Six Smith LaCien Attorneys Named to 2027 Best Lawyers®

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brian LaCien Honored as “Lawyer of the Year” for Aviation Law in Chicago

CHICAGO, IL – August 20, 2026 – Smith LaCien, LLP, a leading personal injury law firm in Chicago, is proud to announce that six of its attorneys have been recognized in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers®, including one attorney named “Lawyer of the Year” and two attorneys selected for the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list.

Firm founding partner Brian LaCien has been voted the 2027 “Lawyer of the Year” for Aviation Law in Chicago — one of the highest individual honors bestowed by Best Lawyers®, awarded to a single attorney per practice area and metropolitan region based on outstanding peer feedback.

“This year’s recognition reflects the relentless dedication our attorneys bring to every client and every case. Being named among Best Lawyers® — and having Brian honored as ‘Lawyer of the Year’ for Aviation Law — is a testament to the trust our clients place in us and the tireless work of this entire team. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built together at Smith LaCien,” Todd A. Smith, Founding Partner, Smith LaCien, LLP.

Mr. LaCien was also recognized in the following practice areas:

• Aviation Law
• Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
• Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
• Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs

Other 2027 Best Lawyers include:

Todd A. Smith

• Aviation Law
• Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
• Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
• Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
• Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs

Carla A. Colaianni

• Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs

Jason Williams

• Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs

2027 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch include:

Allyson C. Cox

• Civil Rights Law
• Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
• Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
• Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
• Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs

Andrew W. Mason

• Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Insurance Law
• Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
• Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
• Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
• Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs

About Smith LaCien, LLP:

Founded by Todd A. Smith and Brian LaCien, Smith LaCien is a leading Chicago personal injury law firm with a proven track record of exceptional results for clients, with more than $3.5 billion in verdicts and settlements and over 100 cases with results of at least $5 million. The firm has been consistently ranked as a top firm nationally and locally in areas of personal injury law. For a free consultation, contact Carla or any member of the Smith LaCien legal team at (312) 509-8900, complete the online contact form, or email info@smithlacien.com. Smith LaCien LLP is located at 70 W. Madison, Suite 2250, Chicago, IL 60602.

About Best Lawyers:

For more than four decades, Best Lawyers®, has helped individuals and businesses identify the best lawyers for their specific legal needs. Through a rigorous peer-review process, Best Lawyers®, and related recognitions highlight individuals who demonstrate exceptional professional excellence within their practice areas and geographic regions. Because recognitions are based entirely on evaluations from fellow lawyers, Best Lawyers®, awards serve as a trusted resource for clients seeking experienced, respected legal counsel. To search for recognized attorneys by location and specialty, visit www.bestlawyers.com.

Media Contact:
Erin Gourley
PressWell PR
erin@presswellpr.com /646-357-2293