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 distinction, announced on August 20, 2026, adds to a long list of honors from the peer-review publication, which selects only one lawyer per practice area and region each year.
Best Lawyers recognizes attorneys through a comprehensive evaluation process based on peer evaluations, with selection reflecting professionalism, integrity, and respect among fellow members of the bar. Notably, lawyers do not pay for inclusion, and the 'Lawyer of the Year' honor is awarded to the lawyer with the highest overall peer ratings in a specific practice area and region. Since his first recognition in 2006, Lichtenstein has been named 'Lawyer of the Year' 16 times in four practice areas, including 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).
This recognition is particularly significant because it comes from fellow attorneys who are familiar with the legal profession's demands. Lichtenstein attributes the honor to the hard work and meticulous case preparation of his entire team, noting that it reflects their dedication to clients facing life-changing legal challenges. His practice spans high-stakes litigation in state and federal courts, including personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, product liability, and criminal defense.
Beyond these latest honors, Lichtenstein continues to be recognized in multiple practice areas within The Best Lawyers in America, including Bet-the-Company Litigation, Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense, and Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs. His career includes leadership roles such as past President of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and chair of the Virginia State Bar Criminal Law Section. He is also a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and American Board of Criminal Lawyers.
Lichtenstein Law Group, with nearly 100 years of combined legal experience, handles cases in state and federal courts, including personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability, criminal defense, civil rights, and business torts. The firm is located at 347 Highland Ave., Roanoke, VA 24016, and can be reached online or by phone at (540) 343-9711.
