ALTON, Ill. – 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.
Contact us now to find a top mesothelioma lawyer near you.
