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.