Best Lawyers has named Essex Richards to their 2026 list of “Best Law Firms” in America. The firm received a national ranking and metropolitan rankings in several practice areas.
For the tenth year in a row, Essex Richards earned a national ranking for its ERISA Litigation practice. ERISA (which stands for the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) is a federal law that governs private employers’ retirement, health, disability, and other benefit plans. Essex Richards is one of only three law firms in North Carolina to be nationally ranked in this area. It is the only firm in North Carolina that represents primarily employees and plaintiffs in ERISA litigation to receive a national ranking.
In addition to Essex Richards’ national ranking for ERISA Litigation, the law firm also received Charlotte Metropolitan Tier 1, 2, and 3 rankings in fourteen practice areas:
Tier 1:
- Commercial Litigation
- Employment Law – Individuals
- Family Law
- Family Law Mediation
- Insurance Law
- Litigation – ERISA
- Litigation – Labor and Employment
Tier 2:
- Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
- Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
- Corporate Law
- Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
- Litigation – Insurance
Tier 3:
- Litigation – Bankruptcy
- Real Estate Law
Best Lawyers compile their annual “Best Law Firm” rankings using a combination of client feedback, information provided on law firm and law firm leaders surveys, and peer reviews. The 2026 rankings incorporate more than 110,000 client references and 200,000 evaluations on law firm within the rigorous evaluation process. The resulting “Best Law Firms” recognition is considered to be one of the highest standards in the legal industry.
To read more about this year’s rankings, visit www.bestlawyers.com