Steve Caya named Best Lawyers’ 2027 Lawyer of the Year in Madison

Nowlan Injury Law partner Steve Caya earned Best Lawyers’ 2027 “Lawyer of the Year” honor for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs in Madison, Wisconsin. The peer-reviewed recognition underscores his long track record representing injured people across the state and his firm’s broader plaintiff-side work.

Why it matters: - The honor spotlights one of Madison’s top peer-reviewed personal injury attorneys in a field where client outcomes can shape medical recovery, financial stability and access to justice. - The recognition also reinforces Nowlan Injury Law’s presence in Wisconsin personal injury litigation, including cases that can lead to jury verdicts and settlements.

What happened: - Nowlan Injury Law said Partner Steve Caya was named the 2027 Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs in Madison, Wisconsin. - Best Lawyers awards the “Lawyer of the Year” designation to one lawyer in a specific practice area and metropolitan region in each edition. - The recognition is based on Best Lawyers’ peer-review process and goes to the attorney with the highest overall peer feedback in that category and region.

The details: - Caya built his plaintiff-side practice after early career work representing insurance companies and defending personal injury claims. - He now uses that background to represent injured individuals and their families. - His casework has included car and truck crashes, motorcycle and ATV accidents, premises liability, construction-related matters and other serious injury cases in state and federal courts. - Nowlan Injury Law says the firm has represented thousands of clients and secured multiple seven-figure jury verdicts and settlements, along with significant six-figure recoveries. - Caya said the award is meaningful because it comes from fellow attorneys who understand the work involved in representing people after serious injuries. - Caya said clients often come in during some of the hardest periods of their lives, and the lawyer’s job is to fight for results while keeping clients supported throughout the process. - Caya has been selected as a Wisconsin Super Lawyer every year since 2009. - He has also been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs. - Caya is a member of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, an invitation-only group of experienced trial lawyers. - Caya is a Janesville native and the son of a General Motors factory worker. - Outside his legal work, Caya has served as president of the board of directors for Friends of Noah Animal Rescue and as a board member for GIFTS Men’s Shelter. - Evan Tenebruso, a Nowlan Injury Law partner, said Caya is an exceptional trial lawyer and client advocate. - Tenebruso said Caya understands how insurance companies evaluate and defend claims and uses that experience to level the playing field for injured people. - Tenebruso said Caya is meticulous in preparation, willing to try a case and deeply committed to the people he represents. - Tenebruso also has experience on the insurance defense side and works in personal injury, wrongful death, insurance coverage and insurance bad faith matters.

Between the lines: - The award reinforces a common theme in plaintiff-side injury litigation: lawyers with defense experience can bring insight into how insurers assess risk and set settlement strategy. - Best Lawyers’ peer-review process can carry weight in a profession where reputation among other attorneys often shapes referral networks and client trust.

What's next: - Caya and Nowlan Injury Law are likely to continue focusing on injury claims throughout Wisconsin, including motor vehicle crashes, premises liability and wrongful death matters. - The firm’s public recognition may help support future client outreach and referral relationships across the state.

The bottom line: - Steve Caya’s 2027 “Lawyer of the Year” honor confirms his standing among Wisconsin personal injury lawyers and highlights Nowlan Injury Law’s plaintiff-focused practice.