We are proud to announce that attorney Michael van der Veen, founder of van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, has been recognized by his peers for inclusion in the 32ⁿᵈ edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. He has been honored in the area of Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, a distinction that highlights his unwavering dedication to justice and his commitment to achieving outstanding results for those who have been injured due to negligence.
This recognition from Best Lawyers is a prestigious honor that reflects the respect Mr. van der Veen has earned within the legal community and his reputation as a strong advocate for his clients.
The Best Lawyers® Methodology: A Peer-Reviewed Process
When a lawyer is included in The Best Lawyers in America®, it's not the result of advertising or self-promotion. Rather, it's a peer-evaluated honor built on trust and professional esteem. Here’s how the process works, based entirely on a Purely Peer Review® methodology:
1. Submission of Nominations
Lawyers cannot nominate themselves. Instead, anyone including clients, colleagues, or peers, can nominate an attorney for consideration. This ensures recognition begins with a genuine, external endorsement.
2. Peer Review by Recognized Lawyers
Once nominated, candidates are evaluated by lawyers who are already included in the Best Lawyers list. These evaluators provide confidential assessments of each nominee’s overall professional abilities, ethical standards, and legal prowess.
3. Rigorous Feedback Analysis
All peer evaluations are closely examined, with both numerical ratings and written comments considered. Best Lawyers uses a mix of staff oversight and structured analysis to ensure feedback is reliable and balanced, giving equal weight to quantitative scores and qualitative insights.
4. Eligibility Verification
Before final inclusion, each candidate must pass an eligibility check to confirm they are in good standing with their local bar association and have adhered to professional conduct standards.
5. Publication and Announcement
Once evaluations are validated, firms and attorneys are notified. Confirmed honorees are then published in both regional and national editions (both in print and online) making the recognition official.
What Inclusion in Best Lawyers in America® Means
This peer-reviewed process, which is rigorous, unbiased, and respected, means that being named in the 32ⁿᵈ edition of The Best Lawyers in America® speaks volumes about Michael van der Veen’s reputation within the legal community. It confirms that fellow attorneys, informed by direct experience and high standards, see him as a top-tier advocate in Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs.
About Michael van der Veen: A Lawyer Who Stands Out in Personal Injury and Beyond
Michael van der Veen, who is the distinguished founder of van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, is widely recognized for his committed advocacy and ability to deliver results in some of the nation’s most challenging cases. Over the course of his career, he has built a reputation not only for his accessibility and compassion with clients but also for his commanding presence in the courtroom.
From the start of his legal journey in Chicago, where he secured a groundbreaking acquittal in the landmark “Chicago Needle Trials” and helped reshape public health law, Michael has consistently proven himself as a force in both civil and criminal litigation. After relocating to Philadelphia, he expanded his practice to personal injury and commercial litigation, achieving multimillion-dollar jury verdicts and settlements, including cases reaching eight figures.
Michael’s work has earned him recognition in Best Lawyers in America®, Super Lawyers, and numerous professional organizations that honor the nation’s top trial attorneys. He has successfully handled high profile criminal trials and catastrophic injury cases that have drawn national media attention, establishing him as a trusted advocate for clients facing life altering legal battles.
Today, Michael van der Veen stands out as a lawyer who combines legal skill, courtroom strategy, and unwavering dedication. These qualities make him one of the most respected trial attorneys in Pennsylvania and across the country.
What Sets Him Apart: Approach, Dedication, and Results
Michael’s approach is defined by deep respect for his clients and a relentless pursuit of justice. He places himself firmly in their corner, blending strategic legal thinking with empathy that ensures clients never feel like a case number. His results speak volumes:
- $31.5 million judgment in a motor vehicle crash case resulting in paraplegia
- $4.25 million federal jury verdict for a tetraplegic client
- $3.25 million verdict for a nurse with traumatic brain injury
- $10 million settlement for a young child struck by a tractor-trailer, including navigating immigration hurdles to reunite the family
These results reflect Michael’s readiness to handle complex, challenging cases and his commitment to seeing them through to a just resolution.
How He Handles Your Case: What You Can Expect
When you choose Michael van der Veen, you're choosing a lawyer who:
- Listens first and builds strategies tailored to your unique circumstances
- Leverages extensive trial experience in catastrophic injury litigation and other complex civil cases
- Communicates clearly, keeping you informed every step of the way and bringing clarity to complex legal processes
Whether you’re recovering from a serious accident or seeking compensation for an injury caused by negligence, you’ll find an attorney fully dedicated to your case and committed to achieving the best possible outcome.
Facing a Personal Injury? Here's How to Reach Him
If you're recovering from an injury and looking for skilled representation, Michael van der Veen offers a compassionate, tenacious advocate who knows how to win when it matters most. Here's how you can connect:
- Call the Philadelphia office directly at 215-486-0123, or
- Fill out our confidential contact form to schedule a free consultation
Expect a thoughtful, personalized initial conversation. No pressure, just respect, insight, and clear next steps
Michael van der Veen brings decades of legal acumen and a heart for client-centered service. If you've been injured or feel overwhelmed by legal challenges, contacting him means placing your trust in an attorney who sees you as a person, not just a case, and won’t stop until you’ve achieved the justice you deserve.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.