22 Shuman McCuskey Slicer PLLC Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of Best Lawyers®
Best Lawyers® is an elite global network of legal professionals recognized through trusted, peer-reviewed distinction. For over four decades, our Purely Peer Review® methodology has upheld the principle that recognition should be earned through the opinions of fellow attorneys, not marketing influence or paid listings. Each year, more than 13 million confidential evaluations are collected worldwide, contributing to one of the legal industry’s most rigorous and trusted vetting processes. Only about 5% of lawyers in the United States and 3% globally are recognized, reflecting the selectivity and credibility of the results. Proprietary safeguards are in place to reduce bias and uphold the accuracy of the peer feedback.
Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” 2026 Edition
Shuman McCuskey Slicer PLLC is thrilled to announce that two lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” in Charleston and Morgantown, West Virginia in multiple practice areas. “Lawyer of the Year” accolades are reserved for one individual per practice area in each metropolitan region, based on the highest aggregate peer feedback. This designation represents a rare and distinguished honor. The following Shuman McCuskey Slicer attorneys were named the Best Lawyers® 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” in the following practice areas and region:
Brian J. Warner, Oil and Gas Law, Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants, Morgantown, West Virginia
Dwayne E. Cyrus, Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants, Charleston, West Virginia
The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 Edition
In addition, 22 Shuman McCuskey Slicer lawyers were recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® .
John F. McCuskey, Charleston, WV
Administrative / Regulatory Law
Appellate Practice
Arbitration
Commercial Litigation
Mediation
Natural Resources Law
Oil and Gas Law
Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
William R. Slicer, Charleston, WV
Commercial Litigation
Construction Law
Employment Law - Management
Insurance Law
Litigation - Environment
Litigation - Insurance
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
David L. Shuman, Charleston, WV
Health Care Law
Litigation - Health Care
Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
Karen T. McElhinny, Charleston, WV
Insurance Law
Litigation - Health Care
Litigation - Insurance
Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
Lou Ann S. Cyrus, Charleston, WV
Employment Law - Management
Insurance Law
Litigation - Insurance
Litigation - Labor and Employment
Dwayne E. Cyrus, Charleston, WV
Insurance Law
Litigation - Health Care
Litigation - Insurance
Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
Natalie C. Schaefer, Charleston, WV
Construction Law
Insurance Law
Litigation - Construction
Litigation - Insurance
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Roberta F. Green, Charleston, WV
Litigation - Health Care
Litigation - Insurance
Litigation - Labor and Employment
Kimberly M. Bandy, Charleston, WV
Insurance Law
Litigation - Insurance
Christopher D. Negley, Charleston, WV
Administrative / Regulatory Law
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Emily L. Lilly, Charleston, WV
Commercial Litigation
Brian J. Warner, Morgantown, WV
Litigation - Construction
Litigation - Insurance
Natural Resources Law
Oil and Gas Law
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
J. Robert Russell, Morgantown, WV
Civil Rights Law
Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
Litigation - Municipal
David Butler, Morgantown, WV
Litigation - Insurance
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
Heather M. Noel, Morgantown, WV
Litigation - Construction
Litigation - Insurance
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Sara E. Brown, Morgantown, WV
Administrative / Regulatory Law
Appellate Practice
Arbitration
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® 2026 Edition
These awards are recognitions given to attorneys who are earlier in their careers for outstanding professional excellence in private practice in America. Four Shuman McCuskey Slicer PLLC attorneys were included in the 2026 edition of the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.
Civil Rights Law
Insurance Law
Municipal Law
Labor and Employment Law - Management
Litigation - Construction
Litigation - Labor and Employment
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Litigation - Construction
Litigation - Labor and Employment Law
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Civil Rights Law
Insurance Law
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
About: Shuman McCuskey Slicer PLLC is a civil defense litigation law firm defending businesses, professionals, and insurers in high-stakes litigation. The firm has over 20 attorneys licensed to practice in West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. SMS was founded in Charleston, WV, where it remains headquartered and has additional offices in Morgantown, WV, and Winchester, VA.
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