Since the Million Dollar Advocates Forum was founded in 1993, membership has been based upon strict and objective standards. Each applicant is required to complete a detailed application demonstrating that he or she has met the basic qualification of having acted as Principal Counsel
(as that term is defined in the membership application) in one or more cases which resulted in a final judgment (not subject to appeal or modification), award or settlement in favor of his or her client in the amount of one million dollars or more. In 2007, in response to requests from members, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum was added with regard to cases of two million dollars or more.

Membership invitations are sent only to attorneys who objectively appear to be qualified, including those whose names are proposed for membership from the report of a large case or upon nomination by a current member. Other qualified attorneys may apply for membership.

Applicants certify, as members of the Bar, that the information contained in the application is true. It is the policy of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum that any false statement of a material fact in the application would represent an attempt by an applicant to hold himself or herself out as possessing experience and qualifications which were not truthful and accurate and, as such, would constitute a serious act of professional misconduct which would warrant disciplinary action by the Bar.

Each application is reviewed by experienced counsel. Additional or supporting information may be required, and applicants who do not clearly qualify are denied membership. If membership is denied, fees paid by the applicant are refunded.

Review of membership applications is generally completed within two weeks of receipt of application and any additional or supporting information required. If approved for membership, an email notification is sent to the new member advising of such approval and that the member may proceed to hold himself or herself out as a member in any manner consistent with rules of professional conduct applicable in the jurisdiction(s) in which the member practices (including use of the membership logos available on this website). Within several weeks thereafter, a certificate of membership will be mailed to the new member, together with a press release announcing membership. The press release is sent directly to the member for distribution as may be appropriate in the member’s discretion.

There is a one-time fee for application, certification and membership. Members may thereafter hold themselves out as members, in any manner consistent with rules of professional conduct applicable in the jurisdiction(s) in which the member practices, for so long as he or she remains a member in good standing of the Bar. There are no further or annual dues or fees to maintain membership.

The details of membership qualifications have been amended or expanded several times since 1993 in order to address various membership issues which have arisen from different case situations. Such amendments have always been made within the original policy of applying strict and objective standards to membership.

See also https://www.milliondollaradvocates.com/Million-Dollar-Advocates-Forum