Every two years, The American Lawyer's editorial staff conducts a rigorous vetting process to determine which law firms have the best litigation departments in the country. We review dozens of detailed submissions, weigh the results and analyze the trends. And, in the end, we land on a select group of litigation departments that stand apart from the rest. Our reporters have profiled the seven litigation departments that ranked as finalists for this year's award. They each offer their own strengths and attributes, but they share one thing in common: an impressive track record of success in the courtroom.