Bienert Katzman Littrell Williams LLP is proud to announce that the firm, Whitney Z. Bernstein, Thomas H. Bienert, Jr., and John L. Littrell have been recognized in the Chambers USA 2026 guide, one of the legal profession’s most respected independent ranking publications. This year’s rankings reflect meaningful upward movement for both the firm and its practitioners, underscoring BKLW’s continued growth and excellence in complex litigation, deep bench of talent, and the confidence it has earned from clients and peers alike.

Chambers USA ranked BKLW Band 3 for Litigation: General Commercial: Highly Regarded and Band 4 for Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations. In its research, Chambers noted that “[BKLW]’s overall strength is its vast experience in both state and federal court matters. It’s known and respected by judges in all courtrooms.” Sources also praised the firm as “a first-rate firm with motivated and highly capable lawyers who are dedicated to their clients,” adding that “they are efficient and appreciate how much cases cost.” The guide further recognized BKLW as “a great criminal defence [sic] firm in Southern California. They are excellent – fearless, and they get great results for their clients.”

On the individual side, three BKLW partners received rankings for Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations:

• Whitney Z. Bernstein was ranked Band 4. Sources praised Whitney as “a powerhouse” and “a lawyer in the room that knows all the facts,” noting that “she is creative and effective” and “incredibly dedicated to her clients.”
• Thomas H. Bienert, Jr. was ranked Band 5. Chambers sources recognized Tom as “an experienced white-collar trial lawyer” who “understands how to communicate with a jury from the beginning,” and called him “a talented cross-examiner.”
• John L. Littrell was ranked Band 4. Chambers sources described John as “a terrific trial lawyer” who “inspires confidence,” adding that he “is tenacious beyond belief.”

These rankings reflect BKLW’s commitment to providing tenacious, client-centered representation across complex commercial and white-collar matters. The firm extends its gratitude to the clients and colleagues whose trust and support make this recognition possible.

Read more:

• Bienert Katzman Littrell Williams LLP, Chambers.com
• Thomas H. Bienert, Jr., Named Among California’s Leading Commercial Litigators for 2026 by the Daily Journal, bklwlaw.com
• Defending progressive institutions: Managing Partner John Littrell on navigating a new era of enforcement, bklwlaw.com
• Partner Whitney Z. Bernstein named to Daily Journal’s 2025 Top White Collar Lawyers, bklwlaw.com
• Four BKLW partners named to Lawdragon’s 2026 list of “500 Leading Litigators in America,”com