Siro Smith Dickson PC has announced that partner Eric Smith has been named the 2027 “Lawyer of the Year” by The Best Lawyers in America® for Employment Law - Individuals in Kansas City, Missouri. The designation is awarded to only one attorney in each practice area and geographic region per award cycle, making it a singular distinction within the legal community. Because the selection is based entirely on exhaustive peer-review evaluations, the honor reflects the highest level of respect an attorney can earn from fellow legal professionals in their market.
For clients and the broader Kansas City legal landscape, the implications extend beyond a single award. The recognition signals that individuals facing complex employment disputes have access to an attorney whose peers consider him the foremost practitioner in his field. In employment law, where cases often involve power imbalances between workers and employers, such peer validation can be a critical factor for those seeking representation. Smith’s selection also reinforces the firm’s reputation as a destination for high-stakes individual advocacy.
In addition to the “Lawyer of the Year” honor, Smith was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 33rd edition of The Best Lawyers in America® across three core practice areas: Employment Law - Individuals, Litigation - Labor and Employment, and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. This triple recognition demonstrates a versatility that matters in cases where employment disputes intersect with personal injury or complex litigation. Clients often need an attorney who can navigate overlapping legal issues, and Smith’s peer-reviewed standing across these areas suggests a depth of experience that can be difficult to find in a single practitioner.
“This milestone reflects our firm's long-standing dedication to providing premier advocacy for individuals navigating complex legal challenges,” said Eric Smith. The accolade also highlights a broader tradition of excellence at Siro Smith Dickson PC. Partners Rik N. Siro and Athena M. Dickson have each received prestigious individual peer recognitions from Best Lawyers. Partner Rik Siro, who specializes in serious personal injury, wrongful death, and employment discrimination, was previously named Kansas City’s “Lawyer of the Year” in Employment Law - Individuals in 2020. Partner Athena Dickson continues to earn acclaim as a top personal injury and employment litigator and leader within state and local bar associations.
For nearly 50 years, Siro Smith Dickson PC has remained steadfastly dedicated to seeking justice for clients, protecting workplace civil rights, and advocating for personal injury victims across the Kansas City metropolitan area. The firm’s consistent presence in Best Lawyers® across multiple attorneys and practice areas suggests an institutional commitment to peer-reviewed excellence rather than a one-time achievement. For individuals considering legal action in employment or personal injury matters, these repeated recognitions may serve as a meaningful indicator of the firm’s credibility and track record. The 2027 “Lawyer of the Year” designation for Smith ultimately reinforces that the firm remains a significant force in individual advocacy in the Kansas City region.
