Celebrating Our Attorneys: Best Lawyers Recognitions for Richard S. Jaffe, Brett H. Knight and Michael W. Whisonant Jr.
At Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., we’re proud to be a team of dedicated attorneys who strive to deliver exceptional legal representation and uphold the highest standards of our profession. This year, we’re thrilled to announce that three of our own, Richard S. Jaffe, Brett H. Knight, and Michael W. Whisonant Jr., have been recognized by Best Lawyers for their achievements in criminal defense.
Richard S. Jaffe: 2025 Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America and “Lawyer of the Year”
Richard S. Jaffe, our firm’s founding partner and a cornerstone of our criminal defense team, has been honored by Best Lawyers with two prestigious recognitions in 2025. He has been included in the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America for his expertise in general practice and white-collar criminal defense and has also been named the 2025 “Lawyer of the Year” for general practice criminal defense in Birmingham, Alabama.
These accolades reflect Mr. Jaffe’s exceptional skill, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his clients. With decades of experience, he has built a strong reputation as a leading advocate in the fields of general and white-collar criminal defense. His influence on the Birmingham legal community and his relentless pursuit of justice set him apart and make him a distinguished member of both our firm and the broader legal profession.
The Best Lawyers in America Significance
The core goal of Best Lawyers is to highlight the top legal talent in America; it is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication company in the legal profession. Best Lawyers’ compiles lists of outstanding lawyers through exhaustive peer-review surveys in which tens of thousands of top legal professionals evaluate their colleagues and peers. If the votes are positive enough to include an attorney in an edition of Best Lawyers, they must maintain those votes in subsequent polls to remain in each edition, as Mr. Jaffe has for many years.
“Lawyer of the Year” Significance
Each year, Best Lawyers selects only one attorney per practice area and location to receive the “Lawyer of the Year” distinction. This award is a testament to Mr. Jaffe’s expertise and leadership within the field of criminal defense, specifically in Birmingham. Lawyers are selected based on extensive peer reviews, making this recognition all the more meaningful. It confirms what we at the firm have long known: that Mr. Jaffe exemplifies the qualities of a top criminal defense attorney and serves as a mentor to our team.
Brett H. Knight: 2025 Ones to Watch Recognition
Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. is also very proud to announce that Brett H. Knight has been recognized in the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for his exceptional work in general practice criminal defense. Since joining our firm, Mr. Knight has quickly proven himself to be a rising star, demonstrating both a passion for helping his clients and an impressive grasp of the law.
The Significance of Ones to Watch
Inclusion in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America is determined through an extensive peer-review survey of legal practitioners who are showing exceptional promise early in their careers; these awards are typically given to attorneys who have been in private practice for 5-9 years. Once a candidate is nominated, they are voted on by other high-achieving attorneys who have also been nominated for the award. This peer-reviewed process reflects the philosophy that the top lawyers are best suited to identify their top-achieving peers and colleagues.
As part of his Ones to Watch recognition, Mr. Knight will have the opportunity to participate in future voting, helping to identify and recognize other talented lawyers in subsequent editions. We are proud of his accomplishments and confident Mr. Knight’s influence will continue to grow as he contributes to this important aspect of the legal community.
Michael W. Whisonant Jr.: 2025 Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America
Michael W. Whisonant Jr. has also been chosen for inclusion in the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America for his achievements in general practice criminal defense. In his 14 years as a lawyer, Mr. Whisonant has served clients throughout Alabama, focusing on criminal defense and professional licensure matters. His impressive track record includes federal and state court acquittals on charges ranging from harassment to murder.
Our Firm: A Commitment to Excellence
As we celebrate Mr. Jaffe and Mr. Knight’s achievements, we look forward to what the future holds for the three of them and for our firm as a whole. Their accomplishments not only reflect their individual talents but also represent the collective strength of our team. These awards are a testament to the passion, expertise, and dedication that define our firm’s approach to criminal defense.
Whether it’s defending clients against complex criminal charges or navigating intricate white-collar matters, our attorneys are dedicated to achieving justice and making a positive impact in the lives of those we represent. We are committed to continuing our legacy of excellence in legal advocacy and to supporting both seasoned leaders and promising new talents. We congratulate Mr. Jaffe, Mr. Knight, and Mr. Whisonant on their well-deserved accolades and look forward to the positive impact they will continue to make within our firm and the wider legal community.
Contact the Birmingham Criminal Defense Lawyers Of Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. Today
For more information, contact an experienced Birmingham criminal defense attorney at Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. for a free consultation.
We proudly serve clients in Birmingham and all throughout Alabama.
Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C.
2320 Arlington Ave S, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35205
(205) 930-9800