Best Lawyers Nomination

Client: The Defense Firm (Las Vegas, NV) Primary Nominee: K. Ryan Helmick, Esq. (NV Bar #12769, admitted 2012) Secondary Nominees: Osvaldo Fumo, Thomas Pitaro (already listed — expansion strategy) Campaign Manager: ROI Society Created: 2026-03-29 Target Edition: 2028 (primary) | 2027 monitoring (if still possible)

---

Table of Contents

1. How Best Lawyers Works
2. Nomination Strategy for Helmick
3. Expansion Strategy for Pitaro & Fumo
4. Asset Checklist
5. Step-by-Step Action Plan with Dates
6. Outreach Copy
7. Tracking Fields

---

1. How Best Lawyers Works

Overview

Best Lawyers in America is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession, operating for over 40 years. Recognition is based entirely on their Purely Peer Review methodology. Only about 5% of practicing attorneys in the United States earn recognition. There is no fee to be nominated or recognized — it is entirely merit-based through peer evaluation.

The Five-Step Process

Step	Description	Who Is Involved
1. Nomination	Anyone (except the nominee themselves) submits a lawyer’s name, firm, and up to 3 practice areas	Peers, clients, firm marketing, colleagues
2. Peer Review / Voting	Tens of thousands of leading lawyers are invited to assess nominees on a 1-5 scale	Already-recognized Best Lawyers, other senior attorneys in the same practice area and geographic market
3. Analysis of Feedback	Best Lawyers research team analyzes all peer review data	Best Lawyers internal team
4. Eligibility Check	Verification of bar standing, active practice, no disciplinary issues	Best Lawyers research team
5. Results Released	Embargoed release to honorees, followed by public announcement	Best Lawyers editorial team

The Voting Question

All voters are asked the same core question:

“If you were unable to take a case yourself, how likely would you be to refer it to this lawyer?”

Scoring:

• 5 = Would certainly refer a case to this lawyer
• 4 = Would likely refer
• 3 = Neutral / unsure
• 2 = Would likely NOT refer
• 1 = Would definitely NOT refer

Voters can only assess nominees within their own geographic region and practice area. They cannot choose which nominees to review — ballots are pre-assigned.

Eligibility Requirements

• 10+ years in practice (recommended, not a hard cutoff) — Helmick qualifies (admitted 2012 = ~14 years)
• Must be in private practice (no in-house counsel) — Helmick qualifies
• Cannot be nominated for both Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch simultaneously
• Nominees remain on ballots for 3 consecutive editions before being archived if not selected
• Currently recognized lawyers are automatically re-nominated each year

Two Programs

Program	Years in Practice	Target
Best Lawyers	10+ years recommended	Senior, established attorneys
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch	3-9 years	Earlier-career rising attorneys

Helmick (admitted 2012, ~14 years) should be nominated for the main Best Lawyers program, not Ones to Watch.

Criminal Defense Practice Areas Available

Best Lawyers recognizes three criminal defense subcategories:

1. Criminal Defense: General Practice — PRIMARY for Helmick
2. Criminal Defense: White-Collar — SECONDARY if applicable
3. Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI — TERTIARY if applicable

Nominees can be submitted for up to 3 practice areas.

Costs

Item	Cost
Nomination	FREE
Recognition / listing in publications	FREE
Paid profile on bestlawyers.com (enhanced visibility, search placement)	PAID (annual subscription)
Badge licensing for marketing materials	PAID (annual license)

The nomination and recognition process is completely free. Paid services are optional marketing add-ons after recognition is achieved.

Key Timeline: 2027 Edition (Current Cycle)

Milestone	Date
Nomination deadline	December 12, 2025 (PASSED)
Voting begins	February 2, 2026
Voting deadline	April 3, 2026
Embargoed release	July 7, 2026
Public release	August 20, 2026

CRITICAL: The 2027 edition nomination deadline has already passed (December 12, 2025). We are targeting the 2028 edition, with nominations likely opening mid-2026 and closing around December 2026.

Key Timeline: 2028 Edition (Projected)

Based on annual cycle patterns:

Milestone	Projected Date
Nominations open	~June-August 2026
Nomination deadline	~November-December 2026
Voting begins	~February 2027
Voting deadline	~April 2027
Embargoed release	~July 2027
Public release	~August 2027

The exact dates for the 2028 edition have not yet been announced. Contact global@bestlawyers.com or monitor https://www.bestlawyers.com/methodology/timeline/ for updates.

Nomination Submission Channels

• Online: https://www.bestlawyers.com/nominate
• Email: nominations@bestlawyers.com
• General inquiries: global@bestlawyers.com

---

2. Nomination Strategy for Helmick

Why He Should Be Listed

Helmick has a strong profile that checks every box for Best Lawyers recognition:

Factor	Helmick’s Position
Years in practice	~14 years (admitted 2012) — exceeds 10-year recommendation
Practice focus	Exclusively criminal defense — deep specialization
Peer recognition	Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2021, 2022, 2025)
Industry recognition	National Trial Lawyers Top 100 (2023, 2024, 2025)
Media profile	A&E “Accused: Guilty or Innocent” appearances
Published author	Book author (legal topics)
Awards	”Best Criminal Defense Attorney” — Las Vegas Review Journal; “Lawyer of the Year” 2024, 2025
Case portfolio	High-profile murder and felony defense cases
Current Best Lawyers status	NOT listed (biggest gap vs. competitors)

Recommended Practice Areas (up to 3)

1. Criminal Defense: General Practice — PRIMARY (strongest fit, broadest recognition)
2. Criminal Defense: White-Collar — SECONDARY (if case history supports it)
3. Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI — TERTIARY (if meaningful DUI defense track record)

Recommendation: Start with Criminal Defense: General Practice as the primary focus. Only add additional practice areas if Helmick has a demonstrable, peer-recognized track record in those subspecialties. Diluting across too many areas without the peer base to support them can result in lower scores.

Who Should Nominate Him

Best Lawyers explicitly asks that attorneys not nominate themselves. The nomination must come from someone else. The more credible and diverse the nominating sources, the better.

Priority Nominators (aim for 5-10+ nominations):

Priority	Who	Why
1	Fellow criminal defense attorneys in Las Vegas	Same practice area + geographic market = most credible
2	Opposing counsel (prosecutors-turned-defense, respected adversaries)	Shows cross-aisle respect
3	Judges (retired) who have seen his work	Carries significant weight
4	Co-counsel from complex cases	Direct knowledge of legal abilities
5	Osvaldo Fumo and/or Thomas Pitaro	As already-recognized Best Lawyers, their nominations carry extra weight since they are invited voters
6	Attorneys from adjacent practice areas (family law, personal injury) who have referred clients	Demonstrates referral worthiness — the core voting question
7	Out-of-state criminal defense attorneys who know his reputation	Broadens recognition base
8	Firm staff / marketing team	Can submit nomination on behalf of others

KEY INSIGHT: Since Fumo and Pitaro are already recognized by Best Lawyers, they are likely part of the voter pool. Their nominations carry disproportionate weight because:

• They will likely receive a ballot that includes Helmick
• They can score him a “5” as someone they would refer cases to
• Their participation in the voting process is critical

Strategy: Maximize Favorable Votes

Nominations get Helmick on the ballot. Votes determine whether he is selected. The real campaign is ensuring that when ballots go out to Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys, a critical mass of them know Helmick’s work and would rate him highly.

Tactics:

1. Identify likely voters — Any Best Lawyers-recognized criminal defense attorney in the Las Vegas / Nevada market will likely receive a ballot with Helmick’s name
2. Build awareness before voting — Helmick should increase visibility among these peers through bar association events, CLE presentations, co-authored articles, and professional networking in the months before voting opens
3. Encourage voting participation — Best Lawyers relies on response rates. If Helmick’s supporters actually complete their ballots (many attorneys ignore them), his scores improve
4. Do NOT solicit specific scores — Best Lawyers prohibits asking peers to vote a certain way. The approach must be organic: build genuine professional relationships and visibility so that when peers see his name on a ballot, they naturally score him highly

---

3. Expansion Strategy for Pitaro & Fumo

Current Status

Pitaro and Fumo are already recognized in Best Lawyers (2026 edition) with 3 attorneys total from their former firm Pitaro & Fumo, Chtd. They appear to be listed in criminal defense practice areas.

Known Practice Areas

Thomas Pitaro:

• Criminal Defense: General Practice
• Criminal Defense: White-Collar
• Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI

Osvaldo Fumo:

• Criminal Defense (specific subcategories to confirm)
• Personal Injury (potential expansion area)

Expansion Opportunities

Attorney	Current Listed Areas	Potential New Areas	Rationale
Thomas Pitaro	Criminal Defense: General Practice, White-Collar, DUI/DWI	Appellate Practice (if track record supports)	Already covers all 3 criminal defense subcategories
Osvaldo Fumo	Criminal Defense (confirm specifics)	Personal Injury, Ethics & Professional Responsibility	Firm handles PI cases; Fumo handles bar/judicial discipline matters

How to Expand Practice Area Listings

1. Already-listed attorneys are automatically re-nominated in their current practice areas each year
2. New practice areas require a separate nomination — submit a new nomination specifying the additional practice area
3. The attorney must have genuine peer recognition in the new practice area for voters to score them favorably
4. Expansion nominations follow the same timeline as new nominations

Action Items for Expansion

• Confirm exact current practice areas for Pitaro and Fumo on bestlawyers.com
• Identify which additional practice areas they have genuine peer-recognized expertise in
• Submit new nominations for those practice areas during the next nomination window
• Have peers in those practice areas submit supporting nominations
• Ensure Pitaro and Fumo are completing their own voter ballots each year (to maintain standing and support Helmick)

---

4. Asset Checklist

Required Before Nominating Helmick

Asset	Status	Notes
Full legal name	K. Ryan Helmick (Kirk Ryan Helmick)	Confirm preferred name format
NV Bar number	#12769	Verified
Bar admission date	2012	Confirm exact date
Current firm name	The Defense Firm	Must match bar records
Firm address	8180 Rafael Rivera Way, Ste 205, Las Vegas, NV 89113	Verify current
Practice areas (up to 3)	Criminal Defense: General Practice (primary)	Confirm with Helmick
Nominator contact info	Need 5-10 nominators’ names, firms, emails	To be collected
Helmick’s professional email	TBD	For Best Lawyers to contact him
Helmick’s bio / CV	TBD	For reference during nomination
List of high-profile cases	TBD	To share with nominators as talking points
List of awards and recognition	Super Lawyers Rising Stars, NTL Top 100, LV Review Journal, etc.	Compiled
Peer contact list	Criminal defense attorneys in Las Vegas who know his work	Critical for voting phase
Confirmation: no bar disciplinary actions	TBD	Must be clean

Required Before Expanding Pitaro & Fumo

Asset	Status	Notes
Current Best Lawyers listing details	TBD	Pull from bestlawyers.com
Practice areas already recognized	TBD	Verify exact categories
Target new practice areas	TBD	Confirm with attorneys
Peer nominators for new practice areas	TBD	Different peers than criminal defense

---

5. Step-by-Step Action Plan with Dates

Phase 0: Immediate Actions (March-April 2026)

URGENT: 2027 Edition — Check if Late Submission Possible

#	Action	Owner	Deadline	Notes
0.1	Email nominations@bestlawyers.com to ask if late nominations for the 2027 edition are still possible	Campaign Manager	April 1, 2026	The deadline was Dec 12, 2025, but it is worth asking
0.2	Email global@bestlawyers.com to ask when 2028 edition nominations will open	Campaign Manager	April 1, 2026	Get exact dates
0.3	Verify Helmick’s bar standing is clean (no disciplinary issues)	Campaign Manager	April 7, 2026	Check NV Bar website
0.4	Confirm Helmick’s preferred practice areas for nomination	Helmick	April 7, 2026	Up to 3
0.5	Pull current Best Lawyers listing details for Pitaro and Fumo	Campaign Manager	April 7, 2026	Screenshot and document

Phase 1: Build the Nomination Network (April-August 2026)

#	Action	Owner	Deadline	Notes
1.1	Create a list of 20-30 Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys who know Helmick’s work	Helmick + Campaign Manager	April 30, 2026	Focus on Best Lawyers-recognized attorneys
1.2	Identify which of those attorneys are already Best Lawyers honorees (they will be voters)	Campaign Manager	May 15, 2026	Search bestlawyers.com for each name
1.3	Draft peer outreach emails (see Section 6)	Campaign Manager	May 15, 2026	Personal, not mass-blast
1.4	Helmick attends 2-3 local bar association events / CLE programs	Helmick	May-August 2026	Increase visibility among peers
1.5	Helmick publishes 1-2 articles or op-eds on criminal defense topics	Helmick + Campaign Manager	June-August 2026	Builds authority; gives nominators something to reference
1.6	Begin personal outreach to top 10 target nominators	Helmick	June 2026	Casual, relationship-based — not transactional
1.7	Confirm Pitaro and Fumo expansion targets and recruit nominators for their new practice areas	Campaign Manager	June 2026	Separate nominator pool needed

Phase 2: Submit Nominations (September-December 2026)

#	Action	Owner	Deadline	Notes
2.1	Monitor bestlawyers.com/methodology/timeline for 2028 nomination opening	Campaign Manager	Weekly from Aug 2026	Set calendar reminder
2.2	Prepare all nomination form content in advance (see Section 6)	Campaign Manager	September 2026	Ready to submit the day nominations open
2.3	Submit primary nomination for Helmick (Criminal Defense: General Practice)	Nominator #1 (Fumo or Pitaro ideal)	Within 1 week of nominations opening	First-mover advantage is unclear but no reason to delay
2.4	Submit 5-9 additional supporting nominations for Helmick from different nominators	Nominators #2-10	Within 2-3 weeks of opening	Stagger slightly to appear organic
2.5	Submit expansion nominations for Pitaro (new practice areas)	Designated nominators	Same window	Parallel effort
2.6	Submit expansion nominations for Fumo (new practice areas)	Designated nominators	Same window	Parallel effort
2.7	Confirm all nominations received by emailing nominations@bestlawyers.com	Campaign Manager	2 weeks before deadline	Verify nothing was lost
2.8	Final nomination deadline (projected)	—	~November-December 2026	Confirm exact date

Phase 3: Voting Period Support (January-April 2027)

#	Action	Owner	Deadline	Notes
3.1	Remind Pitaro and Fumo to complete their voter ballots promptly and thoroughly	Campaign Manager	When ballots arrive (~Feb 2027)	They are likely voters
3.2	Helmick continues professional visibility (speaking, publishing, networking)	Helmick	Ongoing	Peer awareness during voting window
3.3	Do NOT contact voters about Helmick’s nomination or ask for specific scores	Everyone	Ongoing	This would violate Best Lawyers methodology
3.4	Monitor for any Best Lawyers correspondence to Helmick (ballot confirmation, etc.)	Helmick	Feb-April 2027	Forward to Campaign Manager

Phase 4: Results and Follow-Up (May-August 2027)

#	Action	Owner	Deadline	Notes
4.1	Embargoed results expected	—	~July 2027	Helmick may receive early notification
4.2	If selected: Prepare press release, website updates, social media announcements	Campaign Manager	Within 1 week of public release	Coordinate with Best Lawyers publicizing guidelines
4.3	If selected: Consider purchasing enhanced profile on bestlawyers.com	Helmick / Firm	August 2027	Optional paid visibility
4.4	If selected: License Best Lawyers badge for marketing materials	Helmick / Firm	August 2027	Optional paid badge
4.5	If NOT selected: Nomination stays on ballot for 2 more editions automatically	Campaign Manager	August 2027	Continue building peer visibility for 2029 edition
4.6	Debrief and plan next cycle regardless of outcome	Campaign Manager	September 2027	Continuous improvement

---

6. Outreach Copy

6A. Nomination Form Content (for Nominators to Use)

When submitting at bestlawyers.com/nominate or via nominations@bestlawyers.com:

Nominee Name: K. Ryan Helmick
Firm: The Defense Firm
City: Las Vegas
State: Nevada
Practice Area 1: Criminal Defense: General Practice
Practice Area 2: [Criminal Defense: White-Collar -- if applicable]
Practice Area 3: [Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI -- if applicable]

Suggested commentary for nominators (adapt to personal voice):

I am nominating K. Ryan Helmick for recognition in Best Lawyers in America in the practice area of Criminal Defense: General Practice. Ryan has practiced criminal defense exclusively in Las Vegas for over 14 years, handling some of the most complex and high-profile felony cases in Nevada, including capital murder defense. He is well-known and highly regarded among the Las Vegas criminal defense bar.

Ryan has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2021, 2022, 2025), named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 (2023-2025), and has been voted Best Criminal Defense Attorney in Las Vegas by the Las Vegas Review Journal. He is an author, a frequent presence in the courtroom, and someone I would not hesitate to refer a serious criminal case to.

6B. Peer Outreach Email — Requesting a Nomination

Subject: Quick favor — Best Lawyers nomination for Ryan Helmick

Hi [First Name],

I hope this finds you well. I'm reaching out because I believe Ryan Helmick
at The Defense Firm deserves recognition in Best Lawyers in America for
Criminal Defense, and I wanted to ask if you'd be willing to submit a
nomination on his behalf.

As you may know, Ryan has been practicing criminal defense exclusively in
Las Vegas for over 14 years and has handled some of the most serious felony
cases in Clark County. He's earned Super Lawyers Rising Stars recognition
multiple years and has been named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100
three years running.

Despite all of this, he's not yet listed in Best Lawyers -- which I think
is an oversight that a nomination from a respected colleague like you could
help correct.

The nomination process is simple and free:
- Go to bestlawyers.com/nominate
- Enter his name (K. Ryan Helmick), firm (The Defense Firm), and practice
  area (Criminal Defense: General Practice)
- It takes about 2 minutes

If you have any questions or would prefer to submit by email, nominations
can also be sent to nominations@bestlawyers.com.

I really appreciate your consideration. Let me know if you have any
questions.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

6C. Peer Outreach Email — From Helmick Personally (Relationship-Based)

Subject: Catching up + a small ask

Hi [First Name],

Hope you're doing well. [Personal note -- reference a recent case, event,
or conversation you had with this person.]

I wanted to reach out because I'm working on building my professional
credentials and one area I haven't focused on is Best Lawyers in America.
I've been told that peer nominations carry significant weight in their
process, and I'd be grateful if you'd consider nominating me when the next
nomination window opens.

The process is straightforward -- you can submit at bestlawyers.com/nominate
with my name (K. Ryan Helmick), firm (The Defense Firm), and Criminal
Defense: General Practice as the practice area. It's free and takes just a
couple of minutes.

No pressure at all -- I know how busy things get. But if you're willing,
it would mean a lot.

Thanks, [First Name]. Let's grab [coffee/lunch] soon.

Ryan

6D. Reminder Email for Nominators (Send 2 Weeks Before Deadline)

Subject: Friendly reminder — Best Lawyers nomination for Ryan Helmick

Hi [First Name],

Just a quick follow-up on my earlier note about nominating Ryan Helmick for
Best Lawyers in America. The nomination deadline for the [2028] edition is
coming up on [DATE].

If you haven't had a chance to submit yet, it only takes a couple of
minutes at bestlawyers.com/nominate:

- Name: K. Ryan Helmick
- Firm: The Defense Firm
- Practice Area: Criminal Defense: General Practice

Thanks again for your support.

Best,
[Your Name]

6E. Email to Best Lawyers — Inquiry About Late 2027 Nomination

Subject: Nomination inquiry — 2027 edition

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to inquire whether it is still possible to submit a nomination
for the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. I understand the
standard nomination deadline was December 12, 2025, and I want to confirm
whether any late submissions are being accepted.

The nominee is:
- Name: K. Ryan Helmick
- Firm: The Defense Firm
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Practice Area: Criminal Defense: General Practice

If the 2027 window has fully closed, could you please confirm when
nominations will open for the 2028 edition?

Thank you for your time.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Contact Information]

6F. Email to Best Lawyers — Inquiry About 2028 Timeline

Subject: 2028 edition nomination timeline inquiry

Hello,

I would like to inquire about the nomination timeline for the 2028 edition
of The Best Lawyers in America. Specifically:

1. When will nominations open for the 2028 edition?
2. What is the projected nomination deadline?
3. Are there any changes to the nomination process or eligibility criteria
   for the upcoming cycle?

Thank you for any information you can provide.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Contact Information]

---

7. Tracking Fields

Nomination Tracker

Field	Helmick	Pitaro (Expansion)	Fumo (Expansion)
Target Edition	2028	2028	2028
Practice Area(s)	Criminal Defense: General Practice	TBD (new areas)	TBD (new areas)
Nomination Status	Not yet submitted	Not yet submitted	Not yet submitted
Nomination Date	—	—	—
Confirmation Received	—	—	—
# of Nominations Submitted	0	0	0
Voting Period Status	—	—	—
Result	—	—	—
Public Announcement Date	—	—	—

Nominator Tracker

#	Nominator Name	Firm	Relationship to Nominee	Email Sent	Nomination Submitted	Date Submitted	Confirmation
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Peer Visibility Activities Tracker

Activity	Type	Date	Audience	Notes
	Bar event
	CLE presentation
	Published article
	Speaking engagement
	Networking meeting

Key Contacts

Contact	Organization	Email	Purpose
Best Lawyers Nominations	Best Lawyers	nominations@bestlawyers.com	Submit nominations
Best Lawyers General	Best Lawyers	global@bestlawyers.com	Timeline inquiries
Best Lawyers Nomination Portal	Best Lawyers	https://www.bestlawyers.com/nominate	Online submissions
Best Lawyers Timeline Page	Best Lawyers	https://www.bestlawyers.com/methodology/timeline/	Monitor for 2028 dates

Campaign Milestones

Milestone	Target Date	Actual Date	Status
Inquiry to Best Lawyers re: 2027 late nomination	April 1, 2026		NOT STARTED
Inquiry to Best Lawyers re: 2028 timeline	April 1, 2026		NOT STARTED
Helmick bar standing verified	April 7, 2026		NOT STARTED
Practice areas confirmed with Helmick	April 7, 2026		NOT STARTED
Pitaro/Fumo current listings documented	April 7, 2026		NOT STARTED
Nominator list compiled (20-30 names)	April 30, 2026		NOT STARTED
Best Lawyers honorees identified on list	May 15, 2026		NOT STARTED
Outreach emails drafted and approved	May 15, 2026		NOT STARTED
First peer outreach emails sent	June 2026		NOT STARTED
Helmick bar event #1	June-Aug 2026		NOT STARTED
Helmick article #1 published	June-Aug 2026		NOT STARTED
2028 nomination window opens	~Aug-Sep 2026		MONITORING
All nominations submitted	~2 weeks after opening		NOT STARTED
Nominations confirmed	~1 month after submission		NOT STARTED
Voting period begins	~Feb 2027		NOT STARTED
Voting period ends	~Apr 2027		NOT STARTED
Embargoed results	~Jul 2027		NOT STARTED
Public release	~Aug 2027		NOT STARTED

---

Sources

• Best Lawyers Nomination Portal
• Best Lawyers Methodology
• Best Lawyers FAQ
• Best Lawyers US Timeline
• Best Lawyers Practice Areas
• Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
• Strategies for Getting Ranked in Best Lawyers (National Law Review)
• How to Navigate Best Lawyers Rankings (National Law Review)
• Best Lawyers Expanded Methodology PDF
• K. Ryan Helmick - Super Lawyers Profile
• The Defense Firm Website