Thirteen Zausmer attorneys have been honored to the 2026 Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is a peer-reviewed designation that recognizes attorneys with outstanding professional excellence in private practice. Best Lawyers accolades recognize the top 5% of legal talent in private practice throughout the United States.
Lawyers of the Year for 2026
“Lawyer of the Year” honors are awarded annually to lawyers with extremely high overall feedback from their peers, making it an exceptional distinction.
Shareholder Michael L. Caldwell has been honored as a Lawyer of the Year for his significant contributions in Environmental Law and Environmental Litigation.
Shareholder Stephen R. Estey has been recognized as Lawyer of the Year for his expertise in Land Use and Zoning Law.
Best Lawyers in America 2026
Managing Shareholder Mark Zausmer has been recognized as a Best Lawyer for the 19th consecutive year for his exemplary work in Commercial Litigation and Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law.
Additional Best Lawyers honorees include:
- Mischa M. Boardman: Commercial Litigation
- Michael L. Caldwell: Environmental Law and Environmental Litigation
- Stephen R. Estey: Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Real Estate Litigation, Real Estate Law, Utilities Law
- Jeremy M. Mullett: Insurance Law
- Cinnamon A. Plonka: Insurance Law, Insurance Litigation
- Michael A. Schwartz: Insurance Litigation, Real Estate Litigation
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch 2026
Best Lawyers separately recognizes emerging legal talent with the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch award. This award honors attorneys who have been practicing for less than ten years. Seven of our attorneys have been named to the 2026 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list.
- Christopher B. Best: Insurance Law
- Anastasios “Ty” Kiafoulis: Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, and Transportation Law
- John A. Lewsley: Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
- Brent R. Lockwood: Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, and Labor & Employment Litigation
- Branden T. Prather: Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
- Stephanie L. Strycharz: Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law
- Heather J. Thatcher: Insurance Law and Labor & Employment Litigation
Congratulations to all our honored attorneys for their remarkable accomplishments and dedication to excellence in the legal profession.
Zausmer
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