Knox Law places 18 attorneys on Best Lawyers lists for 2027

Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett said 15 of its attorneys were named to the 2027 Best Lawyers in America list and three more earned spots on the Ones to Watch list. The recognition underscores the Erie firm’s statewide and national profile across bankruptcy, litigation, employment, real estate and other practice areas.

Why it matters: - Best Lawyers recognition can influence client trust and market visibility for a law firm and its attorneys. - Knox Law said 18 attorneys total were recognized across the 2027 Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch lists. - The honors span core business and individual-client practices, including bankruptcy, litigation, employment, real estate and trusts and estates.

What happened: - Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. announced 15 attorneys on the 2027 Best Lawyers in America list. - The Erie, Pennsylvania firm also said three attorneys were named to the 2027 Ones to Watch list. - Neal Devlin, president of Knox Law, said the recognition reflects client trust and respect from peers.

The details: - The 15 attorneys named to Best Lawyers are Mark G. Claypool, Neal R. Devlin, Guy C. Fustine, Jennifer E. Gornall, Julia M. Herzing, Thomas C. Hoffman II, Ron G. Jones, Frances A. McCormick, Andrew M. Schmidt, Jeremy T. Toman, Thomas A. Tupitza, Timothy S. Wachter, Mark T. Wassell, Robert D. Zaruta and Timothy M. Zieziula. - Andrew M. Schmidt was newly recognized this year. - The three attorneys on Ones to Watch are Matthew W. Lasher, Philip J. Seaver-Hall and Kenzie P. Teel. - Best Lawyers said the 2027 rankings are based on confidential surveys of tens of thousands of lawyers. - Best Lawyers does not allow lawyers to pay to participate in or be included on the list. - The publication said only 5% of lawyers in the U.S. are listed on Best Lawyers and 2% are listed on Ones to Watch. - The methodology for both rankings is available in the Best Lawyers methodology.

Between the lines: - The firm’s breadth across practice areas suggests the recognition is not limited to one specialty. - The Ones to Watch placements point to a pipeline of younger attorneys who are gaining peer recognition early in their careers. - Peer-review awards tend to matter most in legal services because they can shape reputation without direct self-promotion.

What's next: - Knox Law is likely to use the rankings in client-facing and recruiting efforts over the next year. - The 2027 honor roll gives the firm a fresh credential heading into future business development and lateral hiring conversations. - Best Lawyers will continue publishing annual rankings built from peer review surveys.

The bottom line: - Knox Law left the 2027 Best Lawyers cycle with broad recognition across senior and emerging talent, reinforcing the firm’s profile in Western Pennsylvania and beyond.