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.
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."
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.
The recognition matters for clients seeking legal representation in Virginia, as Best Lawyers is widely regarded as a reliable indicator of professional excellence. The peer-review process ensures that honorees are selected by those who know their work best—fellow attorneys. For Emroch & Kilduff, having four of five attorneys on the list reinforces its standing as a leading personal injury firm in the region. The firm 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 readers in need of legal assistance, this recognition signals that Emroch & Kilduff's attorneys are among the most respected in their field, potentially impacting their choice of counsel. The firm's continued inclusion in Best Lawyers and Best Law Firms underscores its commitment to securing justice for injured parties. As the legal landscape evolves, such peer accolades help consumers identify trusted advocates. This news is particularly significant for those navigating complex personal injury or medical malpractice claims, where experienced representation can make a substantial difference in outcomes.
