SWMW Law, one of the top plaintiffs law firms in the country focused on representing victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, is proud to announce Associate Brittney Watkins was recently named Attorney of the Year by Top 100 Lawyers Registry.
“What makes Brittney so deserving of this recognition is that she brings so much more to her work than just being a talented attorney,” said Partner Sophie Zavaglia. “She genuinely cares about the people she represents, takes pride in doing things the right way, and never loses sight of why our work matters. Since joining the firm, she has earned the respect of her colleagues through her work ethic, sound judgment, and willingness to step up when it matters most. Brittney makes the people around her better, and we’re incredibly proud to see her recognized for the impact she’s making.”
Watkins joined the firm in 2024, focusing her practice on helping individuals and families affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Before joining the firm, she served as a staff attorney for a local organization where she represented families who lost loved ones to fatal state violence. She also provided community political education and helped families impacted by fatal state violence to organize, draft, and implement policies.
Outside of her work with SWMW Law, Watkins has proven herself to be a leader in the legal community. While in law school, her Washington University School of Law Student Note was published in the Journal of Law and Policy in 2019. That note has been used nationally in law school curricula and was a required text for the National Sports Law Institute’s 30th anniversary conference. She also instructed the Fatal State Violence Liberation Lab for the 2022 Law for Black Lives Lawyering for Liberation Conference.
Watkins’ leadership in the legal community is mirrored by her leadership within the community she calls home. She serves as a board member for Community Organization to Engage, Uplift & Restore (C.O.E.U.R), a nonprofit that utilizes a holistic approach to provide needed services to youth, families, and individuals in the St. Louis area. Its mission is to enhance and expand opportunities for healthy living, social awareness, urban economic community development, and educational achievement.
Watkins’ recent accolades are not her first. She’s also been the recipient of: Marquis Who’s Who List for 2025; Emerging Leader Award in the Practice of Law, Marquis Who’s Who, 2025; Attorney of the Year, 2025, Top 100 Registry; Top 10 Under 40, The National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys; Top 40 Under 40, The National Black Lawyers; Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers; Public Service Student of the Year, Washington University School of Law; Scholar in Law Award, Washington University School of Law; The Bar Plan Foundation Scholarship; Martin Luther King Jr. Journey Award, Princeton University; and Alberto Santos-Dumont Prize for Innovation, Princeton University.
The Top 100 Registry is a leading global publisher of industry-specific magazines that feature top professionals across various fields, including law, academia, medicine, consulting, arts, and sciences. The magazine is printed quarterly and highlights individuals who significantly contribute to their industries and communities. Learn more about the organization here.