HWG has received national and regional recognition for excellence in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms®, earning three national and seven metropolitan practice area rankings, with seven of those designated as top “Tier 1” practices. 

HWG was ranked nationally in the following practices: 

  • Appellate Practice – Tier 1  
  • Communications Law – Tier 1 
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar 

HWG was ranked locally in the following practices: 

Raleigh, NC 

  • Criminal Defense: General Practice – Tier 1  
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar  

Washington, D.C.  

  • Appellate Practice – Tier 1 
  • Communications Law – Tier 1  
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar – Tier 1 
  • Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law – Tier 1 
  • Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants 

Best Lawyers® issues an annual ranking of law firms. Learn more about their research methodology.