Christian & Small is pleased to announce that 16 partners have been included in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Added to the list this year were Partners Bill D. Bensinger (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Bankruptcy Litigation), Judge R.A. “Sonny” Ferguson Jr. (Family Law Arbitration; Family Law Mediation), and John W. Johnson II (Insurance Law, Insurance Litigation). Additionally, Partners Greer B. Mallette and Michael A. Vercher were each recognized in two additional practice areas this year. (New practice areas are denoted by a [*] below.)
The firm is also proud to congratulate our three partners – Daniel D. Sparks, Sharon D. Stuart and David B. Walston – who were recognized as “Lawyer[s] of the Year” for their respective practice areas: Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Insurance Law; and Labor and Employment Litigation.
Christian & Small attorneys recognized are:
- LaBella S. Alvis – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
- Bill D. Bensinger – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Bankruptcy Litigation
- James B. Carlson – Commercial Litigation; Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
- Thomas W. Christian – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants; Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
- Edgar M. Elliott IV – Insurance Law; Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants; Transportation Law
- Judge R.A. “Sonny” Ferguson Jr. – Family Law Arbitration; Family Law Mediation
- John W. Johnson II – Insurance Law; Insurance Litigation
- Jonathan W. Macklem – Labor & Employment Litigation
- Greer B. Mallette – Construction Law; Construction Litigation*; Real Estate Litigation*
- Clarence M. Small Jr. – Arbitration; Mediation; Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
- Deborah Alley Smith – Appellate Practice; Commercial Litigation; Insurance Law
- Richard E. Smith – Commercial Litigation; Banking & Finance Litigation; Construction Litigation
- Daniel D. Sparks – 2018 “Lawyer of the Year” – Bankruptcy & Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency & Reorganization Law; Commercial Litigation; Banking & Finance Litigation; Bankruptcy Litigation
- Sharon D. Stuart – 2018 “Lawyer of the Year” – Insurance Law; Commercial Litigation; Labor & Employment Litigation; Securities Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants; Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
- Michael A. Vercher – Insurance Litigation; Land Use and Zoning Litigation*; Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants*
- David B. Walston – 2018 “Lawyer of the Year” – Labor & Employment Litigation; Employment Law – Management
According to its website, Best Lawyers has published its list for over three decades, “earning the respect of the profession, the media, and the public as the most reliable, unbiased source of legal referrals.” Lawyers on The Best Lawyers in America list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers on the basis of professional expertise, and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing. Only one attorney is recognized as the “Lawyer of the Year” for each practice area and location.