Eight Morton & Gettys attorneys included in new edition of Best Lawyers in America

August 21, 2025

Eight Morton & Gettys attorneys are being honored in a wide range of practice areas in the newest edition of “Best Lawyers in America” and its companion piece, “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.” It’s a record showing for the firm in the national peer-reviewed publication.

The 2026 honors were across 14 practice areas, with many attorneys recognized for their skills as litigators. The firm’s work in real estate law, land use and zoning, trusts and estates, criminal law, and family law also was recognized.

Most of the attorneys earned honors in multiple practice areas. Daniel Ballou led the way with recognition in six categories.

The attorneys and their awards:

Daniel Ballou
• Commercial Litigation
• Land Use and Zoning Law
• Litigation – Construction
• Litigation – Land Use and Zoning
• Litigation – Municipal
• Litigation – Real Estate

Beverly A. Carroll
• Employment Law – Management
• Litigation – Labor and Employment

Melissa Cassell
• Real Estate Law

John P. Gettys, Jr.
• Litigation – Trust and Estates
• Real Estate Law
• Trusts and Estates

James Morton
• Criminal Defense: White Collar

Elizabeth Owen
• Family Law
• Family Law Mediation

Joshua B. Vann
• Land Use and Zoning Law
• Real Estate Law

Heath Myers, Ones to Watch
• Real Estate Law
• Trusts and Estates

Morton & Gettys has a long history of recognition in “Best Lawyers.” Vann and Gettys have been included in the past nine editions. A companion piece, “Best Law Firms in America” that’s released every November, also has listed Morton & Gettys for almost a decade.

 

About “Best Lawyers”

“Best Lawyers in America” bills itself as a comprehensive guide to the country’s top attorneys. The selection process begins with a peer nomination. Next, attorneys in the same geographic region and practice areas evaluate the nominees. Independent research verifies attorneys’ credentials before the final selection is made.

The selection process is the same for “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch,” which includes attorneys who have practiced for less than ten years.

 

About Morton & Gettys

Established in 2001 in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Morton & Gettys, LLC, is a growing firm that represents clients throughout South Carolina and beyond. Our attorneys counsel corporations, businesses of all sizes and individuals with a range of needs. The wide scope of practice areas includes business and corporate law, commercial and residential real estate, estate planning and probate law, personal injury as a result of automobile accidents and more. The firm includes experienced litigators, veteran divorce and child custody lawyers, and attorneys well-versed in drunk-driving law and other areas of criminal defense. For more information about our firm, please visit mortongettys.com. For more information about our personal injury practice, please visit mortongettysinjury.com.