Estes Thorne Ewing & Payne once again has been ranked as a top-tier firm by the Best Law Firms legal guide. 

Rankings are based on editorial research paired with clients and competitor feedback, so modestly, but proudly, who are we to disagree? 

The firm earned Tier 1 status, the highest awarded, among Dallas-Fort Worth firms in six categories for 2026: commercial litigation, family law, ethics and professional responsibility law, arbitration, ERISA litigation, and labor and employment litigation. We also were ranked among North Texas’ best for management employment law and for legal malpractice law defense. 

You can take our word for these accolades, but give our clients a hearing, too.  

“Estes Thorne has smart, practical lawyers who deliver excellent value,” one of our cherished clients told Best Law Firms researchers. Another described the firm as having the “highest in integrity and standards … the firm you want on your side every time.” And a third went so far as to name names, saying simply “Dawn Estes is outstanding.” 

Selection standards for Best Law Firms begin with firms that have at least one attorney named to The Best Lawyers in America legal guide for 2026. We had seven – Dawn Estes, Jessica Thorne, Abby Ewing, Carol Payne, Linda Moore, Jennifer Henry and Lori Carr – honored, including two DFW Lawyers of the Year. Dawn was honored for her arbitration work and Carol was recognized for ethics and professional responsibility law.  

With standouts like these, praise from Best Law Firms isn’t exactly a surprise, but it’s still gratifying. Moreover, it reminds us of our responsibility to our clients, ourselves and our profession. It’s an honor that must be earned every year.