The legal profession continues to evolve, shaped by new challenges, changing client needs, and a shifting global landscape. The lawyers featured here have distinguished themselves through a combination of expertise, adaptability, and forward-thinking approaches to their work. Whether through landmark cases, policy influence, or leadership within their firms, they are helping to redefine what legal excellence looks like in 2025 and beyond.
Edward F. Cohn
Edward F. Cohn has earned a distinguished reputation for excellence in criminal defense law. With over twenty years of experience, he has become one of the most skilled and effective defense attorneys available, consistently achieving outcomes that others often struggle to match. His AV-rated preeminent status, held by only about 10% of lawyers nationwide, reflects his unparalleled expertise and professional approach.
At Edward F. Cohn, Attorney at Law, the focus remains on defending clients against charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies and white-collar crimes. He is also renowned for successfully challenging unjust protection orders and harassment injunctions, and being named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 places him among the nation’s elite attorneys.
What sets Edward apart is his exceptional negotiation ability and deep understanding of the law. These qualities have earned him prestigious awards like the AVVO Client Choice Award in both 2020 and 2024, the Platinum Client Choice Award from Lawyers.com, as well as recognition as Tucson’s Best Criminal Defense Attorney by Expertise.com.
But there’s more to Edward than his courtroom achievements. He has devoted considerable time to advocating for nursing home residents through Jewish Family & Children’s Services. Alongside his wife, Andrea, he has also spent nine years as a foster parent. These experiences have strengthened his belief that great law should serve not only individuals but the broader community as well. Edward aspires to be recognized as America’s foremost criminal defense attorney and trial lawyer.
His vision involves expanding access to premier legal representation while continuing to fight for justice with both integrity and passion. For those seeking the finest advocate in criminal defense, Edward F. Cohn is the name they can trust.
Ronald L. Bell
Some attorneys follow the law, but Ronald L. Bell has spent more than four decades shaping, challenging, and mastering it. He launched his legal journey at just 23 years old and, over the past 44 years, has become a commanding force in courtrooms across Illinois and beyond. As the founder of Ronald L. Bell & Associates P.C., he’s earned a reputation as the definitive authority in family law, personal injury, and complex civil litigation.
Before launching his own firm, Ronald built a formidable career rooted in both public service and private practice. He served as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General, a Special Prosecutor in DuPage County, and later as Chief Legal Counsel for a national consulting firm, overseeing litigation in multiple jurisdictions while maintaining a perfect record.
Ronald has a long-standing reputation for delivering results. He’s secured multimillion-dollar settlements in medical malpractice and civil cases and authored Dealing With Divorce in Illinois, a practical guide for navigating family law. With decades of experience, he’s a trusted advisor through some of the most contentious custody disputes, known for his strategic mindset and steady legal leadership.
His expertise has earned him distinctions such as Top 100 Trial Attorney in Illinois, Top 10 DUI Defense Lawyer, and a place among the Top 1% of Attorneys in America. And beyond the courtroom, he’s an avid collector of rare sports memorabilia, because even the most battle-tested attorneys benefit from passion beyond the profession.
For those seeking a legal advocate with unmatched experience and an unwavering commitment to results, Ronald L. Bell & Associates, P.C. offers a legacy of excellence worth exploring.
Craig Fontaine Ashton
When your family tree includes Founding Fathers like Richard Henry Lee and George Washington, it’s not just history. It’s a calling. For Craig Fontaine Ashton, that legacy fuels his passion for justice. But it’s not just heritage that defines him. It’s decades of rolling up his sleeves and fighting hard for the people who need it most.
Craig’s legal roots took hold at UC Berkeley and Pepperdine Law, where he didn’t just study, he led. Heading both the Environmental Law Society and the student body, Craig built a reputation early on for stepping up and speaking out. That fire carried over when he co-founded Ashton & Price, LLP with his longtime friend and law school roommate, Christopher Alan Price.
Since 1996, the firm has recovered more than $250 million for its clients and earned recognition as one of the Top 10 Personal Injury Law Firms. But for Craig, it’s never been about the headlines. It’s about the healing. His focus is getting clients the care they need, cutting through red tape, and standing strong when insurers try to dodge responsibility.
That’s why Ashton & Price feels different. You won’t be handed off to assistants or stuck on hold. You’ll talk directly to the attorneys who fight for you like family. As Craig puts it: “Just think of us as dad.” That means protection, honesty, and showing up every single time.
Because at Ashton & Price, winning cases is just the start. The real win is helping people rebuild, reclaim their lives, and walk away stronger than they came in.
Sahar Maknouni
Known for her unwavering dedication and client-centered approach, Sahar Maknouni stands out as a leading family law attorney. She brings clarity to complex legal matters and provides strong, compassionate advocacy for individuals navigating divorce, custody, and other family matters. Her practice is rooted in integrity, empathy, and a results-driven mindset, qualities that have earned her trust in and out of the courtroom.
That journey led her to build the Maknouni Family Law Firm, APC, based in Los Angeles, where she offers more than just legal support. Sahar provides a steady hand, a listening ear, and a fierce commitment to protecting her clients’ rights. Her clients don’t just get an attorney. They gain an advocate who genuinely cares.
Sahar’s practice is rooted in clear communication, strategic thinking, and authentic compassion. She’s meticulous in her document preparation, assertive in court, and accessible to the people she represents. “I want my clients to feel supported and empowered every step of the way,” she says.
Her dedication goes beyond the courtroom. She volunteers at the Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law, helping those who can’t afford legal help. It’s her way of giving back and staying grounded in her mission of fairness and justice for all.
Sahar founded Maknouni Law with the vision of creating a space where clients feel heard, guided, and cared for. Her goal? To make difficult times a little easier and to remind her clients that they don’t have to go through them alone. Whether you’re facing divorce or navigating custody issues, Sahar is the kind of attorney who not only advocates fiercely but understands deeply.
Justin Farahi
Justice isn’t an abstract ideal. It’s a lifeline for those left behind. Justin Farahi launched Farahi Law Firm to change those odds. When he was just thirteen, tragedy struck: a car accident left him with a broken collarbone, and his family was burdened by overwhelming medical bills. But instead of backing down, this traumatic experience inspired him to pursue justice.
With a “No Win, No Fee” policy and free case evaluations, Farahi Law Firm eliminates financial obstacles for those seeking justice after a tragic loss. From Los Angeles to Bakersfield, they handle personal injury and wrongful death cases tied to workplace injuries, car crashes, and slip-and-fall accidents. Every case receives a tailored strategy, blending legal acumen with genuine compassion.
Farahi Law Firm’s reputation is built on real results: securing fair compensation for medical care, recovery, and future security. Justin’s team connects clients with leading medical professionals from the outset, prioritizing recovery before legal strategy. Their legal team leaves no stone unturned, performing thorough investigations to find key evidence. Additionally, with bilingual assistance in both English and Spanish, they make sure every client is fully informed and understood at every stage.
Recognized nationally with accolades like Top 100 Lawyers and Rising Star, Justin is known for his legal prowess and relentless commitment to handling wrongful death cases. But his mission doesn’t stop there. Through “You Care, We Care Too,” his firm offers tangible support to struggling families, helping them rebuild their lives beyond legal battles.
Justin’s vision includes expanding access to justice across California, especially in underserved communities. Through partnerships with charitable groups, his team delivers free legal education workshops and resources focused on injury prevention and individual rights.
Samantha B. Cohn, Esq.
Samantha B. Cohn, Esq., practices personal injury law at the Smith Law Center and Brain Injury Law Center in Hampton, Virginia. Her specialization lies in traumatic brain injuries and other life-altering personal injury matters. For her, achieving justice goes hand in hand with building trust and offering genuine support to her clients.
Within the legal space, Samantha has built her reputation on honest communication, unwavering commitment, and deep legal insight. She guides clients through complex litigation procedures and stands firmly by her clients’ side, offering sympathy and compassion from the moment the client signs with her firm until the matter concludes. She simplifies intricate statutes and procedures, sets clear expectations, and advocates for just compensation. Her core ambition? To help clients move forward with confidence, finding a sense of closure as they are made as whole as possible.
The Smith Law Center was founded in 1949 under Joseph Smith’s leadership. Now run by his sons, Stephen and Howard, along with junior partners David Holt and Stewart Gill, the firm blends old‑school dedication with modern trial tactics. Recognized for its prowess in catastrophic injury and traumatic brain injury litigation, the team at Smith Law Center has secured over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts. The firm has set records for settlements and verdicts around the country, consistently securing awards for their clients in the millions.
Samantha’s dedication has earned her recognition, including NTLA’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2023 and 2024, as well as a listing in Marquis Who’s Who in America 2025. However, for her, true success is measured by seeing clients regain their confidence and stability.
Looking ahead, her goal is to expand her personal reach nationwide, taking on increasingly complex claims and offering support to more injured families. She plans to carry her personal, hands-on approach into new jurisdictions, ensuring each client receives personalized service and a voice they can trust, one that fights for their right to be heard and respected.
Lonnie D. Johnson
As a founding member and senior partner at Clendening Johnson & Bohrer, P.C., Lonnie D. Johnson has earned his place among Indiana’s most trusted legal minds over the last three decades. With more than 48 reported decisions, arguments before the Indiana Supreme Court and the Seventh Circuit, and a legacy shaped by landmark litigation, his impact goes far beyond his client list. He’s helped shape the legal landscape itself.
Recognition has followed him throughout his career. Seventeen consecutive years as an Indiana Super Lawyer. Peer-reviewed listings in The Best Lawyers in America. National honors from respected organizations that highlight the country’s top litigators. Yet despite this acclaim, Lonnie remains grounded. He is committed to serving clients who seek assistance with breach of contract disputes, construction defect claims, or personal injury cases. His approach emphasizes clear communication and thoughtful legal strategies tailored to each client’s needs.
In recent years, Lonnie has become a go-to mediator, successfully resolving over 100 cases. Whether it’s intellectual property, cyber fraud, probate, or securities litigation, he approaches each mediation with the same goal: to create calm in the chaos and help parties find fair, lasting solutions. His Civility Award from the Indiana State Bar Association isn’t just a plaque. It’s a reflection of how he treats people every day.
Under Lonnie’s leadership, the firm offers powerhouse litigation with the accessibility and personal attention of a boutique practice. He ensures every attorney brings not just legal skill but compassion and integrity to the table. And through it all, Lonnie D. Johnson stays true to one mission: to serve justice with honor and never lose sight of the people behind the case.
Matthew Brick
Matthew Brick is the legal mind cities call when the stakes are high and the answers need to be clear. In a profession often cluttered with formality and red tape, he brings clarity, action, and a results-first mindset that has earned him the trust of municipalities and businesses across all the jurisdictions where he is licensed–Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, and the District of Columbia.
At Brick Gentry P.C., Matthew has carved out a reputation not just as an attorney but as a strategic advisor who gets things done. Whether representing city governments, defending businesses in litigation, or guiding employers through complex HR challenges, his focus is always on delivering practical solutions that move the needle.
He’s not interested in padding the hours or speaking in legal jargon. Instead, Matthew translates complex legal frameworks into straight answers and real outcomes. His approach is simple but rare: serve with integrity, communicate with transparency, and solve problems like a partner, not just a provider.
This distinctive philosophy has earned him a seat at the table in some of the region’s most sensitive and high-stakes legal matters. His accolades include the Iowa League of Cities Outstanding Young Council Member Award and recognition among America’s Top 50 Lawyers. His Distinguished rating from Martindale-Hubbell further reflects the deep respect he commands among peers.
But Matthew isn’t building his name alone. He’s building a legacy. Overseeing over six hundred hours of work monthly, he intentionally passes meaningful work to his associates and is actively scaling his team to ensure continued excellence and responsiveness. For him, growth is about sustainability, expanding without ever losing the personalized, attentive service his clients value.
For those who need more than just legal advice, who want a partner who shows up, solves problems, and stays present, Matthew Brick is the attorney you want in your corner.
Eric G. Wright
In today’s fast-paced global economy, the true value of innovation is often lost between the patent office and the marketplace. Few have worked more tirelessly to close that gap than Eric G. Wright. As the founder of Wright IP & International Law PLLC and the creator of his Technoeconomics legal practice, Eric is among the rare professionals who successfully translate invention into commercial impact. With a unique trifecta of credentials, including professional engineer, MBA, and registered patent attorney, he brings unmatched depth and versatility to the field of intellectual property law.
What sets Eric’s firm apart is its focus on strategic, end-to-end innovation management. Through the Technoeconomics framework, he guides inventors, corporations, and legal teams throughout the full lifecycle of an invention — from early-stage conception and securing IP protection to the commercial market and downstream monetization. Whether navigating clients through complex patent litigation, building global IP portfolios, or leading industry-specific symposiums, Eric delivers a methodical, multidisciplinary, and outcome-oriented approach.
Beyond legal practice, Eric has established himself as a prolific thought leader and educator. He is the author of influential publications such as Catalyzing Intellectual Property Monetization and The Technopoly Cascade, and serves as the host of the annual international Technoeconomics Symposium, now in its eighth year. His expertise is sought by in-house legal teams, corporate executives, and venture capital leaders who rely on his insights at the intersection of technology, law, and economics.
Looking ahead, Eric remains focused on a clear mission: ensuring that innovation yields tangible value for its creators. He is committed to transforming the tremendous potential of inventions and creative works into profitable, scalable realities that can change the world. By reshaping how intellectual property assets are understood, protected, and leveraged, Eric G. Wright is pushing innovation from the drawing board to the global stage, ensuring inventors are not just heard but rewarded.
Twila S. White
Clients facing civil rights and workplace discrimination matters value Twila S. White’s commitment to pursuing justice and fair outcomes. Over her nearly 25-year career, she has proficiently handled cases that others shy away from. Through her firm, Termination Lawyer, she has represented individuals in matters involving allegations of workplace harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.
Twila’s key contributions include establishing the legal precedent that allowed #MeToo evidence to be admitted in California courts. This defining moment took place long before the #MeToo movement gained global attention. Out of many, this achievement of hers made it easier for other victims of discrimination to pursue justice.
Her strategic and detail-oriented approach to case preparation sets Twila apart in the courtroom. She also possesses the unique ability to deeply analyze the personal narratives of each case that shape legal disputes.
Twila agrees with Gerry Spence that teaching the next generation of lawyers to be better people is essential. At the prestigious Gerry Spence Method College, she is influencing the future of litigation. Moreover, the legal world has consistently celebrated her remarkable contributions. She was named one of the Daily Journal’s Top Plaintiff Lawyers in 2023 and was included on Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Plaintiff Employment & Civil Rights Lawyers list.
