Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce that several of the firm's attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the latest edition of Best Lawyers: "Ones to Watch," recognizing outstanding professional excellence among lawyers who are earlier in their private practice careers.
'Ones to Watch' honors attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional skill, professionalism, and achievement during the early years of their legal careers. Eligible attorneys are typically in private practice for five to nine years before becoming candidates for recognition.
Like the Best Lawyers in America®, selection for "Ones to Watch" is based entirely on peer review. Candidates are nominated by fellow attorneys, evaluated through confidential peer assessments within their geographic region and practice area, and undergo a thorough review process before eligibility is confirmed and honorees are selected.
The firm's honorees represent offices across the country and a wide range of practice areas, reflecting WSHB's continued investment in developing exceptional legal talent and fostering the next generation of leaders within the profession.
"We are incredibly proud of these attorneys and the outstanding work they have already accomplished early in their careers," said Founding Partner Stephen Henning. "This recognition reflects not only their legal abilities, but also the respect they have earned from their peers. We congratulate each of them on this well-deserved honor and look forward to their continued success."
The following WSHB attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2027 edition of "Ones to Watch":
Mobile, AL:
- Joseph Aguirre- Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation- Defendants
Phoenix, AZ:
- Iulia Taranu- Insurance Law and Litigation- Construction and Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants
Alisa Viejo, CA:
- Ahlam Berri- Commercial Litigation and Labor and Employment Law-Management and Litigation-Labor and Employment
- Frank Chatzipantsios- Litigation-Construction and Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants
- Zachary Lynch- Labor and Employment Law-Employee
Glendale, CA:
- Danielle Ebel- Construction Law and Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants
- Caroline Feldstein- Construction Law and Litigation-Construction and Transportation Law
- Robert Rhoten- Medical Malpractice Law-Defendants
Los Angeles, CA:
- Ivetta Arquell- Construction Law and Litigation-Construction
- Trent Leaf- Medical Malpractice Law-Defendants
- Melissa Saracyan- Construction Law and Litigation-Construction and Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants
- David Wagmeister- Health Care Law
Ontario, CA:
- Christina Loni- Construction Law and Litigation-Construction
San Diego, CA:
- Christine Robles- Litigation-Labor and Employment
Thousand Oaks, CA:
- Joanna Dyriam- Litigation-Construction and Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants
Denver, CO:
- Michael Simpson- Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law and Litigation-Labor and Employment
Hartford, CT:
- Aaron Cruz- Litigation-Labor and Employment and Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants
- Rachel Ferreira Barone- Personal Injury Litigation-Plaintiffs
- Melissa Modzelewski- Commercial Litigation
Boca Raton, FL:
- Juan Arrubla- Personal Injury Litigation and Transportation Law
- Jason Tom- Litigation- Construction and Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants
Miami, FL:
- Tanner Stewart- Insurance Law
Tampa, FL:
- Michael Beck- Insurance Law
- Lee Jeansonne- Construction Law and Litigation-Construction
- Daniel Knuth- Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants and Transportation Law
- Rontavian Mack- Litigation-Real Estate and Real Estate Law
Atlanta, GA:
- Jeffery Rowe- Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants
Raleigh, NC:
- Clay Goris- Insurance Law and Litigation-Labor and Employment and Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants
- Suzanne Patinella- Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law and Litigation-Construction
Berkeley Heights, NJ:
- Spenser Frieri- Litigation-Construction and Product Liability Litigation-Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law
- Brendan Johnson- Commercial Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation-Defendant and Professional Malpractice Law
Las Vegas, NV:
- Krystina Butchart- Construction Law and Litigation-Construction and Transportation Law
- Tayler Martinez- Construction Law and Litigation-Construction and Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants
New York, NY:
- Ehsan Akbari-Litigation-Construction
- Charlene Lanez- Litigation-Construction
- Thomas Lehman- Construction Law
- Fationa Mamo- Commercial Litigation and Construction Law and Litigation-Construction
White Plains, NY:
- Meghan Dibbini- Legal Malpractice Law and Litigation-Labor and Employment
- Katherine Garcia- Construction Law
- Jacqueline Murphy- Insurance Law and Litigation-Labor and Employment
Philadelphia, PA:
- Sarah Connor- Litigation-Labor and Employment and Professional Malpractice Law
- Kamela Devole- Litigation-Construction and Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law
Charleston, SC:
- George Smythe- Construction Law and Litigation-Construction
Houston, TX:
- Grace Cousins- Litigation-Construction and Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants and Product Liability Litigation-Defendants and Transportation Law
McAllen, TX:
- Bryan Ramirez- Litigation-Construction
Seattle, WA:
- Kellan Byrne- Construction Law and Litigation-Construction
WSHB congratulates each of these attorneys on this well-earned recognition and celebrates their continued commitment to delivering exceptional service and results for the firm's clients.
Wood Smith Henning & Berman: Your Trusted Partner
Experience the power of a proven industry leader in the law. Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is renowned globally for our exceptional trial results and expertise in handling complex litigation. With our nationwide network of over 500 lawyers across 43 office locations, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive litigation and counsel to both public and private companies. From start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, we deliver unrivaled legal representation that consistently achieves favorable outcomes for our clients.
At WSHB, our strength lies in our diverse and accomplished team of attorneys. We boast thought leaders and defense specialists in over 41 fields of practice, covering an extensive range of specialties. Founded in 1997, we are proud to be among the top ten law firms in the nation for diversity, female partners, female lawyers, and Hispanic lawyers. This rich tapestry of diversity forms the foundation of our success when presenting cases to juries of our peers, ensuring we understand the unique nuances underlying each claim.
Our expansive geographic footprint allows us to provide effective and efficient representation to clients nationwide, regardless of their location, background, or legal expertise. By prioritizing strategic and cost-effective approaches to litigation, our dedicated attorneys work tirelessly to protect the interests of our clients. We have a track record of success, securing numerous victories such as summary judgments and defense verdicts on behalf of our clients. As a trial firm, we have taken over 2,000 cases to verdict, making us well-equipped to handle even the most complex and high-stakes litigation matters across the country.













































