Two partners at the Richmond personal injury firm Emroch & Kilduff have been named to The Best Lawyers in America for the first time. Christopher L. Spinelli and Philip S. "Ward" Marstiller Jr. were both recognized in the 2027 edition for Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs in Richmond. Spinelli handles medical malpractice and serious injury cases for the firm. Marstiller focuses on personal injury cases, and Virginia Super Lawyers has recognized him since 2013.
Two of their colleagues were already on the list. William B. Kilduff, a named partner who has been with the firm since 1979, has been listed in Best Lawyers since 2010. He is recognized for Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Edward J. McNelis III was recognized for Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs in both the 2026 and 2027 editions. With these additions, four of the firm's five attorneys now hold Best Lawyers recognition.
The significance of this announcement extends beyond individual accolades. Best Lawyers chooses honorees through peer review. For the 33rd edition, released Aug. 20, 2026, more than 32,000 lawyers submitted 3.8 million evaluations. The list covers about the top 5 percent of practicing attorneys in the U.S., and Best Lawyers called this year's edition the most selective in the award's history. That means recognition is not merely a function of seniority or marketing; it reflects the judgment of other attorneys who know the honorees' work. For injured plaintiffs in Virginia, the concentration of recognized attorneys at one firm matters because it suggests depth of experience and a consistent standard of practice across the firm, not just in one or two lawyers.
Emroch & Kilduff also received a Tier 1 ranking for Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms. "Chris and Ward have done this work the right way for a long time, and it means something when other lawyers notice," said Howard Bullock, managing partner of Emroch & Kilduff. "Bill and Ed set that standard here years ago. Seeing four of our attorneys on this list tells me we're still holding to it." The firm's approach is further underscored by its history: Emroch & Kilduff has represented injured people in Virginia for more than 50 years. Walter H. Emroch founded the firm in 1970, and it has used its current name since 1998. The firm represents only injured people. It never represents insurance companies, corporations or hospitals. Its attorneys handle car and truck accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death and other serious injury cases from offices in Richmond and Tappahannock, and they have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for injured Virginians.
For clients and the broader legal community, the 2027 Best Lawyers recognition reinforces that the firm's plaintiff-side practice remains a benchmark in Richmond. When four of five attorneys earn peer-reviewed honors, it signals a culture of competence that can affect case outcomes, from initial investigation through trial. In a field where defendants are often represented by well-resourced insurance and corporate counsel, that depth of recognition may offer plaintiffs an added measure of confidence when selecting representation.
