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. The recognition signals the firm's continued prominence in Virginia's legal community and highlights the depth of experience among its attorneys.
Spinelli handles medical malpractice and serious injury cases for the firm. His addition to the list reflects his success in complex litigation. Marstiller focuses on personal injury cases, and Virginia Super Lawyers has recognized him since 2013. His inclusion further underscores his longstanding reputation among peers. The two join colleagues who 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, a notable achievement for a boutique personal injury practice.
The firm also received a Tier 1 ranking for Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms. This ranking, combined with the individual honors, demonstrates the firm's consistent performance in representing injured plaintiffs. "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. This level of selectivity makes the recognition particularly meaningful, as it reflects the respect of other attorneys in the field.
The implications of this announcement extend beyond individual accolades. For clients seeking representation, the Best Lawyers designation serves as a signal of quality and peer recognition. It can influence which attorneys are chosen for complex cases, potentially affecting case outcomes. For Emroch & Kilduff, having four of five attorneys recognized reinforces its reputation as a leading personal injury firm in Virginia. It may also aid in attracting new clients and retaining top legal talent. 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 more details on the recognized attorneys, see the profiles of Christopher L. Spinelli, Philip S. "Ward" Marstiller Jr., William B. Kilduff, and Edward J. McNelis III.
