Manuel Leiva has been recognized by his peers, independent rating organizations, and clients as one of Northern Virginia’s top criminal defense attorneys. None of these awards are paid placements. Each one reflects a distinct evaluation process, whether that’s a peer survey of practicing attorneys, an independent algorithmic assessment, or verified client reviews.
Below is a full accounting of the awards, ratings, and professional recognition Manuel Leiva and The Leiva Law Firm have earned.
Years recognized: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Each year, Northern Virginia Magazine publishes its Top Lawyers list based on a peer survey of licensed attorneys practicing in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Lawyers are asked to nominate colleagues they would refer to their own friends and family. The magazine’s editorial staff then vets the nominations. Attorneys cannot pay to be included on the list, and advertising in the magazine has no bearing on selection.
Manuel Leiva has been named a Top Lawyer in Criminal Defense for five consecutive years. This recognition reflects the consistent confidence that other practicing attorneys in the region place in his legal ability and courtroom results.
Listed since: 2017
Washingtonian Magazine surveys thousands of attorneys in the D.C. metro area and asks a pointed question: who would you trust if you needed legal counsel yourself? The results are tallied, self-votes are discarded, and the final list is reviewed by trusted legal professionals. Attorneys cannot purchase their way onto the list.
Washington, D.C. has the highest concentration of lawyers per capita of any city in the United States. Being named a Top Criminal Defense Lawyer by Washingtonian places Manuel Leiva among a small group of attorneys that his own peers consider the best in one of the most competitive legal markets in the country.
Recognized for: Multiple consecutive years
Best Lawyers in America is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession, operating the same methodology for over 40 years. Recognition is based entirely on confidential peer review. Lawyers already listed in Best Lawyers evaluate nominees in their same geographic region and practice area, rating them on a scale of 1 to 5 based on one question: “If you were unable to take a case yourself, how likely would you be to refer it to this lawyer?”
Only approximately 5% of practicing attorneys in the United States receive recognition from Best Lawyers. Inclusion is not a one-time achievement. Every listed attorney is automatically re-nominated each year and must continue to receive strong peer evaluations to remain on the list.
Rating: AV Preeminent (4.9 out of 5.0 peer review score)
Martindale-Hubbell has rated attorneys since 1887, making it the longest-running lawyer rating system in the world. The AV Preeminent designation is the highest possible rating and reflects two things: the highest level of professional legal ability and adherence to the highest ethical standards, both as evaluated by other attorneys and judges.
Peers rate attorneys across five areas: legal knowledge, analytical capabilities, judgment, communication ability, and legal experience. Approximately 10% of all attorneys in the United States hold an AV Preeminent rating. Manuel Leiva’s 4.9 out of 5.0 peer review score places him at the top of that group.
If you need a criminal defense attorney in Fairfax or Northern Virginia, call (703) 352-6400 to schedule a consultation with Manuel Leiva.
Rating: 10.0 out of 10.0 (Superb)
Client review score: 5.0 out of 5.0 (13 reviews)
Honors: Clients’ Choice
Avvo rates every licensed attorney in the United States on a scale of 1 to 10 using a proprietary algorithm that evaluates years of experience, professional achievements, peer endorsements, industry recognition, and disciplinary history. The rating cannot be purchased or manipulated through advertising.
A 10.0 “Superb” rating is the highest score an attorney can receive. Manuel Leiva holds this maximum rating alongside a perfect 5.0 out of 5.0 client review score and the Clients’ Choice distinction, which recognizes attorneys who have received outstanding feedback from the people they have represented.
Location: Fairfax office (3955 Chain Bridge Road, 2nd Floor, Fairfax, VA 22030)
The Leiva Law Firm maintains a perfect 5.0-star average on Google at its Fairfax location. Unlike directory ratings and peer surveys, Google reviews come directly from clients who have worked with the firm. These reviews consistently highlight Manuel Leiva’s personal attention to cases, direct communication with clients, and the time he invests in each matter.
Each of these recognitions evaluates attorneys through a different lens: peer surveys from practicing lawyers, independent algorithmic analysis, confidential judicial and attorney evaluations, and direct client feedback. Manuel Leiva holds the highest possible designation in every category.
At The Leiva Law Firm, these ratings reflect the same qualities clients experience firsthand: 25+ years of trial experience, a background as a Fairfax County public defender handling hundreds of felony cases, results that include a $4 million traumatic brain injury settlement (recognized among the top personal injury results in Virginia in 2016), and an attorney who personally handles every case rather than passing work to junior associates.
If you are facing criminal charges in Fairfax, Northern Virginia, or the Eastern District of Virginia, contact The Leiva Law Firm to discuss your case.
Phone: (703) 352-6400
Email: info@leiva-law.com
Office: 3955 Chain Bridge Road, 2nd Floor, Fairfax, VA 22030
Hablamos español.
LEIVA LAW FIRM
N/a
+1 (703) 352-6400
+1 (703) 352-6400