John E. Lichtenstein, founding attorney of Lichtenstein Law Group in Roanoke, Virginia, has been named a 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 long list of honors Lichtenstein has received from the peer-review publication since his first inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America in 2006.
Best Lawyers selects attorneys through a comprehensive evaluation process based on peer evaluations. Attorneys do not pay for inclusion, and selection reflects their professionalism, integrity, and the respect of fellow members of the bar. The “Lawyer of the Year” designation is the publication’s highest honor, awarded to only one lawyer in each practice area and geographic region each year, based on the highest overall peer ratings.
“This award is especially meaningful because it comes from attorneys who know the legal profession best,” Lichtenstein said. “It reflects the hard work, meticulous case preparation, and dedication of our entire team to helping clients who face life-changing legal challenges.”
Since 2006, Lichtenstein 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). He continues to be recognized in multiple practice areas in The Best Lawyers in America, including Bet-the-Company Litigation.
Lichtenstein has built his reputation as a trial attorney over a decades-long career in Virginia, handling high-stakes litigation in state and federal courts across personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, product liability, and criminal defense. He is a former President of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and has served on its Board of Governors. He also chaired the Virginia State Bar Criminal Law Section and is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and American Board of Criminal Lawyers.
The impact of this recognition is significant for both the legal community and potential clients. For the industry, it underscores the importance of peer-reviewed excellence in legal practice, as Lichtenstein’s consistent recognition highlights the value of trial experience and client advocacy. For individuals in Roanoke and across Virginia, this honor provides a benchmark for selecting legal representation, particularly in complex personal injury and criminal defense cases where the stakes are high.
Lichtenstein Law Group brings nearly 100 years of combined legal experience to clients, combining extensive trial experience with a client-centered approach. The firm handles cases in state and federal courts, including personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability, criminal defense, civil rights, business tort, and other complex litigation matters. The firm is located at 347 Highland Ave., Roanoke, VA 24016, and can be reached online or by phone at (540) 343-9711.
