Thirteen Firm Attorneys Recognized as “Next Generation” Leaders

A record-breaking 13 Lanier Law Firm attorneys – including five first-time honorees — have been selected to the third edition of the Lawdragon X – The Next Generation 2026 guide. The annual publication recognizes lawyers across the nation who are shaping the future of the legal profession through exceptional advocacy, leadership, and results. Honorees are selected through a combination of journalistic research, peer nominations, and independent vetting.

The firm attorneys recognized in this year’s edition in their respective areas of practice are:

Alex Abston  Plaintiff Personal Injury, Mass Torts, Class Action

Leila Ayachi Plaintiff Personal Injury, Class Actions

Manny Cabrera Asbestos Exposure, Plaintiff Personal Injury, Class Actions

Ryan Ellis Commercial Litigation

Michelle Greene Plaintiff Litigation, inc. Toxic Torts, Product Liability

Rachel Lanier Plaintiff Personal Injury, Mass Torts, Class Action

Caroline McLeod Plaintiff Personal Injury, Class Actions

Christopher Phipps Plaintiff Personal Injury, Class Actions


The first-time honorees are:

James Campbell Mesothelioma & Asbestos Litigation

Kevin LaMarca Asbestos, Product Liability, Toxic Torts

Kyle Schnitzer Issues & Appeals

Kelsey Stokes Mass Torts, Product Liability

Andy West Mesothelioma & Asbestos Litigation


“The remarkable lawyers featured here chose a path to the law, sacrificed the long hours and investment required to get through law school and the bar and start a career,” wrote the publication’s editor in introducing this year’s honorees. “There are thousands of lawyers like these in every firm and type of practice in the world. And we applaud this year’s Lawdragon 500 X crew for their own accomplishments and as representatives of the dream of becoming a lawyer.”

The complete list of 2026 honorees is available on the Lawdragon website.