Nave News
Four Nave Law Firm Attorneys Selected to the 2026 Super Lawyers Upstate New York Rising Stars List
Nave Law Firm is proud to announce that Managing Partner Dennis Nave and attorneys Justin Lange, Andrew Geisler, and Brady O’Malley have been selected to the 2026 Upstate New York Rising Stars list, published by Super Lawyers.
Dennis and Justin are recognized in Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI, Andrew in Criminal Defense, and Brady in Personal Injury. Their selections extend a record of recognition across the firm’s Syracuse and Albany offices: eight consecutive years for Dennis, two for Justin, four for Andrew, and thirteen for Brady.
For people facing DWI or criminal charges, or seeking representation after a serious injury, choosing an attorney is a consequential decision. These honors provide another way to learn about the professional recognition earned by the attorneys who may be standing beside them.
What Is Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers is an attorney rating service. It selects attorneys through a patented process that combines nominations, independent research, and peer evaluation.
Specifically, Super Lawyers scores each candidate on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. These include experience, honors, professional activity, and pro bono and community service. Also, no one can buy a selection. Attorneys don’t need to buy advertising to make the list, either.
In addition, Super Lawyers publishes two separate lists: Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.
What Does Rising Stars Recognition Mean
To qualify for Rising Stars, an attorney must be 40 or younger or have practiced for 10 years or less.
The list is also more selective. According to Super Lawyers, no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state make Rising Stars. By comparison, up to 5 percent make the separate Super Lawyers list.
The honor reflects peer recognition and professional achievement. It’s also an individual distinction that each attorney earns on their own.
Meet Our Recognized Attorneys
Dennis Nave Managing Partner
Eight consecutive Rising Stars selections in Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI, 2019–2026. Dennis is also the only Central New York attorney on the 2026 Rising Stars list in this category.
Dennis Nave is Nave Law Firm’s founding and managing partner. For more than a decade, he has defended people facing DWI, criminal charges, traffic offenses, and driver’s license matters.
Dennis graduated from Syracuse University College of Law and began practicing in New York in 2015. His background also includes experience with the New York State Attorney General’s Office and the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. He brings that knowledge of New York’s criminal courts and DMV procedures to every case. That matters most when a client’s freedom, livelihood, and ability to drive are at stake.
A Syracuse native, Dennis looks closely at both the evidence and the person behind the charge. His approach emphasizes preparation and clear communication. He also helps clients understand their options while protecting their rights and future.
Justin Lange Associate Attorney
Two consecutive Rising Stars selections in Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI, 2025–2026
Justin Lange represents clients facing DWI, criminal charges, traffic offenses, and driver’s license matters. He works from the firm’s Albany office.
Justin joined the firm as a legal intern in 2021 and then worked as a law clerk. After joining the New York State Bar in January 2023, he became an attorney. As a result, he already knew the firm’s cases, clients, and approach to defense.
Justin graduated from Syracuse University College of Law. While there, he served as Managing Editor of the Syracuse Journal of International Law and Commerce. Before that, he graduated magna cum laude from Union College in Schenectady.
In his practice, Justin focuses on careful preparation and keeping clients informed. He believes people make better decisions when they understand their rights, the evidence, and their options. Justin also has roots in the Capital Region. So his work carries a personal purpose: advocating for people in the community he calls home.
Learn more about Justin Lange.
Andrew Geisler Associate Attorney
Four consecutive Rising Stars selections in Criminal Defense, 2023–2026
Andrew Geisler has handled hundreds of criminal matters. Today, he represents Capital Region clients facing criminal charges, DWI, and traffic offenses.
Andrew graduated from Pace University School of Law and began practicing in New York in 2018. His background includes work with public defender offices across upstate New York. He also built his own criminal defense practice. In addition, during law school he worked closely with judges at New Rochelle City Court.
That experience shapes how he evaluates cases and understands the people he represents. Andrew knows a criminal charge can affect a person’s employment, family, reputation, and future. Therefore, he focuses on protecting his clients’ rights and explaining their options. He also helps them make informed decisions throughout the legal process.
Learn more about Andrew Geisler.
Brady O’Malley Senior Attorney
Thirteen consecutive Rising Stars selections in Personal Injury, 2014–2026
Brady O’Malley is the firm’s Senior Attorney for Personal Injury and Civil Litigation. He brings more than a decade of courtroom experience across New York State. During that time, he has taken fourteen cases to jury trial in twelve counties. He has also handled litigation involving personal injury, wrongful death, and commercial disputes.
Brady spent the first decade of his career as an associate and partner at Smith, Sovik, Kendrick & Sugnet, PC. Later, he became a partner in the Manhattan office of Brody O’Connor & O’Connor, Esqs. There, he handled complex, multimillion-dollar construction accident lawsuits throughout New York City. That experience now shapes how he prepares cases for negotiation and trial.
Brady earned his J.D. magna cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law in 2011. He then began practicing in New York in 2012. Above all, he brings a competitive drive and zealous advocacy to clients facing serious injuries and demanding litigation.
Learn more about Brady O’Malley.
Individual Recognition Backed by a Team
We are proud of these attorneys and the honors they earned. However, none of them works alone. At Nave Law Firm, a team of attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and client advocates supports their work. Similarly, DWI TEAM, the firm’s DWI-focused brand, brings that team approach to people facing impaired-driving charges.
For our clients, that means a team working to understand their situation, prepare their case, and keep them informed. Recognition matters. Still, our daily job stays the same: treat people with respect, protect their rights, and help them move forward.
Please join us in congratulating Dennis, Justin, Andrew, and Brady on their 2026 selections.
If you’re facing a DWI or criminal charge, or need help after a serious injury, contact Nave Law Firm. We’ll talk through your situation and your consultation options.
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