Elk + Elk Attorneys Named to 2026 Best Lawyers in America

Jay Kelley and Marilena DiSilvio receive Lawyer of the Year honors for personal injury and medical malpractice.

Elk + Elk is proud to share that four of our attorneys have been named to the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, one of the legal industry’s most respected peer-reviewed guides. This year’s list highlights the exceptional work of our personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys, including two top honors in the Cleveland area.

Managing Partner James M. Kelley III (Jay Kelley) was selected as the 2026 Lawyer of the Year in Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs (Cleveland). Marilena DiSilvio, who serves as Of Counsel to the firm, was also recognized with the Lawyer of the Year award in Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs (Cleveland).

The Lawyer of the Year designation is awarded to attorneys who receive the highest overall peer feedback in a specific practice area and metro region. Only one lawyer in each category is honored per location each year.

Previous Lawyer of the Year Recognitions

Both Jay Kelley and Marilena DiSilvio are no strangers to this distinction. Jay was previously named Lawyer of the Year in Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs (Cleveland, 2021), and Marilena earned the Lawyer of the Year honor in Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs (Cleveland, 2024). Their continued presence on this list underscores the sustained impact they’ve made in their fields.

Also included in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in America were Partner Phillip A. Kuri and Trial Attorney Curtis M. Fifner, both recognized for their work in personal injury litigation on behalf of plaintiffs.

“Being recognized by our peers is a valued acknowledgment of the talented people we have assembled at Elk + Elk,” said Kelley. “Every honor, individual or firm, is a reflection of the work our entire team puts in every day to guide our clients and fight for the results they deserve.”

Recognized Attorneys

• James M. Kelley III – Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
• Marilena DiSilvio (Of Counsel) – Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
• Phillip A. Kuri – Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
• Curtis M. Fifner – Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs

You can read the official Best Lawyers 2026 press release here.

To learn more about our medical malpractice lawyers or personal injury team, visit our practice area page or contact us for a free consultation.