Nine Kelley | Uustal Trial Attorneys attorneys have been recognized in Best Lawyers© 2026 Edition. These recognitions are more than awards. They reflect our attorneys’ commanding presence in the courtroom, doing what it takes to deliver victories to their clients. Our attorneys achieve life-changing, history-making results in cases others deem unwinnable.
Our Founding Partners Bob Kelley and John Uustal didn’t build this firm to blend in. They built it to train their elite trials teams to work harder, never back down, and to win for the clients who can’t afford to lose.
Recognized among the Best Lawyers in America alongside Bob and John are K|U Partners Todd Falzone, Cristina Pierson, and David Hammer.
Charles Scott, Ricky Armand, Joshua Novak and Jeffrey Popoviz earned recognition as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America by delivering the kind of game-changing results that save lives and secure justice when everything is on the line.
Kelley | Uustal Trial Attorneys Recognition for The Best Lawyers in America
Here are the practice areas in which Kelley | Uustal Trial Attorneys attorneys were recognized.
Robert Kelley
Bob Kelley’s fearless advocacy and decisive trial skills helped lay the foundation for what makes Kelley | Uustal Trial Attorneys the formidable firm it is today.
Kelley’s reputation for securing justice and meaningful results for clients has earned him accolades in the following categories:
- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
- Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
- Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
- Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
John Uustal
John Uustal is a nationally recognized trial attorney renowned for securing the largest outcomes against the world’s largest corporations, and winning cases others deemed impossible. When John took on General Motors, many called the case unwinnable. He secured a groundbreaking $60 million verdict. More than a career milestone, it set him on a path to never back down from the impossible.
His wins have transformed consumer safety, revolutionizing fuel tanks, seatbelts, medical care, and equipment for firefighters and paramedics.
Through bold risk-taking, John transforms impossible battles into victories that have earned national media attention, including coverage by The Hollywood Reporter, NBC News, People Magazine, and Fox & Friends.
His work has created a lasting legacy of protection and innovation, earning him accolades in the following categories:
- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
- Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
- Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
- Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
Todd Falzone
Todd Falzone is one of the nation’s greatest advocates for victims of catastrophic injury and wrongful death. Defending clients isn’t a job, but a personal mission.
Having faced powerful opponents, including insurance companies and large corporations, Falzone understands the challenges of the fight, but isn’t afraid to take them on with courage and resilience.
His successful approach to challenging cases, strategic thinking, and courtroom experience has earned him accolades in the following categories:
- Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
- Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
- Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
Cristina Pierson
With a focus on complex civil cases including class actions, qui tam matters, and commercial litigation, Cristina Pierson knows how to deliver results in high stakes situations. She has taken on powerful defendants with deep pockets time and again, but never backed down. Among her wins are a $66,000,000 class action victory against Bank of America, and she was part of the trial team that secured Flo Rida’s $82.6 million verdict against Celsius.
Pierson’s dedication to hold wrongdoers accountable has earned her recognition in the following categories:
- Commercial Litigation
- Consumer Protection Law
- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
David Hammer
David Hammer’s years of experience, thousands of cases, and multimillion-dollar victories say a lot about his success as a lawyer. He has gained meaningful insight through time and practice. His job is more than legal representation, but a way to support and defend people facing difficult or life-altering circumstances.
Hammer’s commitment to his clients, delivering the results they need to move forward after catastrophe, has earned recognition in the following category:
- Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
Todd Falzone Recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” 2026
Kelley | Uustal Trial Attorneys Partner Todd Falzone has been named by Best Lawyers® as Lawyer of the Year in Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs. This prestigious honor is awarded to only one attorney in each practice area and region, based on earning the highest overall peer-review ratings from fellow attorneys.
Falzone’s determination in seeking justice has led to numerous landmark victories, amassing over $600 million in settlements and verdicts since 2008. His pursuit of results has solidified his reputation as a top trial attorney in high-stakes cases.
This distinction reflects not only his outstanding skill and case results, but also the trust, respect, and admiration he has earned from peers throughout the legal profession.
Kelley | Uustal Trial Attorneys Recognition for Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
Four of our attorneys have also been recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for their outstanding professional excellence. Here are the practice areas in which they were recognized.
Charles Scott
Charles has successfully litigated catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases across nearly every area of the firm’s practice, with a particular focus on mass torts and tobacco litigation. Building a reputation as a leading advocate in high-stakes tobacco cases, he consistently delivers exceptional results for his clients.
Scott’s tireless dedication, patience and perseverance has earned recognition in the following categories:
- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
- Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
- Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
Ricky Armand
An attorney who takes great pride in serving as “a voice for the voiceless,” Ricky Armand brings a calm yet resilient approach to negotiation and litigation. He has resolved hundreds of cases for his clients and is known for maximizing the value of every case he handles.
With extensive experience across diverse legal areas and a proven track record of results, he has earned recognition in:
- Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
- Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
Jefferey Popoviz
Jeffrey Popoviz is committed to helping individuals who have suffered catastrophic injuries rebuild their lives, bringing both skill and compassion to every case he handles. His dedication is reflected in his zealous work ethics and his determination to secure the best possible outcome for his clients.
His passion for advocacy has earned him recognition in the following areas:
- Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
- Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
Joshua Novak
With considerable experience in Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Product Liability, and other legal areas, he stands as a fierce advocate for victims in their darkest hours, often those who have endured the most violent crimes.
His drive, both in and out of the courtroom, has made him a formidable opponent. His fearless approach to challenging powerful organizations in defense of his clients’ rights and dignity has earned him recognition in:
- Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
- Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
- Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
Meet Our Attorneys
Learn about the trial attorneys leading our monumental cases. Discover their steadfast approach to litigation, and unwavering commitment to achieving impactful results for clients who need them most.
If you have a case that requires extensive resources, complex litigation experience, or support on a large-scale matter, refer to Kelley | Uustal Trial Attorneys attorneys. This is what we’re built for. We dominate the landscape in taking on cases deemed too risky or massive in scope. Referring to Kelley | Uustal Trial Attorneys can make a life-changing difference for your client and for you.
