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CH& Recognition

Cairncross & Hempelmann attorneys are focused on ensuring that clients receive not only the most cost-effective and efficient legal protections for our clients, but also appropriate business solutions.  Our focus is always to provide practical, thoughtful advice and help our clients reach their goals.  We also place high value on our workplace culture and professional development for all employees.

The firm and our attorneys are regularly recognized by leading legal ranking organizations and publications, including the following.

Chambers USA is a prestigious annual guide that ranks the leading law firms and attorneys in the United States. In the 2023 edition of Chambers USA, six CH& practice areas and 12 CH& attorneys were recognized by Chambers USA for technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, and commitment.

Cairncross &  Hempelmann is also recognized by Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards: North America 2021.  The firm is on the shortlist for “Outstanding Firm for D&I,” and CH& attorney Nicole De Leon is on the short list for “Future Leader.”  These awards recognize the achievements of firms and individuals who are furthering the advancement of diversity and inclusion across the USA and Canada.

Best Lawyers in America reviews attorneys on the basis of professional expertise and conducts a detailed authentication process.  In the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers in America, 28 CH& attorneys were recognized for their commitment to client service and legal expertise. 23 CH& attorneys were recognized as “Best Lawyers” for the high ratings given by their peers, and five CH& attorneys were recognized as “Ones to Watch,” a category that recognizes attorneys in practice less than ten years.

Additionally, several Cairncross & Hempelmann Lawyers have been recognized as “Lawyer of the Year.”  This is the highest honor and is awarded to one attorney per practice area based on receiving the highest reviews by their peers.

  • Stephen VanDerhoef was named “Lawyer of the Year” in 2023 for Real Estate Litigation
  • John Rizzardi was named “Lawyer of the Year” in 2022 for Bankruptcy Litigation
  • Donald Marcy was named “Lawyer of the Year” in 2022 for Land Use and Zoning Litigation, in 2021 for Real Estate Litigation, and in 2014 for Land Use and Zoning
  • Nancy Bainbridge Rogers was named “Lawyer of the Year” in 2021 for Land Use and Zoning
  • John Hempelmann was named “Lawyer of the Year” in 2021 for Land Use and Zoning and in 2018 and 2014 for Real Estate Litigation

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.  In the 2023 edition of Washington Super Lawyers, 23 CH& attorneys were recognized for their professional achievements. 14 CH& attorneys were recognized as Super Lawyers, and only five percent of attorneys in Washington receive this honor. Nine CH& attorneys were recognized as Rising Stars, and only two and a half percent of attorneys who are under 40 or who have been in practice for 10 years or less receive this honor.

Special recognition was earned by Stephen VanDerhoef who were once again named on the Washington Super Lawyers Top 100 list.

US News and Best Lawyers join together annually to rank Best Law Firms.  In the 2023 edition of Best Law Firms, CH& received national rankings for two practice areas and regional rankings for 16 practice areas.  Achieving a tiered ranking signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise.

CH& has been recognized on the Puget Sound Business Journal’s Best Workplaces every year since 2019. This recognition acknowledges the firm’s commitment to workplace culture and professional development for all employees.