John E. Lichtenstein, founding attorney of Lichtenstein Law Group, has been named the 2027 Best Lawyers® "Lawyer of the Year" in two practice areas for the Roanoke region: Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs and Criminal Defense: General Practice. This recognition, announced on August 20, 2026, adds to a distinguished list of honors Lichtenstein has received from the peer-review publication over the years. The "Lawyer of the Year" designation is awarded to only one lawyer per practice area and region, based on the highest overall peer ratings, making it a significant acknowledgment of professional excellence.
Best Lawyers conducts a comprehensive evaluation process relying on peer evaluations, ensuring that inclusion reflects professionalism, integrity, and respect among fellow attorneys. Lawyers do not pay for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America, and the "Lawyer of the Year" honor is reserved for those who earn the highest respect from their peers. Lichtenstein expressed that the award is especially meaningful because it comes from attorneys who understand the legal profession intimately. "It reflects the hard work, meticulous case preparation, and dedication of our entire team to helping clients who face life-changing legal challenges," he said.
Lichtenstein's recognition history is impressive. Since first being listed in 2006, he has been named "Lawyer of the Year" in the Roanoke region 16 times across four practice areas: Criminal Defense: General Practice (2019, 2023, 2025, 2027), Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs (2016, 2018, 2024, 2027), Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs (2013, 2015, 2022, 2026), and Criminal Defense (2011, 2014, 2020, 2024). His ongoing recognition in multiple practice areas, including Bet-the-Company Litigation, underscores his versatility and expertise.
With a career spanning decades, Lichtenstein has built a reputation as a trial attorney handling high-stakes litigation in state and federal courts, covering personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, product liability, and criminal defense. His leadership roles include past President of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and chair of the Virginia State Bar Criminal Law Section. He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and the American Board of Criminal Lawyers.
Lichtenstein Law Group brings nearly 100 years of combined legal experience, offering a client-centered approach that combines extensive trial experience with personalized service. The firm handles complex litigation in state and federal courts, including personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability, criminal defense, civil rights, business tort, and more. Located at 347 Highland Ave., Roanoke, VA 24016, the firm can be reached online or by phone at (540) 343-9711. This latest honor reinforces the firm's reputation for excellence and its commitment to clients facing significant legal challenges.
