For Immediate Release
PWGGC EARNS 10 BEST LAWYERS RECOGNITIONS; JACQUELINE A. WHISNANT NAMED 2027 “LAWYER OF THE YEAR”
Irvine, California — August 20, 2026 — Phillips Whisnant Gazin Gorczyca & Curtin, LLP (PWGGC), a leading Southern California family law firm, is proud to announce that 10 of its attorneys have been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Among this year’s honorees is founding partner Jacqueline A. Whisnant, who was named 2027 “Lawyer of the Year” for Family Law Mediation in Orange County.
The 2027 Best Lawyers honorees from PWGGC are:
Ben Phillips — Family Law
Gary S. Gorczyca — Family Law
Jacqueline A. Whisnant — Collaborative Law: Family Law; Family Law; Family Law Mediation; 2027 Lawyer of the Year – Family Law Mediation, Orange County
Judith Anne Curtin — Collaborative Law: Family Law; Family Law; Family Law Mediation
Kathleen C. Paone — Family Law
Leea K. Summerville — Family Law; Family Law Arbitration; Family Law Mediation
Michael H. Gazin — Family Law
Natalie Gaona — Family Law
Paula J. Swensen — Collaborative Law: Family Law; Family Law; Family Law Arbitration; Family Law Mediation
William S. Cizmadia — Family Law
Additionally, Natalie Gaona was recognized by Best Lawyers for the first time in the 2027 edition, marking an exciting new milestone for the PWGGC team.
Best Lawyers recognition is determined through confidential peer review, with lawyers evaluating the professional abilities of other attorneys in the same practice areas and geographic regions. According to Best Lawyers, only approximately 3% of lawyers globally are recognized, making inclusion among its honorees a significant professional distinction.
The “Lawyer of the Year” award is presented to a single lawyer in each practice area and metropolitan area who receives the highest overall peer feedback. Whisnant’s 2027 recognition adds another Best Lawyers distinction to PWGGC’s longstanding record of excellence, with PWGGC attorneys having now received the prestigious “Lawyer of the Year” honor five times.
PWGGC focuses exclusively on family law, representing clients in complex divorce, high-net-worth matters, litigation, mediation, collaborative law, arbitration and appellate matters. The firm’s attorneys bring extensive experience and a commitment to providing sophisticated, strategic representation to clients throughout Southern California.
About Phillips Whisnant Gazin Gorczyca & Curtin, LLP
Phillips Whisnant Gazin Gorczyca & Curtin, LLP (PWGGC) is a leading Southern California family law firm based in Irvine, California. Founded in 1999, the firm focuses exclusively on family law and brings more than 200 years of collective experience to complex matters including high-asset divorce, child custody and support, property division, mediation, collaborative law, arbitration and litigation. PWGGC is committed to providing sophisticated, strategic and client-focused representation while upholding its core principles of Honor, Strength, and Equity. The firm and its attorneys have consistently earned recognition from leading legal organizations, including The Best Lawyers in America®, Super Lawyers® and U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms, and many more. For more information, visit www.pwggc.com.
Media Contact
Kayla Haeri