U.S. News Media Group and Best Lawyers have released the 2012-13 "Best Law Firms" rankings, marking the third edition of this highly-anticipated annual analysis. Apperson Crump was awarded "First-tier Ranking" in the magazine's categories of Elder Law, Medical Malpractice - Plaintiffs, Litigation - Municipal Law, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, Trusts and Estates, and Real Estate Law. In addition, five of the firm's attorneys, Thomas R. Buckner, Henry L. Klein, Gary K. Smith, William King Self, Jr., and William Joseph Aldridge, were recognized by the magazine as five of America's best lawyers.  The national first-tier rankings will be featured in U.S. News & World Report's Money issue, on newsstands this fall; the national and metropolitan first-tier rankings are featured in the "Best Law Firms" standalone publication, which is being distributed to 30,000 general counsel and in digital format to 58,000 private practice lawyers worldwide; the rankings in their entirety are posted online at:

http://bestlawfirms.usnews.com