Whalen Law Office Attorneys James P. Whalen and Ryne Sandel Named to D Magazine’s 2026 Best Lawyers List

Whalen Law Office is proud to announce that both founding partner James P. Whalen and attorney Ryne Sandel have been named to D Magazine’s 2026 Best Lawyers list. This recognition, awarded by the North Texas legal community through a rigorous peer-nomination and evaluation process, underscores the firm’s commitment to high-level criminal defense and ethical advocacy.

Leadership Rooted in Experience: James P. Whalen

For James P. Whalen, this year’s inclusion continues a long-standing tradition of excellence. A double board-certified specialist in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law, James has spent over three decades defending clients against the vast resources of the government.

Beyond the accolades, James views himself as both an attorney and a counselor. He is known for providing aggressive, zealous defense while ensuring his clients receive the personal attention necessary to navigate the most stressful moments of their lives. His recognition by D Magazine reflects a career built on professional ethics, preparation, and a deep-seated belief that every defendant deserves a level playing field.

A Commitment to Fairness: Ryne Sandel

Ryne Sandel’s recognition highlights his unique path to criminal defense. Raised in a family with deep roots in federal law enforcement—his mother served in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and his father was a Federal Air Marshal—Ryne developed an early and intimate understanding of the criminal justice system.

This exposure ultimately clarified his calling. “I resonated more with the people defending the accused than I did with the accusers,” Sandel shared. “I saw how quickly individuals could be judged and set aside, sometimes without a full understanding of their circumstances.”

Ryne’s approach is further shaped by his background in philosophy, specifically the Aristotelian view of law as a rational and impartial system. Today, he translates those principles into practice, ensuring that legal standards are applied fairly and that every client’s story is heard.

About the Recognition

D Magazine’s Best Lawyers list is compiled through a peer-review voting process, where thousands of North Texas attorneys nominate their colleagues across various practice areas. The final list is vetted by a blue-ribbon panel and the magazine’s editorial staff, ensuring it represents the top legal talent in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

To learn more about D Magazine’s 2026 Best Lawyers list, visit productions.dmagazine.com/best-lawyers-in-dallas/.