Scott Birkey and Sean Matsler Named 2026 Best Lawyers® "Lawyer of the Year"
August 21, 2025 -- Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP attorneys Scott B. Birkey and Sean Matsler were recently recognized by Best Lawyers as the 2026 "Lawyer of the Year" for Natural Resources Law in San Francisco, and Land Use and Zoning Law in Orange County, respectively.
Only a single lawyer in each practice area and designated metropolitan area is honored as the "Lawyer of the Year," making this a significant and coveted accolade. These lawyers are selected based on particularly impressive voting averages received during the peer review assessments.
Receiving this designation reflects the high level of respect a lawyer has earned among other leading lawyers in the same communities and the same practice areas for their abilities, their professionalism, and their integrity.
In addition to the "Lawyer of the Year" award, both attorneys were also listed in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® in the following practice areas:
- Scott B. Birkey: Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
- Sean Matsler: Land Use and Zoning Law
For more than four decades, Best Lawyers has assisted those in need of legal services to identify the lawyers best qualified to represent them in distant jurisdictions or unfamiliar specialties. Lawyers are not required nor allowed to pay a fee to be listed; therefore, recognition by Best Lawyers is considered a singular distinction.
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About Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected lawyer ranking service in the world. For 40 years, Best Lawyers has assisted those in need of legal services to identify the lawyers best qualified to represent them in distant jurisdictions or unfamiliar specialties. Best Lawyers awards are published in leading local, regional and national publications across the globe.
Lawyers who are nominated for consideration are voted on by currently recognized Best Lawyers working in the same practice area and located in the same geographic region. Our awards and recognitions are based purely on the feedback we receive from these top lawyers. Those who receive high peer reviews undergo a thorough verification process to make sure they are currently still in private practice. Only then can these top lawyers be recognized by Best Lawyers.
