations
The process begins with a structured nomination period. Attorneys may be nominated in three primary ways:
1. Peer Nominations
Eligible attorneys nominate colleagues whose work they have observed firsthand—such as co-counsel, opposing counsel, or peers within the legal community.
Self-nominations are allowed, but carry less weight.
2. Managing Partner/Organization Nominations
Law firms may submit nominations through designated liaisons to ensure a fair and representative slate of candidates.
3. Independent Research Nominations
The Super Lawyers research team identifies additional candidates based on:
- Case results
- Leadership roles
- Professional accomplishments
- Community involvement
- Speaking or writing engagements
- Awards and honors
This ensures the process is not based solely on popularity or internal firm promotions.
STEP 2: Super Lawyers’ Independent Research
All nominated attorneys are evaluated using 12 key indicators of professional achievement, including:
- Verdicts and settlements
- Representative clients
- Transactional success
- Experience and education
- Position within law firm
- Bar and professional activity
- Pro bono work
- Community and volunteer service
- Scholarly publications
- Lectures and speaking engagements
- Certifications and specializations
- Other demonstrated professional excellence
Each factor contributes to a composite research score.
STEP 3: Blue Ribbon Panel Review
Top-scoring nominees in each practice area are invited to serve on Blue Ribbon Panels. These attorneys review and score candidates within their peer group.
Panel evaluations consider:
- Professional skill
- Ethical reputation
- Peer standing
- Consistency of results
- Contribution to the field
This ensures attorneys are judged by those who understand their practice area deeply.
STEP 4: Rising Stars Eligibility Screening
Next, Super Lawyers applies the specific Rising Stars eligibility requirements:
To qualify, an attorney must:
✔️ Be 40 or younger, or
✔️ Have 10 years or fewer of legal experience, and
✔️ Have no disciplinary history
✔️ Meet all professional and ethical standards
Only attorneys meeting all criteria remain in consideration.
STEP 5: Final Selection
After combining nomination data, research scores, and peer evaluations, Super Lawyers selects the top-ranked attorneys:
⭐ Only 2.5% of eligible lawyers in each state are named Rising Stars.
This makes the distinction not only selective, but competitive.
Why This Matters for Clients
When an attorney like Sheena Burke Williams earns the Rising Stars recognition, it can reflect:
- Demonstrated excellence in family law
- A strong commitment to advocacy
- A track record of high-quality legal work
- Respect from peers, judges, and the broader legal community
- Professional ethics and leadership within the field
For clients, it provides confidence that they are working with an attorney who is recognized for outstanding performance and dedication early in her career. However, inclusion on this list does not guarantee future results and should not be construed as a full comparison of any attorney’s services or abilities.
Final Thoughts
The Super Lawyers Rising Stars designation is not purchased, requested, or randomly assigned—it’s earned through a rigorous, multi-phase evaluation process grounded in peer review, objective research, and professional merit.
As a 2025 Rising Star, Sheena Burke Williams is honored to share this behind-the-scenes look at the process and hopes it gives clients and colleagues a clearer understanding of what the recognition truly represents.
Disclaimer
Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars selections are issued by Thomson Reuters. No aspect of this blog post has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. The Super Lawyers Rising Stars designation is based on a multiphase selection process involving peer recognition and independent research. Inclusion on this list does not guarantee future results and should not be construed as a comparison of any attorney’s services or abilities.