Top Verdicts 2026 -- Appellate Reversals
Submission dates: Oct. 14, 2026 — Dec. 16, 2026
Our annual Top Verdicts report highlights the most substantial plaintiffs' verdicts, defense victories, and top appellate reversals. Plaintiffs' verdicts are divided into categories by dollar and impact. Defense wins can include verdicts as well as victories on motions to dismiss or summary judgment. To be eligible, verdicts or defense wins must be delivered in 2026 by a California state judge or jury, a federal court judge or jury in California, or by an arbitrator. Appellate reversals must have been delivered in 2026 by the California Supreme Court, a state Court of Appeal, or the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Nomination forms must include all law firms and attorneys involved on both sides of the case. Nominations must include docket numbers, the correct court, and the dates of the case's filing and result. In print on Feb. 24, 2027.
Please send the lawyer's hi-res headshot (1 MB) with the nominee's last name and bar number in the e-mail subject line to nominations@dailyjournal.com.
All information submitted must be accurate and verifiable. Nominations should describe only the nominee's own role in each matter, such as lead counsel, co-counsel, or a supporting role, and should not overstate their involvement or take credit for work performed by others.
Only matters handled while the nominee was at their current firm are eligible. Work completed at a prior firm, agency, or organization may not be submitted. The Daily Journal may verify submitted information with courts, opposing counsel, co-counsel, or public records. Nominations containing inaccurate or exaggerated information may be disqualified, and honors already announced may be withdrawn.