Madison Who’s Who has professional listings for some of the world’s most prominent professionals, including attorneys. It appears that finding a top rated attorney isn’t as easy as it once was. As such, there are many new professional rating services out there that actually let users rate professionals. The ratings are then made available to the public. Think of it as the consumer reports of professionals. One such professional rating website is lawyerratingz.com. The site allows people compare ratings and read reviews on attorneys in their area as well as across the U.S.

While this seems like a good concept at face value, I have my reservations. Just as any surgeon might have reservations about operating on an attorney (for fear of a law suit), should users posting negative reviews of attorneys also be concerned that they are putting themselves at risk of a law suit? I would personally think twice before posing negative comments online about an attorney. Is what I have to say about a particular attorney worth opening myself up for a libel, or slander law suit? In my opinion – it’s not. But then again, I’ll just stick to Madison Who’s Who professional directory where I can find high quality professionals without the risk of losing the shirt off my back.