Awards & Recognitions

When someone searches for a personal injury lawyer, they are often doing so at one of the most difficult times in their life. They may be in pain. They may be unable to work. They may be facing growing medical bills and uncertainty about the future. In those kind of moments, reputation matters.

At John J. Malm & Associates, our attorneys and our firm have been recognized by respected legal organizations, national rating services, and independent community reviewers for our professionalism, preparation, and commitment to injured individuals and families.

No award can guarantee a result. But consistent recognition from independent groups over many years reflects the trust we have built and the standards we work to uphold in every case.

National & Statewide Legal Recognitions

Our firm’s commitment to excellence in personal injury litigation has been recognized by respected national and statewide legal organizations. These honors are not purchased accolades; they are based on peer evaluations, professional achievements, litigation results, ethical standards, and client advocacy.

Super Lawyers

Each attorney at our firm has earned recognition from Super Lawyers, a nationally respected attorney rating service. Selection to Super Lawyers follows a rigorous, multi-phase process that includes:

• Peer nominations from fellow attorneys
• Independent research into professional accomplishments
• Evaluation of verdicts, settlements, experience, and disciplinary history
• Peer review by a highly credentialed panel of attorneys

Only a small percentage of attorneys in each state are ultimately selected, making this distinction a meaningful indicator of professional respect within the legal community.

National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys – Top 10 in Illinois

Our attorneys have also been named to the Top 10 list by the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys in Illinois. This recognition is reserved for attorneys who demonstrate:

• Significant case results in personal injury litigation
• Leadership within the legal profession
• Commitment to client advocacy
• Ethical practice standards

Selection reflects both professional accomplishment and dedication to protecting the rights of injured individuals.

America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators

Inclusion in America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators is by invitation only and is limited to attorneys who have handled complex, high-value litigation matters. This recognition highlights:

• Experience in cases involving substantial financial exposure
• Strategic courtroom advocacy
• Proven ability to manage high-stakes trial litigation

Membership signals that an attorney has successfully litigated significant cases involving serious injuries or catastrophic losses.

The National Trial Lawyers

Our attorneys are members of The National Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only organization composed of premier trial lawyers from across the country. Membership is extended to attorneys who meet stringent qualifications related to:

• Courtroom experience
• Trial advocacy skill
• Professional reputation
• Demonstrated results in civil litigation

This distinction reflects strong litigation credentials and a commitment to excellence in trial practice.

Million Dollar Trial Lawyers & Multi-Million Dollar Advocates

Our firm’s attorneys are recognized by both the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, organizations limited to attorneys who have secured million- and multi-million-dollar verdicts or settlements for their clients.

Membership in these forums is restricted to lawyers who have:

• Achieved at least one verdict or settlement exceeding $1 million
• Demonstrated substantial case preparation and negotiation skill
• Successfully litigated complex personal injury matters

These recognitions reflect a proven ability to obtain significant financial recoveries for injured individuals and families.

Community & Independent Review Honors

In addition to peer-based legal distinctions, our firm has earned recognition from independent review platforms and community-based rating organizations. These honors reflect not only professional skill, but also client satisfaction, community reputation, and sustained service excellence.

ThreeBestRated – Best Business of 2026

Our firm was named a Best Business of 2026 by ThreeBestRated, an independent review organization that evaluates businesses using a comprehensive 50-point inspection process. This evaluation considers:

• Customer reviews and ratings
• Business history and consistency
• Professional reputation
• Complaint records
• Overall satisfaction

Recognition through this process reflects strong community trust and consistent client feedback.

#1 Best Car Accident Law Firm in Naperville

Locally, our firm has been recognized as the #1 Best Car Accident Law Firm in Naperville, a distinction reflecting our leadership in representing individuals and families harmed in serious motor vehicle collisions. This recognition underscores:

• Extensive experience handling complex crash cases
• A record of meaningful financial recoveries
• Client-focused representation
• Strong community presence

Our reputation in Naperville is built on results, responsiveness, and a commitment to protecting injured clients against insurance companies and negligent parties.

Best Advocates – Top 10 Law Firm

Our firm has been recognized as a Top 10 Law Firm by Best Advocates. This distinction highlights firms that demonstrate:

• High professional standards
• Strong ethical practices
• Consistent client service
• Meaningful litigation experience

The recognition reflects both legal skill and a commitment to maintaining professional excellence.

Best of the Best – Top 10 Personal Injury Law Firm

We have also been named a Top 10 Personal Injury Law Firm by Best of the Best, an honor recognizing sustained professional achievement and dedication to injured individuals. Selection criteria emphasize:

• Long-term performance and results
• Ethical integrity
• Community involvement
• Commitment to client advocacy

This distinction reflects not a single case or isolated result, but a sustained track record of professional accomplishment and service.

The Attorneys Behind These Honors

Awards reflect the daily work of lawyers and legal professionals who prepare carefully, communicate clearly, and take responsibility for the people who depend on them.

John J. Malm – Founding Attorney

John Malm’s career has been defined by preparation, integrity, and determined advocacy for injured clients. His recognitions include repeated selection to Super Lawyers; Top 10 Personal Injury Attorney in Illinois by the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys; inclusion among America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators; life membership in the Million Dollar Trial Lawyers and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates; recognition from Above the Policy, Seven Figure Litigators, Million Dollar Advocates, Elite Lawyers, and America’s Top 50 Lawyers; a Superb rating from Avvo; and a Top 100 Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers. These honors reflect decades of commitment to individuals and families facing life-altering injuries.

Rachel Legorreta

Rachel Legorreta has been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, by Super Lawyers, and by the National Trial Lawyers as a Top 40 Under 40 personal injury attorney. She is known for meticulous preparation, attention to detail, and consistent communication with clients navigating difficult circumstances. Rachel works closely with experts and medical providers to develop strong, well-supported claims and is proud to contribute to a firm widely respected within the legal community.

Marilynn Frangella

Marilynn Frangella has earned recognition from Super Lawyers. She provides organized, dependable, and client-focused representation to individuals dealing with the aftermath of serious injuries. She believes effective advocacy begins with listening carefully and preparing thoroughly, and her work supports the firm’s reputation for professionalism and service.

Jason Schneider

Jason Schneider has been recognized by Super Lawyers for his professional achievement. He approaches personal injury litigation with discipline, strategic focus, and accountability to the people he represents. Through detailed investigation and careful evidence development, Jason helps maintain the firm’s standing for high-quality advocacy.

Alyssa Pullara

Alyssa Pullara has been recognized by Super Lawyers, by the National Trial Lawyers as a Top 40 Under 40 personal injury attorney, and was named to the 2026 list of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch. She is committed to making the legal process clear and accessible for clients while devoting significant effort behind the scenes to investigation, documentation, and claim preparation.

Sara Bendoff

Sara Bendoff has earned recognition from Super Lawyers. She represents injured clients with compassion, diligence, and a strong commitment to achieving fair outcomes. Known for careful organization and steady communication, Sara contributes meaningfully to the respect the firm receives within the legal community.

A Record of Recognition Backed by Results

While awards and honors are meaningful indicators of professional standing, they ultimately reflect something more significant: a sustained and measurable commitment to excellence in representing injured clients. Peer-reviewed recognitions signal respect within the legal community. Invitation-only memberships reflect courtroom experience and litigation capacity. Community-based honors demonstrate client trust and consistent service quality. Together, these distinctions represent a pattern of performance, not a single case or isolated outcome.

Our firm approaches every matter with a trial-ready mindset. That means:

• Conducting thorough investigations from the outset
• Preserving and developing critical evidence
• Retaining qualified experts when necessary
• Preparing each case as if it may be presented before a jury

Insurance companies recognize when a law firm is prepared to litigate aggressively, and that preparation often influences settlement negotiations long before a case ever reaches a courtroom.

Equally important is our commitment to ethical, client-centered representation. Serious injury cases often involve overwhelming medical treatment, financial stress, and uncertainty about the future. We prioritize clear communication, strategic planning, and individualized attention so our clients understand both the legal process and the options available to them at every stage.

From high-value verdicts and settlements to community recognition and professional honors, our record reflects consistent advocacy on behalf of injured individuals and families throughout Illinois. These recognitions are not the goal, they are the byproduct of disciplined preparation, strategic litigation, and a firm-wide commitment to delivering meaningful results for the people we represent.

Speak With a Recognized Personal Injury Law Firm

If you or someone you love has been injured, you deserve representation from attorneys with a proven reputation for serious advocacy. Contact John J. Malm & Associates today for a free consultation. We will listen carefully, explain your options, and pursue your case with dedication and skill.