Multiple Hendrickson & Long, PLLC Attorneys Recognized in “The Best Lawyers in America” 2026
Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America® is one of the legal profession’s most respected honors, based entirely on peer review. For 2026, multiple Hendrickson & Long, PLLC attorneys have been selected for inclusion, with two earning the prestigious “Lawyer of the Year” distinction in their areas of practice.
These acknowledgments reflect the firm’s ongoing commitment to excellence, professionalism, and trusted advocacy on behalf of our clients.
The Significance of Best Lawyers Recognition
Best Lawyers® has recognized outstanding attorneys for more than four decades.
The publication relies on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation, where leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their peers’ professional abilities. Inclusion is not something attorneys can purchase; instead, it is based on the respect they earn from other accomplished lawyers in their fields.
For Hendrickson & Long, PLLC, having multiple attorneys acknowledged in 2026 highlights our firm’s strengths across litigation, commercial law, energy law, and more. These honors are a testament to both the individual’s skills and the firm’s collaborative approach to addressing complex legal challenges.
2026 “Lawyer of the Year” Awards
Only a single attorney in each practice area earns the “Lawyer of the Year” title in each metropolitan area. These selections are particularly meaningful, as they demonstrate the highest level of peer recognition.
For Charleston, West Virginia, two of our attorneys received this distinction in 2026:
- David F. Nelson – Insurance Law
- John H. Tinney, Jr. – Criminal Defense: White-Collar
These distinctions underscore their reputations for skilled advocacy, depth of legal knowledge, and leadership within their practice areas.
The Best Lawyers in America (2026 Edition)
Beyond the “Lawyer of the Year” awards, several Hendrickson & Long attorneys were selected for inclusion in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, reflecting an ongoing level of excellence across multiple practice areas and industries.
Attorneys included in the 2026 edition are:
Gene Bailey II (Recognized since 2013)
- Construction Law
- Litigation – Construction
Steve Hastings (Recognized since 2024)
- Energy Law
- Mining Law
- Oil and Gas Law
David K. Hendrickson (Recognized since 2006)
- Bet-the-Company Litigation
- Commercial Litigation
- Litigation – Environmental
- Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Scott Long (Recognized since 2006)
- Bet-the-Company Litigation/li>
- Commercial Litigation
David F. Nelson (Recognized since 2016)
- Commercial Litigation
- Insurance Law
- Litigation – Insurance
Raj A. Shah (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2019)
- Commercial Litigation
- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants
John H. Tinney, Jr. (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2001)
- Commercial Litigation
- Construction Law
- Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
From complex commercial litigation to cases involving construction, natural resources, and white-collar defense, Hendrickson & Long has built a reputation for tackling challenging disputes with precision. The honors also reaffirm the firm’s approach to providing legal service that combines rigorous preparation with innovative strategies.
Clients know they are working with lawyers who not only understand the law but also know how to apply it effectively to protect their interests.
A Tradition of Excellence
Since its founding, Hendrickson & Long, PLLC has been dedicated to providing high-quality legal representation in West Virginia and beyond. The continued recognition of its attorneys in The Best Lawyers in America® demonstrates both the depth of talent within the firm and its continued commitment to professional achievement.
As we move into the future, these recognitions reaffirm our position as a trusted partner for clients navigating high-stakes legal matters, and we remain committed to delivering the best possible results while maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards.
The 2026 honors from Best Lawyers reflect more than individual achievement; they represent the strength of our firm’s collective vision and its dedication to serving clients with distinction.


