Simmons Hanly Conroy Attorneys Among the 2026 Illinois Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars®A

ALTON – Simmons Hanly Conroy, one of the nation’s leading mass-torts and complex litigation firms, is proud to announce that 13 firm attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 edition of the Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists for Illinois. These designations reflect the firm’s ongoing commitment to legal excellence and leadership in the representation of mesothelioma patients and their families and complex litigation on a national scale.

The following attorneys have been selected for the 2026 Illinois Super Lawyers list: John Simmons, chairman, Asbestos Litigation, Complex Litigation Michael J. Angelides, partner, Complex Litigation, Dangerous Drugs & Devices Nicholas J. Angelides, partner, Asbestos Litigation John A. Barnerd, partner, Asbestos Litigation Perry J. Browder, partner, Asbestos Litigation Brian J. Cooke, partner, Asbestos Litigation John Foley, partner, Dangerous Drugs & Devices Ted N. Gianaris, of counsel, Asbestos Litigation, Environmental Litigation, Personal Injury Jo Anna Pollock, partner, Complex Litigation

In addition, the following attorneys have been selected for the 2026 Illinois Rising Stars list: Kristina Berkover, Complex Litigation, Dangerous Drugs & Devices Jenny Paulson, Complex Litigation, Class Actions Brendan A. Smith, Mass Torts, Complex Litigation, Dangerous Drugs & Devices, Sexual Abuse Joseph P. Trunk, Asbestos Litigation, Products Liability Selection to the Super Lawyers list is limited to attorneys who demonstrate exceptional peer recognition and professional achievement, representing approximately the top 5% of eligible attorneys in Illinois.

The Rising Stars list identifies those attorneys who are either 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 or fewer years, representing no more than 2.5% of eligible Illinois attorneys. The selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. “We are extremely proud of our colleagues who have achieved these honors,” said John Simmons, Chairman of Simmons Hanly Conroy. “This recognition underscores our firm-wide culture of excellence, teamwork and dedication to delivering high-caliber legal advocacy for our clients. These attorneys embody our mission to pursue justice through relentless representation and integrity.”

Both published by Thomson Reuters, the lists are featured in the Illinois Super Lawyers Magazine and in various regional magazines and newspaper supplements in the state, as well as distributed to attorneys and ABA-accredited law school libraries. About Simmons Hanly Conroy LLP Simmons Hanly Conroy, with over 300 employees, including over 100 attorneys practicing nationwide, is one of the country's largest plaintiff law firms dedicated to holding corporations responsible for wrongdoing. Primary areas of litigation include mesothelioma and asbestos, pharmaceutical and medical device injuries, consumer protection class actions, environmental injuries and protection, and complex personal injury.

The firm's attorneys have been appointed to leadership in numerous national multidistrict litigations, including prescription opioids, Vioxx, Yaz, Toyota unintended acceleration, BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, DePuy Pinnacle, Uber Rideshare sexual assault, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Norfolk Southern East Palestine train derailment and the Volkswagen emission scandal. For over 25 years, the firm has successfully secured $11 billion in verdicts and settlements for thousands of clients nationwide and is a major supporter of asbestos-related cancer research. Offices are located in Alton, Illinois; Boston; Los Angeles; Miami; New York City; San Francisco; and St. Louis.

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