Best Lawyers in America for Family Law
State
Mr. Schilawski is a partner in the law firm of Wake Family Law Group in Raleigh, North Carolina. He received his B.A. degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1971, his M.Ed. degree from North Carolina State University in 1976 and his J.D. degree from Campbell University in 1982. He served as Editor-in-Chief of the Campbell Law Review. Mr. Schilawski's principal area of practice is family law. In 1989, he was board certified as a specialist in family law by the North Car...
D. Micah Royer III is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. D. Micah practices law in Austin, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized D. Micah Royer III since 2019. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which D. Micah Royer III is held by other lawyers.
Lawrence S. Katz earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in government, with a minor in psychology, from the University of Miami. He continued his legal education at the University of Miami School of Law, graduating early in January 1968, and later attended the LLM program in International Law. He began his legal career with Hoffman & St. Jean, P.A., where he worked as a law clerk and associate handling matters primarily involving criminal law and family law. During this tim...
John Palmer is a trial attorney and mediator. His primary areas of practice are family law, federal law, patent litigation, alternative dispute resolution, and general civil litigation. He is a published author and speaker on various topics including federal court litigation, mediation, family law, ethics and civility. Prior to joining Naman Howell, John served as a briefing attorney for the U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas, Waco Division. He has since been involved in a variety...
Rachel R. James is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Rachel R. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Rachel R. James since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Rachel R. James is held by other lawyers.
Abby Foster joined Mueller Family Law Group in 2013 and is now a Partner in the firm. Based in McKinney, Texas, Abby is actively involved in the local legal community. She previously served as President of the Collin County Young Lawyers Association and continues her involvement as a member of the CCYLA Board of Directors. Abby is also a member of the Collin County Women Lawyers Association and the Curt B. Henderson Inn of Courts. Abby’s legal practice is devoted exclusively to Family L...
Mr. Wrubel’s legal practice is devoted to handling complex family and matrimonial matters. He is accomplished in negotiating the amicable dissolution of marriages as well as taking these cases to trial if settlement is not possible. In addition, he has years of experience in the New York Appellate Courts. Mr. Wrubel has dealt with a large variety of issues in family and matrimonial matters, including complex equitable distribution questions, novel support and custody issues, as well as ...
Stephanie M. Sauer is an award-winning attorney, a GLG Partner, and Chair of the firm’s Divorce , Family Law , and Adoption Group. She also formerly served as the firm’s Pro Bono Chair. Stephanie is dedicated to serving as an advocate for her clients, supporting them with honest feedback, and helping determine the best path forward. Stephanie’s background is a mix of public service, working for Legal Aid, and private practice. For over a decade, Stephanie has worked exclusiv...
A Certified Family Law Specialist with over two decades of experience, Emily approaches issues in a practical and compassionate manner for clients. In her domestic and family law practice, Emily Szaferski concentrates on dissolutions, adoptions, paternity matters, custody disputes, child support issues, and guardianships. She handles various types of adoptions including private, agency and foster adoptions, adoptions that involve the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, and the fi...
Mr. Clair is widely recognized as one of a handful of elite New York divorce lawyers. While Mr. Clair is skilled at all facets of client advocacy and representation, it is his skill as a trial lawyer and his command of the courtroom that sets him apart. Mr. Clair has a unique ability to communicate and effectively advocate on behalf of his clients in both financial and custodial matters. On account of his courtroom experience, he is an effective negotiator and many of Mr. Clair’s cases ...
Rebecca is a fighter. She fights for her clients, her clients’ children, her clients’ financial well-being, and her clients’ futures. And she fights to win. Her prowess in the courtroom is well known throughout the legal community. She’s prepared, astute, quick-witted, and good on her feet. Even attorneys on the other side of the table appreciate working with her; yes, she’s an ardent advocate for the people she represents, but she’s also fair, good-natured...
Samantha J. Graf is an attorney at Hellmuth & Johnson, focusing her practice on Estate Planning, Probate and Family Law. Prior to joining the firm, Samantha has represented clients in a variety of family law matters including divorce, post-decree matters, and custody issues. Samantha has also represented clients in a variety of contested probate matters and assisted many clients in administering an estate. Samantha was named to the Minnesota Super Lawyers Rising Stars list 2017 – 20...
Our Methodology
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.
The Process
Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.
