Morris Laing Law Firm is proud to announce that 16 of our attorneys have been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® (2027 Edition) along with one recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America (2027 Edition).

Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become one of the most respected peer-review publications in the legal profession. Recognition is based entirely on an exhaustive peer-review survey — attorneys cannot pay to be included, and inclusion reflects the confidence of thousands of fellow practitioners across the country.

2027 Honorees

Wichita, Kansas

  • Kimberly Bonifas—Family Law, recognized since 2027
  • Shannon M. Braun—Trusts and Estates, recognized since 2013 (14 years); Tax Law, recognized since 2027
  • Jeffery L. Carmichael—Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, recognized since 2011 (16 years)
  • Jackson Ely– Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (Ones to Watch), recognized since 2027; Real Estate Law (Ones to Watch), recognized since 2027
  • John W. Johnson—Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants, recognized since 2011 (16 years); Personal Injury Litigation-Plaintiffs, recognized since 2011 (16 years)
  • Ryan M. Peck—Litigation-Labor and Employment, recognized since 2013 (14 years)
  • Cody Phillips– Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), recognized since 2027; Real Estate Law, recognized since 2027
  • Jonathan A. Schlatter—Oil and Gas Law, recognized since 2027
  • Diane H. Sorensen—Employment Law – Individuals, recognized since 2011 (16 years); Employment Law – Management, recognized since 2011 (16 years); Mediation, recognized since 2025 (2 years)
  • Karl R. Swartz—Banking and Finance Law, recognized since 2019 (8 years); Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, recognized since 2013 (14 years)
  • Will B. Wohlford—Commercial Litigation, recognized since 2013 (14 years); Employment Law-Individuals, recognized since 2013 (14 years); Litigation – Antitrust, recognized since 2013 (14 years)
  • James D. Young—Banking and Finance Law, recognized since 2023 (4 years)

Topeka, Kansas

  • John J. Ambrosio — Criminal Defense: General Practice, recognized since 2007 (20 years); Criminal Defense: White-Collar, recognized since 2007 (20 years)
  • S. Lucky DeFries — Litigation and Controversy-Tax, recognized since 2011 (16 years); Tax Law, recognized since 1995 (32 years)
  • Roger N. Walter — Corporate Law, recognized since 2021 (6 years); Securities/Capital Markets Law, recognized since 2010 (17 years)
  • Trevor Wohlford—Litigation and Controversy-Tax, recognized since 2027

To learn more about our recognized attorneys and their practice areas, visit their individual attorney profiles at morrislaing.com/attorneys.