What Verdica's 807 score means for Small & Small, Attorneys PLLC
Small & Small, Attorneys PLLC scores 807 out of 850 on Verdica's composite scale, placing the firm in the "excellent" band (800–850). This score reflects a legal provider with a strong regulatory standing and minimal compliance risk based on available state bar data.
A score in this range suggests the firm operates with few or no material disciplinary marks on its record and maintains good standing with the North Carolina State Bar. For business owners, government agencies, or individuals considering legal services, an 807 score indicates a provider that has demonstrated consistent adherence to professional standards as measured by bar regulators.
That said, a score of 807 is not a perfect 850. The gap of 43 points indicates room for variability in one or more compliance dimensions—most notably in practice profile, where the sub-score is notably lower than the others. This does not signal danger, but rather that while the firm's disciplinary and bar standing are excellent, some aspect of its documented practice activity or scope differs from top-percentile benchmarks in the state.
Readers should interpret this score as: a low-risk, well-regulated firm suitable for most standard legal engagements, with a track record that passes regulatory scrutiny.
How the sub-scores break down
Bar Standing: 790
This sub-score reflects the firm's licensing status and compliance with bar membership requirements in North Carolina. A score of 790 (in the strong range) indicates the firm maintains active, valid licensure and has no record of suspension, revocation, or license restrictions. Minor administrative issues—such as late CLE (continuing legal education) reporting or billing account irregularities—can lower this score without triggering formal discipline. The 790 score suggests the firm meets core licensing obligations reliably.
Disciplinary History: 850
This is a perfect score, indicating no record of state bar disciplinary action against the firm or its partners. In the legal industry, disciplinary records track complaints from clients, opposing counsel, or bar staff alleging violations of professional conduct rules—including conflicts of interest, fee disputes, neglect, misrepresentation, or misconduct. An 850 here means Verdica's review of North Carolina State Bar disciplinary records found no sustained complaints, sanctions, or adverse findings. This is a strong indicator of compliant operations.
Practice Profile: 755
This sub-score falls into the "acceptable" range and is the lowest of the three dimensions. Practice profile typically measures indicators like years in operation, attorney credentials, office locations, and scope of practice as documented in bar records and public filings. A 755 suggests the firm's documented profile is solid but may differ from higher-scoring peers in factors such as firm size, published experience data, or breadth of practice areas on file with regulators. This is not a red flag; it simply reflects a practice profile that meets baseline standards without exceptional distinction in the available data.
What regulators in NC track for legal providers
The North Carolina State Bar maintains disciplinary records and practice history on all licensed attorneys and firms. Regulators track:
- Professional conduct violations: breaches of client confidentiality, conflicts of interest, misuse of client funds, inadequate representation, or dishonesty.
- Licensing compliance: current bar membership status, CLE credit completion, and jurisdiction-specific practice restrictions.
- Client complaints: formal grievances, which may result in investigation, mediation, or sanctions ranging from warning letters to suspension.
- Practice scope and credentials: documented areas of law, attorney licensure details, and firm registration information.
Movement in scores occurs when new disciplinary findings are recorded, licenses are restricted or revoked, or when practice information changes on official bar records.
Bottom line
Small & Small, Attorneys PLLC presents a low compliance risk profile with excellent disciplinary standing and solid bar licensing status. The firm is suitable for standard legal work; prospective clients should verify specific practice areas align with their needs and, as with any provider, request references or review engagement terms before proceeding.