Forbes inaugural list of America’s Top Women Lawyers is set to debut in the coming months, spotlighting a rarefied group of elite attorneys in private practice. As with all such Forbes lists, Top Women Lawyers is based on a rigorous, multi-stage process of editorial research and analysis to identify the finest in the profession: lawyers with illustrious track records in their specialties, leaders in the field and those lauded by peers and clients.

Forbes’ methodology and evaluation process was designed by an editorial team with broad experience in law practice and the legal marketplace. We identified a wide pool of eligible candidates through interviews with industry insiders, outside nominations and editorial research, as well as outreach through law firms and local, state and national bar associations. To qualify for consideration, lawyers were required to be active and licensed. More than two thousand finalists from a variety of backgrounds, specializations and jurisdictions were ultimately considered.

The research team conducted in-depth assessments of each candidate based on a variety of weighted criteria, including: reputation, industry honors, influence on the legal landscape, client list, advocacy performance, practice impact, reviews by peers and clients, credentials and affiliations, thought leadership, pro-bono work, mentorship, and community and/or diversity work. Also assessed were involvement in significant cases, blockbuster verdicts or deals; notable clients or litigation, and volume, variety or type of incoming business. Accolades from state, national and international bar associations, as well as affinity bar groups and other stakeholders and organizations were also evaluated. Although a lawyer’s lifetime achievements were considered, emphasis was placed on their most recent accomplishments. Finalists were reviewed by an outside board of advisors.

The resulting collection of elite women lawyers represents those delivering the finest legal representation for their clients across a wide array of practice areas. But what they all share are reputations for integrity, records of excellence—and now Forbes’ recognition as the best in the business.

As with all Forbes lists, no fee or payment of any kind was required for candidates to be considered or to make the list. For questions about this list, email lawyerlist [at] forbes.com