The legal profession in the United States is marked by a strong commitment to excellence, characterized by the efforts to honor attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional skill and integrity. Best Lawyers®, a leading peer-review publication, showcases these outstanding legal professionals through its annual editions, “The Best Lawyers in America” and “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.” The recent 2026 editions highlight a range of trends, achievements, and patterns that shape the landscape of the legal field, offering insights into its evolution.
Peer Evaluation and Selection Process
The process of selection for “Best Lawyers” honors is rooted in a Purely Peer Review® methodology. This rigorous system begins with nominations from individuals other than the nominees themselves, followed by confidential evaluations from recognized lawyers within the same practice area and region. The evaluations are carefully reviewed to identify top candidates who are subsequently verified for good standing with their local bar associations. This multi-step process underscores the integrity and credibility of the awards.
A distinctive feature of this recognition is the title of “Lawyer of the Year,” which is awarded to one attorney in each area who receives the highest overall peer feedback. This ensures that the honorees not only excel in their fields but also maintain a strong reputation among their peers.
Overview of the 2026 Edition
The 2026 editions of The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch reflect a notable expansion in participation and recognition:
- Approximately 81,420 attorneys across 151 practice areas and more than 200 geographic regions received honors in the 2026 edition.
- Only around 5% of practicing U.S. attorneys earn a Best Lawyer distinction, highlighting the competitive nature of these accolades.
- The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch edition celebrates rising stars in the legal field with over 27,241 early-career attorneys recognized.
The geographical distribution of honored lawyers illustrates the awards’ broad reach, indicating a concentration of excellence in major metropolitan areas like Washington, D.C., New York City, and Chicago.
Gender Representation
A promising trend reflected in the latest data is the increasing gender representation among attorneys recognized in various practice areas. For instance, women represent a significant majority in specialties such as Collaborative Law: Family Law (71%) and Family Law Mediation (58%). The gradual movement towards gender parity indicates a shift in demographics within the legal profession, particularly in client-facing areas.
This shift is also evident in the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch cohort, where a considerable number of female attorneys are gaining recognition. These statistics suggest a growing commitment to diversity within the legal profession, aligning with broader societal shifts toward inclusion and equal opportunity.
Emerging Areas of Legal Practice
The 2026 edition unveils interesting insights into the trends shaping the legal market. Among the most notable practice areas, Commercial Litigation stands out as leaders, with a staggering 12,762 recognized attorneys. This area has seen a growth of nearly 37% in the last five years, driven by the rising complexity of disputes clients face today.
Additionally, other rapidly growing specialties include:
- Cannabis Law: Over 500% growth, reflecting the ongoing state-level legalization trends.
- Agriculture Law: Nearly tripling in recognition due to escalating legal issues in land use and food production.
- Consumer Protection Law: More than doubling, driven by an increase in litigation related to privacy and marketing.
These figures not only highlight emerging legal priorities but also signal a shift in client needs and societal changes.
The Role of Commercial Litigation
Commercial litigation remains central to the U.S. legal practice. Recent trends indicate an increase in mass litigation, with multidistrict litigation (MDL) constituting over 70% of federal civil cases. High-profile cases, such as those involving 3M earplugs, provide insight into the vital role that commercial litigators play in navigating complex, large-scale disputes.
Likewise, evolving regulatory landscapes and unexpected changes in the U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions, particularly those affecting contract enforcement and administrative law, have made the landscape for commercial litigators more unpredictable.
The Impact of Recognitions
Recognition from The Best Lawyers serves not only as an accolade for individual attorneys but also plays a critical role in their professional trajectory. For attorneys, these honors enhance visibility, affirming their expertise and authority in the eyes of clients and peers alike. For clients, this acknowledgment acts as a reliable barometer for identifying competent legal representation, lending a degree of trust to an often-unfamiliar selection process.
In summary, the 2026 editions of The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch provide a potent reminder of the caliber of talent within the U.S. legal profession. With a robust peer evaluation process, an increase in gender representation, emerging practice areas, and the continued relevance of commercial litigation, the honorees not only embody the current state of law in the United States but also indicate where it may be headed in the future.
As the profession evolves, these trends will likely continue to influence the legal landscape, providing greater opportunities for emerging talents while reaffirming the dedication and skill displayed by established attorneys.
For more detailed insights and to explore the complete list of honorees, visit the Best Lawyers official pages.
