Five attorneys from Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey have been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for their work across a wide range of practice areas. In addition, two of the firm’s attorneys earned the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” designation in Greenville for 2026.
Only one lawyer in each practice area and designated metropolitan area is honored as the “Lawyer of the Year,” making this a significant and highly coveted accolade. These lawyers are selected based on particularly impressive voting averages received during the peer review assessments. No fees are accepted for consideration or inclusion, ensuring the independence and integrity of the recognition.
2026 “Lawyer of the Year” Awards | Greenville
- James Bannister | Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- Bruce Bannister | Family Law
For the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, more than 26 million evaluations were analyzed. Only about five percent of lawyers in the U.S. and three percent globally achieve recognition, underscoring the selectivity and credibility of the results.
The Best Lawyers in America® (2026 Edition)
- Bruce Bannister (recognized since 2018) | Administrative / Regulatory Law; Family Law; Family Law Arbitration; Family Law Mediation; Government Relations Practice
- Oscar Bannister, Jr. (recognized since 1991) | Criminal Defense: General Practice; Criminal Defense: White-Collar; DUI / DWI Defense
- James Bannister (recognized since 2008) | Criminal Defense: General Practice; Criminal Defense: White-Collar; DUI / DWI Defense
- Jack McDonald (recognized since 2021) | Real Estate Law
- Alex Stalvey (recognized since 2024) | Education Law; Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
Founded in 1976, Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey has proudly served Greenville and the Upstate for nearly 50 years, advocating for individuals, families, and businesses while also giving back to the community that supports the firm.
“While we are honored by this recognition, it is ultimately a reflection of the trust our clients place in us,” said Managing Partner Alex Stalvey. “We are grateful every day for the opportunity to support people in our community through difficult times, and this recognition reinforces that we are walking beside them when it matters most.”
The firm’s areas of practice include criminal defense, family law, personal injury, real estate law, and government relations. With a tradition of excellence spanning nearly five decades, the firm remains grateful for the opportunity to serve individuals, families, and businesses who place their trust in its counsel.
About Best Lawyers®
Best Lawyers® is an elite global network of legal professionals recognized through trusted, peer-reviewed distinction. For over four decades, its Purely Peer Review® methodology has upheld the principle that recognition should be earned through the opinions of fellow attorneys, not marketing influence or paid listings. Each year, millions of confidential evaluations are collected worldwide, contributing to one of the legal industry’s most rigorous and respected vetting processes. Information about Best Lawyers can be found here – www.bestlawyers.com, and information about Best Law Firms rankings can be found here – www.bestlawfirms.com.
