Outside opinions generally are a better barometer of the skill of the attorneys in a firm than is the opinion of the firm itself. Alumni in the area are an invaluable resource. Alumni will often tell you more than they would tell their own partners. When you are evaluating firms, go for the ones that do high quality work. Be leery of a firm that does extremely shoddy work.
Most firms are in the middle.
What you want is a small firm that will allow you to do good, competent work. Remember, good work is something that you do not only for your clients, but for your reputation. The attitude shown by the partner in describing various local organizations will clue you as to whether that partner is sociable or not. If she is positive, attends meetings and activities or holds offices, then she is sociable. If she derides the bar association, considers such things a waste of time, or is hostile, then she is not sociable.