Super Lawyers

11/06/2026

A common issue workers face is determining whether they hold legal rights as independent contractors.

First, you must determine whether you are an independent contractor or have been misclassified. Employers frequently misclassify workers to avoid paying required wages or fulfilling other legal obligations. Employment law attorney Christopher Brandes of Brock & Gonzales, LLP in Los Angeles discusses worker misclassification in this video.

Indicators that you may be misclassified include:

*Performing tasks that form a principal part of the employer's business
*Being subjected to employer control over your work hours and duties

Even if you are legitimately an independent contractor, you still have extensive legal rights. For instance, no one can refuse to hire you based on protected characteristics, such as your race or national origin. In some states, this can also include your sexual orientation or gender identity.

Because these determinations depend heavily on individual circumstances, consult an attorney to evaluate your situation and understand your rights.

11/06/2026

Having survived childhood trauma during the Iran-Iraq War and later overcoming severe mental health struggles, Mo Hamoudi turned to the law as a powerful vehicle to protect those who cannot advocate for themselves.

Now a personal injury and civil rights attorney at Stritmatter Law, he uses his lived experience to bring empathy, dedication, and accountability to his representation of victims.

“The ritual of serving others,” says Hamoudi, “is what has helped me get out of my own head.”

Read in the 2026 Washington edition of Super Lawyers magazine about how serving others helped him overcome adversity and advocate for civil rights!

https://www.superlawyers.com/articles/washington/the-ritual-of-serving-others/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=june-avawards&utm_content=ap_xbvl7uohlk

11/04/2026

Before building a prominent business litigation career, Stephen Willey worked as a high school English teacher, freelance ghostwriter, nightclub cook, and magazine fact-checker.

Each unique role taught him crucial lessons in communication, managing chaotic environments, and maintaining meticulous attention to detail that now serve him inside the courtroom.

You can read all about his winding path to the law in the Washington edition of Super Lawyers magazine!

Article «The Many Hats of Stephen Willey» published in 2026 Washington Super Lawyers Magazine July 2026

11/03/2026

When you meet with an attorney for the first time, you need to make sure it is the right fit. Will it cost what you expect it to? Will you get along well? Does this lawyer have your best interests at heart? For many, the process can seem intimidating.

Lawyers also want to make sure initial consultations go well. To share more about the process from their point of view, family law attorney Nicole McAtee of McAtee Law, LLC, in Martinsville, Indiana, shares with you the five steps she takes when meeting with a potential new client.

Nicole shares that it’s important to:

*Get a clear case snapshot
*Get to know the client
*Review relevant documents
*Discuss potential outcomes
*Outline the next steps

Check out the video to learn more about initial consultations and what you should be ready to discuss!

10/30/2026

🎃 Your porch is spooky. Is it safe? 🎃

Trick-or-treaters are about to be on your steps, and an injury doesn’t automatically make you liable. What matters is whether you used reasonable care.

A quick pre-Halloween check:
👻 Light up the path and steps
🕸️ Tape down cords and secure decorations
🕯️ Swap real flames for flameless candles
🐕 Keep pets inside
🚪 Block off garages, sheds, and yards

Happy Halloween from Super Lawyers! If you or someone at your home was hurt, a premises liability lawyer can protect your rights:

https://attorneys.superlawyers.com/premises-liability-plaintiff/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=june-avawards&utm_content=ap_4fvv0rwowp

10/30/2026

Celebrating Illinois’ Outstanding Legal Professionals!

Super Lawyers was proud to commemorate the 2027 Illinois Super Lawyers honorees at an exclusive reception at The Godfrey Hotel in Chicago!

The evening brought together exceptional legal professionals to connect, network, and celebrate this outstanding achievement.

Congratulations to all our 2027 Illinois Super Lawyers honorees! We’re proud to recognize your accomplishments and the excellence you bring to the legal profession.

10/30/2026

From his family's fruit farms in northern Washington to becoming the youngest-ever partner at Corr Cronin at age 32, Lucio Maldonado has earned a reputation as a versatile and relentless litigator.

Whether defending complex commercial cases or securing life-changing results in pro bono discrimination matters, he approaches every legal challenge with deep client empathy and a ready smile.

Read all about his legal path in the 2026 Washington edition of Super Lawyers magazine!

https://www.superlawyers.com/articles/washington/the-happy-warrior/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=june-avawards&utm_content=ap_uchqqq9ytt

10/29/2026

Needing a lawyer is stressful; finding one shouldn't be.

Super Lawyers has your back!

Lawyers earning the elite Super Lawyers selection represent the top 5% of lawyers in your state.

Head to Super Lawyers to find lawyers near you who can help!

10/28/2026

Appellate attorney Rory Cosgrove brings strategic focus and analytical rigor to high-stakes civil litigation and appellate advocacy at Carney Badley Spellman, P.S.

When he isn't identifying critical legal issues for trial teams, he channels his energy into his longtime passion on the basketball court.

Read more from the Washington 2026 edition of Super Lawyers magazine!

https://www.superlawyers.com/articles/washington/hoopfest-dreams/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=june-avawards&utm_content=ap_leqchwidd1

10/27/2026

Will or living trust: which one do you actually need?

Both let you name who gets your property, and you can change either one while you’re alive. But they work differently.

A will goes through probate, a court process that’s public record. Anyone can look up your will and your assets. For bigger estates, probate can take months or even years and cost a lot.

A living trust is usually private. It takes more work to set up and costs more than a will, but it can help you skip probate. That can save money, especially if you own real estate in more than one state.

Estate planning laws vary by state, so the best fit depends on your situation. Swipe through for the key differences and questions to bring to a lawyer. Then read more at Super Lawyers:

https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/estate-planning-and-probate/is-it-better-to-have-a-will-or-a-living-trust/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=june-avawards&utm_content=ap_hlddj0bfw2