WILKES-BARRE, PA — August 20, 2026 — Michael J. Kowalski, Esquire, a founding member of the Wilkes-Barre law firm Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen, LLC, has been named the 2027 Best Lawyers@ “Lawyer of the Year” in Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs.
The recognition marks the second consecutive year that Attorney Kowalski has been selected as a Best Lawyers@ “Lawyer of the Year” following his selection as the 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” in Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs.
Kowalski’s back-to-back recognition in two separate practice areas reflects the breadth of his experience representing individuals and families throughout Pennsylvania in complex personal injury and medical malpractice litigation.
The Best Lawyers@ “Lawyer of the Year” designation is one of the publication’s most distinguished honors. It is awarded annually to a single lawyer in each practice area and designated geographic area who receives the highest overall peer feedback for that practice area. The selection is based on an extensive peer-review process involving evaluations by other attorneys.
“l am deeply honored to receive this recognition from my peers,” said Kowalski. “To be named Lawyer of the Year for two consecutive years, and in two different areas of practice, is particularly meaningful. I am grateful to the attorneys who participated in the Best Lawyers peer-review process, but most of all I am grateful to the clients and families who have placed their trust in me throughout my career”
Kowalski has devoted his legal career to representing individuals and families who have suffered serious and catastrophic injuries. His practice includes medical malpractice, personal injury, birth injuries, wrongful death, and automobile and truck accident litigation. He has represented seriously injured clients in state and federal courts throughout Pennsylvania and has developed particular experience handling complex cases.
Kowalski is a founding member of Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen, LLC, a Wilkes-Barre-based personal injury and general practice law firm. The firm brings combined experience of over 50 years fighting for the rights of injured individuals, representing plaintiffs in a wide variety of cases, including automobile and truck accidents, medical malpractice, birth injuries, wrongful death, and other catastrophic injury matters. The firm emphasizes personal attention, aggressive advocacy, and the resources necessary to thoroughly investigate complex personal injury and medical malpractice cases.
The firm has also developed a reputation for handling complex litigation and catastrophic injury cases, with a significant portion of its cases coming through referrals from other attorneys—something the firm identifies as a reflection of the professional respect it has earned within the legal community.
“We are extremely proud of Michael and this recognition,” said Jeffrey Yelen. “Being selected as Best Lawyers’ Lawyer of the Year in two different practice areas in consecutive years is an extraordinary professional accomplishment. It reflects the respect Michael has earned from his colleagues throughout Pennsylvania and his longstanding commitment to his clients.”
Kowalski has previously received numerous professional honors for his work as a plaintiff’s attorney, including repeated recognition by Best Lawyers and Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. In 2026, he was selected to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list for the 18th consecutive year and was recognized for his work in both personal injury and medical malpractice.
Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen, LLC is located at 15 Public Square, Suite 501, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18701. The firm represents clients throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and across the Commonwealth in personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and other complex litigation matters.
For more information about Michael J. Kowalski or Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen, LLC, contact the firm at 570-970-5400 or visit dky.law.