Four attorneys from the personal injury law firm Marks & Harrison have been selected for inclusion in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and Ones to Watch®, the firm announced on September 15, 2026. The honors recognize attorneys for excellence within their respective geographic markets and practice areas.
Since 1983, The Best Lawyers in America® has published a directory of attorneys who demonstrate exceptional performance in the legal profession. The publication selects honorees through a demanding peer-review and authentication process intended to deliver unbiased results, independent of marketing influence or paid listings. Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® recognizes associates and other lawyers who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States.
The following attorneys from Marks & Harrison have been named to the 2027 Best Lawyers list: Gregory S. Hooe for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs; John C. Shea for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs; and Ryan T. Walker for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs. In addition, Joel R. McClellan was recognized again as a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® honoree for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, an honor bestowed upon him every year since 2022.
Since 1911, the personal injury attorneys of Marks & Harrison have protected the rights of accident and injury victims and their families. The law firm offers clients the legal experience and resources of more than 31 personal injury attorneys and more than 100 staff members, research attorneys, and in-house investigators. The firm has offices throughout Virginia and the Washington DC Metro region, with its main office at 1500 Forest Avenue, Room 100, Richmond, Va., 23229.
This recognition matters for several reasons. For the legal industry, it underscores the continued value of peer-reviewed accolades in distinguishing attorneys in a competitive market. For consumers of legal services, particularly those seeking representation in personal injury and product liability matters, the Best Lawyers designations provide an independent, third-party validation of an attorney's expertise and reputation. The fact that McClellan has been repeatedly recognized as a Ones to Watch honoree since 2022 signals sustained excellence early in his career, which may appeal to clients seeking capable yet cost-effective representation. For Marks & Harrison, the inclusion of four attorneys in these prestigious lists reinforces its standing as a leading personal injury firm in Virginia and the Washington DC Metro area. It also highlights the firm's depth of talent across both experienced litigators and rising stars. As the legal profession continues to evolve, such recognitions can influence client choice, attorney recruitment, and overall firm reputation. The 2027 Best Lawyers lists are set to be released in the coming months, and these honorees will be featured among the top legal practitioners in the country.
