We are proud to announce that 19 McCandlish Lillard lawyers have been recognized among The Best Lawyers in America® 2026. Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America reflects the judgment of professional peers and confirms a lawyer’s standing within a select group known for consistent excellence.
Overall, 16 McCandlish Lillard lawyers were listed among the “Best Lawyers” in the 32nd edition of the annual list:
- Sarah Aviles
- Elder Law
- Trust & Estates
- Litigation – Trust & Estates
- Alan Croft
- Commercial Litigation
- Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
- John Farrell
- Litigation – Real Estate
- Elizabeth Gray
- Elder Law
- Trust & Estates
- Virginia Haizlip
- Elder Law
- Family Law: Family Law Mediation
- Collaborative Law: Family Law
- Trust & Estates
- Litigation – Trust & Estates
- Robert Loftus
- Commercial Litigation
- Daniel P. Lyon
- Commercial Litigation
- Peyton Mahaffey
- Litigation – Trusts & Estates
- Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
- Lawrence McClafferty
- Litigation – Trusts & Estates
- Melinda Merk
- Trust & Estates
- Litigation – Trusts & Estates
- Tax Law
- David Murphy
- Employment Law – Individuals
- Litigation – Labor and Employment
- Stephen C. Price
- Litigation – Real Estate
- Litigation – Trusts & Estates
- Real Estate Law
- Doug Sanderson
- Family Law
- Collaborative Law: Family Law
- Real Estate Law
- Theresa Small
- Trusts & Estates
- Litigation – Trusts & Estates
- Ben Trichilo
- Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
- Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers
- William Walsh
- Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law
Three McCandlish Lillard associates were listed among Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America:
- Hannane Amanpour
- Commercial Litigation
- Family Law
- Caitlyn Bender
- Elder Law
- Litigation – Trusts & Estates
- Trust & Estates
- Kathryn Swain
- Commercial Litigation
- Family Law
- Litigation – Trusts & Estates
- Trust & Estates
Selection for Best Lawyers honors is guided by Purely Peer Review® methodology, which begins with nominations from anyone other than the nominee, followed by confidential evaluations from presently recognized lawyers in the same practice area and region. Feedback is collected and reviewed to identify top candidates, who are then confirmed to be in good standing with their local bar associations. Once results are finalized, firms and honorees are notified and the new recognitions are published in print and online.
