Lawdragon Honors Samantha Baynes, Michael Hess Among ‘Next Generation’ of Legal Leaders

Godwin Bowman senior attorney Samantha Baynes and associate Michael Hess have been recognized in the 2026 Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation legal guide to the profession’s top up and coming attorneys.

Ms. Baynes was selected for her work in Family Law. This was her second consecutive selection for her work in matters involving divorce, child custody and support disputes, as well as adoption, premarital agreement and enforcements.

This was the first selection for Mr. Hess, who was honored for his commercial litigation practice. He represents clients state and federal courts on a broad range of real estate, construction and premises liability matters.

The Next Generation guide spotlights the work of attorneys in their first 15 years of practice, who have positioned themselves “to be the change they want to see in the world,” according to Lawdragon.