Chris Kramer and Don Meaders Recognized as “Lawyers of the Year”
Chris Kramer and Don Meaders were recently recognized as “Lawyers of the Year” in their practice areas and regions for the 2025 Best Lawyers in America report. Only a single lawyer in each practice area and community is honored with a “Lawyer of the Year” award.
Chris was recognized in the Phoenix region as “Lawyer of the Year” in the Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law and Litigation—Real Estate categories. Chris practices in the areas of eminent domain, condemnation and inverse condemnation litigation, real property and right of way acquisition and management. He works with his public agency clients to ensure the property necessary for the construction, operation and maintenance of public infrastructure is acquired in an efficient and timely manner. He often advises clients during the design process to mitigate impacts to affected property owners before they happen, reducing costs and delays often associated with property acquisition. Chris was previously recognized by Best Lawyers as a “Lawyer of the Year” in its 2023 report.
Don was recognized in the Los Angeles region as “Lawyer of the Year” in the Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law category. He has practiced as an ERISA partner for decades. Accordingly, he has encountered virtually every aspect of employee benefits, and has extensive experience advising with respect to institutional pension and welfare plans, both private and public. Don is an expert in fiduciary matters, tax compliance considerations as to both pension and welfare plans and the concerns of institutional health plans as acquirors of managed and other health care services. Don was previously recognized by Best Lawyers as a “Lawyer of the Year” in its 2023 report.
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Its methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice.
