Awards, Honors, & Accolades

The awards, honors, and professional affiliations that set Combs Waterkotte apart — from national legal recognitions to elite training and bar association memberships.

Avvo 10.0 Superb

The Avvo 10.0 Superb rating is the highest score awarded by Avvo, reflecting an attorney’s exceptional professional background. This rating is calculated using a proprietary algorithm that considers factors such as experience, professional achievements, and disciplinary history, based on information from public records and the attorney’s Avvo profile. A 10.0 rating signifies a lawyer with a strong reputation and a commitment to excellence in their field.
National Trial Lawyers – Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorney

The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 is an invitation-only organization recognizing the premier trial lawyers in each state or region. Selection is based on a multi-phase process, including peer nominations and third-party research, evaluating attorneys’ leadership, reputation, influence, and trial results.
Top 40 under 40 Criminal Defense- The National Trial Lawyers

The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40 is an invitation-only organization that recognizes the top young trial attorneys in each state or region. Eligible members must be under the age of 40 and demonstrate superior qualifications, trial results, and leadership in civil plaintiff or criminal defense law. Selection is based on a multi-phase process involving peer nominations and third-party research.
Top 10 Under 40 – National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

The National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys‘ Top 10 Under 40 award honors young criminal defense attorneys who demonstrate exceptional skill, experience, and success in their practice. Candidates are nominated by peers or NACDA researchers and undergo a rigorous selection process that includes verifying credentials, evaluating case outcomes, and assessing client and peer reviews. Only a select few attorneys in each state receive this prestigious recognition.
Lawyers of Distinction – Excellence in Criminal Defense

The Lawyers of Distinction recognition is awarded to attorneys who demonstrate excellence in the practice of law. Selection is based on a proprietary evaluation of twelve rigorous criteria. Membership limited to the top 10% of attorneys in each state.
Super Lawyers – Rising Stars for Kansas and Missouri

Super Lawyers – Rising Stars for Kansas and Missouri honors the top 2.5% of attorneys in each state who are either 40 years old or younger or have been practicing law for 10 years or less. Selections are made annually through a patented multiphase process that includes peer nominations, independent research, and evaluations across 12 indicators of professional achievement and peer recognition.
America’s Best Advocates Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney

The America’s Best Advocates recognition highlights attorneys and law firms across the United States who have demonstrated competence and dedication to justice. Selection is based on internal research, criteria, and a nomination process, with final selection made at the sole discretion of America’s Best Advocates.
American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys – 10 Best in Missouri

The American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys – 10 Best award recognizes attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional performance and achieved high levels of client satisfaction. Selection is based on peer and client nominations, professional achievements, and a strong focus on delivering outstanding service and results in criminal defense.
Top Ranking Attorney-American Association of Attorney Advocates

The American Association of Attorney Advocates (AAAA) recognizes attorneys and law firms dedicated to outstanding advocacy. Selection is based on factors such as online reviews, years of practice, awards, media presence, education, publications, speaking engagements, and disciplinary history. Nominees must accept their nomination to be included in the directory. Membership does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of competence.
Top 10 Criminal Defense Firm- Attorney and Practice Magazines

The Attorney and Practice Magazine Top 10 award recognizes attorneys and law firms who have demonstrated excellence in their area of law. This invitation-only honor is extended to select lawyers across various practice areas and regions. Selection considers factors such as years in practice, legal experience, online reviews, peer recognition, awards, professional memberships, speaking engagements, and published work.
The Secret Service National Computer Forensic Institute Training

This elite federal program trains select prosecutors and law enforcement on cybercrime, digital forensics, and electronic evidence. Having a former prosecutor who completed this training gives the firm a unique edge in handling complex digital evidence cases.

National College for DUI Defense, Inc.

The National College for DUI Defense is the only ABA-accredited organization to certify lawyers in DUI Defense Law, reflecting elite training and excellence in the field. Membership signals a deep commitment to defending the rights of the accused in impaired driving cases.
Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys

MATA is a respected statewide organization of over 1,200 trial lawyers committed to advancing justice and preserving the right to trial by jury for individuals in Missouri. Members are recognized for their dedication to high standards in trial advocacy and justice.
Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis

Founded in 1874, BAMSL is a voluntary bar association committed to maintaining the highest professional standards among attorneys and enhancing their professional competence. The organization plays a pivotal role in improving the administration of justice and providing law-related education to the public in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association

Founded in 1884, KCMBA is the largest and oldest bar association in the Kansas City area. It serves attorneys, judges, and law students across a nine-county region in Missouri and Kansas, promoting justice, professional excellence, and respect for the law.