Five Attorneys. One Firm. A Shared Honor: John J. Malm & Associates Lawyers Named As 2026 Super Lawyers

We are proud to announce that five attorneys from our firm, John J. Malm, Rachel Legorreta, Sara Bendoff, Alyssa Pullara, and Marilynn Frangella, have been selected as Super Lawyers. This distinction is more than a professional milestone, it is a reflection of the trust our clients place in us, the respect of our peers, and our firm’s unwavering commitment to excellence in personal injury and civil litigation.

Super Lawyers is a nationally recognized rating service that identifies outstanding attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Only a small percentage of attorneys in each state are selected annually, following a rigorous, multi-step evaluation process that includes peer nominations, independent research, and peer evaluations.

For our firm, having five attorneys recognized in the same year underscores the depth of talent, experience, and advocacy we bring to every case we handle.

What the Super Lawyers Selection Means

Super Lawyers selections are based on more than name recognition or years in practice. Attorneys are evaluated on 12 indicators of professional achievement and peer recognition, including:

• Verdicts and settlements
• Experience and specialization
• Honors and awards
• Peer evaluations
• Professional activity and leadership

Because the process relies heavily on peer input, the designation carries particular weight within the legal community. Being named a Super Lawyer means fellow attorneys—often opposing counsel—recognize the honoree as a skilled, ethical, and effective advocate.

John J. Malm: Leadership, Trial Experience, and Client Advocacy

As the founder of John J. Malm & Associates, John J. Malm has built a reputation throughout Illinois as a formidable trial lawyer and a tireless advocate for injured clients. His selection as a Super Lawyer reflects decades of experience handling complex personal injury cases, including catastrophic injury, wrongful death, trucking accidents, and premises liability matters.

John’s approach to litigation is rooted in preparation, integrity, and an unwavering focus on results. He is known for taking on difficult cases that insurance companies would rather avoid and for preparing every case as though it will be tried before a jury.

Reflecting on the recognition, John Malm stated:

“This honor belongs as much to our clients as it does to our attorneys. Every case we handle represents someone who trusted us during one of the most difficult moments of their life, and that responsibility is something we take seriously every single day.”

John’s leadership has shaped the culture of the firm: one that emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and accountability to clients.

Marilynn Frangella: Experience, Judgment, and Trusted Counsel

Marilynn Frangella brings a wealth of experience and sound judgment to the firm, making her Super Lawyer selection especially meaningful. Marilynn is respected for her ability to navigate complex legal issues while maintaining a steady focus on her clients’ long-term interests.

Her approach is thoughtful and strategic, informed by years of practice and a deep understanding of how cases unfold in both negotiation and litigation settings. Marilynn’s peers recognize her not only for her legal skill but also for her professionalism and ethical standards.

Her inclusion among this year’s Super Lawyers reflects her standing as a trusted advocate within the Illinois legal community.

Rachel Legorreta: Strategic Advocacy with a Client-First Focus

Rachel Legorreta’s selection as a Super Lawyer highlights her reputation as a strategic and compassionate advocate. Known for her meticulous case preparation and strong courtroom presence, Rachel handles a wide range of personal injury matters, including motor vehicle collisions, fatal accident cases, premises liability cases, and complex negligence claims.

Rachel’s practice is defined by her ability to balance legal precision with empathy. She works closely with clients to ensure they understand each step of the legal process and feel empowered to make informed decisions about their cases.

Her recognition as a Super Lawyer reflects the respect she has earned from peers and clients alike, as well as her consistent record of achieving favorable outcomes in challenging cases.

Sara Bendoff: Precision, Persistence, and Results

Sara Bendoff has earned Super Lawyer recognition through her dedication to thorough legal analysis and relentless advocacy on behalf of injured clients. Sara is known for her ability to break down complex factual and medical issues and present them in a clear, compelling manner, whether in negotiations or litigation.

Her work ethic and attention to detail are frequently cited by colleagues as defining strengths. Sara approaches every case with the understanding that behind the legal issues are real people dealing with pain, financial stress, and uncertainty about the future.

Sara’s selection reflects her growing influence within the legal community and her commitment to delivering meaningful results for those she represents.

Alyssa Pullara: Rising Excellence and Modern Advocacy

Alyssa Pullara’s recognition as a Super Lawyer underscores her role as a rising force in personal injury litigation. Alyssa combines modern legal strategy with a deep respect for traditional trial advocacy, making her particularly effective in cases involving serious injuries and contested liability.

Clients consistently praise Alyssa for her responsiveness, clarity, and determination. She takes a hands-on approach to case management and is deeply involved at every stage, from investigation through resolution.

Her Super Lawyer selection affirms what clients and colleagues already know: Alyssa is a skilled advocate whose work reflects both professionalism and genuine care for those she represents.

A Team-Based Approach to Excellence

While Super Lawyers honors individual achievement, our firm views this recognition as a reflection of our team-based approach. Our attorneys collaborate extensively, sharing insights, strategies, and resources to strengthen every case we handle.

This collective approach benefits our clients by ensuring that:

• Cases are evaluated from multiple perspectives
• Legal strategies are thoroughly vetted
• Clients receive the benefit of the firm’s combined experience

Having five Super Lawyers at one firm means our clients are supported by a legal team with exceptional depth and breadth of expertise.

What This Recognition Means for Our Clients

For clients, Super Lawyer recognition provides reassurance that their case is being handled by attorneys who are:

• Respected by their peers
• Proven in high-stakes litigation
• Committed to ethical and effective advocacy

As John J. Malm explains:

“Awards are never the goal, the goal is justice for our clients. But when our peers recognize our work, it reinforces that we’re doing things the right way and holding ourselves to the highest professional standards.”

Clients facing serious injuries, financial uncertainty, or life-altering events deserve representation from attorneys who are prepared, experienced, and fully committed to their recovery.

Looking Ahead

This year’s Super Lawyers selections mark an important chapter for our firm, but they also serve as motivation to continue raising the bar. Legal excellence is not static, it requires ongoing learning, adaptation, and dedication to clients’ evolving needs.

We remain focused on delivering results, advocating for accountability, and providing personalized legal representation to every client who entrusts us with their case.

Thank You to Our Clients and Community

We are honored to have five attorneys recognized as Super Lawyers, and we are deeply grateful to the clients, colleagues, and community members who made this achievement possible. Your trust drives our work and inspires us to continue fighting for those who need strong legal advocates.

If you or a loved one has been injured and need experienced representation, contact John J. Malm & Associates for a free, confidential consultation today. You deserve a legal team recognized for excellence, driven by integrity, and committed to securing the best possible outcome for your case.