Pirkey Barber is proud to announce that two of its attorneys have been recognized as “Lawyers of the Year” in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers. Alicia Morris Groos has been honored as Lawyer of the Year for Copyright Law in Austin, while William G. Barber has received the Lawyer of the Year distinction for Trademark Law in Austin. Both Alicia and Bill have been included in Best Lawyers for more than a decade, and this most recent achievement highlights their outstanding leadership and expertise in intellectual property law.
Additionally, Best Lawyers in America has recognized 24 Pirkey Barber attorneys in its 2026 rankings. Among them, 17 are listed in The Best Lawyers in America® and 7 are featured in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.
For more than four decades, Best Lawyers has set the standard for recognizing excellence among legal professionals. The selection process is highly selective, relying on comprehensive peer-review surveys in which attorneys are asked whether they would recommend a colleague to a client if they were unable to provide representation themselves.
2026 Best Lawyers Recipients
- Bill Barber – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Trademark Law
- Rodney Caldwell – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Trademark Law
- Sherri Eastley – Trademark Law
- Steven Espenshade – Trademark Law, Copyright Law
- Alicia Groos – Trademark Law, Copyright Law
- Chris Kindel – Trademark Law
- Anna Kuhn – Trademark Law
- Wendy Larson – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Trademark Law
- Katherine Madianos – Trademark Law
- Jered Matthysse – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Trademark Law
- Steve Meleen – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Trademark Law
- Michael Metteauer – Trademark Law
- Lou Pirkey – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Trademark Law
- Tyson Smith – Litigation – Intellectual Property
- Shannon Vale – Trademark Law, Copyright Law
- Chris Weimer – Trademark Law
- Travis Wimberly – Litigation – Intellectual Property
2026 Ones to Watch Recipients
- David Armendariz – Intellectual Property Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property
- Alexandra Bistline – Intellectual Property Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property
- Megan Bradshaw – Intellectual Property Law
- Erik Combs – Intellectual Property Law
- Lisa Harkins – Intellectual Property Law, Technology Law
- Rebecca McCurry – Intellectual Property Law
- Elizabeth Stafki – Intellectual Property Law
Firm Recognition
Pirkey Barber is also honored to be recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms®, earning Regional Tier 1 rankings in Austin for Copyright Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, and Trademark Law.
Achieving a ranking in Best Law Firms® highlights exceptional legal expertise and professional integrity, as recognized firms earn tiered acclaim at both national and metropolitan levels. The 2026 edition features rankings across 75 national and 127 metropolitan practice areas, with the top firm in each national category receiving “Law Firm of the Year.” Rankings are determined through a transparent research process that blends qualitative and quantitative data from peer and client reviews, supported by proprietary technology, resulting in an elite list representing the top 4% of the industry.
Congratulations to all honorees for their dedication and achievements. For the full list of recognized attorneys and more information, please visit Best Lawyers.