Five attorneys at SMT Legal won Super Lawyers or Rising Star honors for 2025 in the areas of personal injury law and criminal defense. Attorneys Jonathan Stewart, Patrick Murray, and Christopher Thomas were named Super Lawyers, while Thomas Sporrer and Benjaman J. Baran received recognition as Rising Stars. Additionally, Stewart and Murray were named to the Top 50 Pittsburgh Super Lawyer List, highlighting their continued excellence in the field. This collective recognition from Super Lawyers is a significant honor for the personal injury and criminal defense teams at SMT Legal.
Five Attorneys with Vision, Dedication, and Proven Results
The honors each of our attorneys have won reflect their commitment to their clients and their passionate pursuit of legal excellence. Super Lawyers uses a rigorous selection process to determine its members and Rising Stars, and our attorneys’ consistent honors demonstrate our skill and determination.
As SMT Legal’s managing partner, Jonathan Stewart is a dedicated advocate for injury victims and their families. His commitment to personal injury law stems from a deeply personal tragedy. Over 20 years ago, a drunk driving crash claimed the lives of two of his close family members and a dear friend. His brother, the sole survivor, also suffered serious injuries. That experience left a lasting impact and inspired Stewart to dedicate his career to helping others facing similar hardships. He earned his B.A. in Political Science from Point Park University, a master’s degree in Theology and Philosophy from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and a J.D. from Duquesne University School of Law. Stewart has won numerous seven-figure verdicts and settlements and is a member of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums.
Firm partner Pat Murray is a graduate of Point Park University and Duquesne University School of Law who began his legal career in civil defense. After spending time representing major transportation and long-term care companies, Murray shifted to fighting for injury victims and families affected by wrongful death. Murray has received numerous honors for his legal work, including recognition from the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Trial Lawyers. He also mediates complex litigation cases and volunteers in his Pittsburgh community.
Christopher Thomas focuses on criminal defense cases and has represented a wide range of clients, from local residents to professional athletes and entertainers. Thomas graduated cum laude from Point Park University and earned his law degree from Duquesne University. Thomas is deeply committed to defending the marginalized and believes in the power of second chances. His high-profile cases have earned him recognition from national news networks, and his accolades include honors from the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys.
Thomas Sporrer joined SMT Legal in 2022 and represents clients in criminal defense and family law cases. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science from Mercyhurst University, his master’s degree in Forensic Science from Boston University School of Medicine, and his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law on a full Dean’s Scholarship. Sporrer has also been recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense Attorney by the National Trial Lawyers.
Benjamin J. Baran joined SMT Legal in 2023, focusing on personal injury, criminal defense, and landlord-tenant law. Baran earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Penn State, where he was Treasurer of Pi Sigma Alpha and participated in the Alternative Breaks program. He received his law degree from Duquesne University School of Law in 2017, earning the CALI Award for Core Competencies and gaining experience through the Juvenile Defender Clinic. In 2025, Baran was named to the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list.
Contact Our Firm Now for Legal Assistance
Whether you sustained injuries in an accident or you’re facing criminal charges, trust the award-winning attorneys at SMT Legal to provide the compassionate and comprehensive legal support you need. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
