The legal profession is home to some of the most brilliant minds in the country, individuals whose expertise shapes policies, influences corporate governance, and defends fundamental rights.
Using criteria from Forbes and Best Lawyers—factoring in influence, legal victories, peer recognition, and career achievements—this list highlights ten attorneys making a significant impact in their respective fields.
Forbes focuses on business impact and earnings, which typically favor corporate attorneys, dealmakers, and high-profile litigators. Best Lawyers is big on peer reviews and professional recognition, highlighting attorneys with long-standing reputations in specific legal fields. Combining both criteria required balancing financial success, industry respect, and societal impact.
1. David Boies – Litigation & Antitrust
Renowned for his work in high-profile litigation, David Boies has argued before the U.S. Supreme Court on landmark cases such as Bush v. Gore and United States v. Microsoft.
His strategic brilliance in antitrust and constitutional law cements his place as one of the most formidable litigators in America.
2. Ted Olson – Appellate & Constitutional Law
A former U.S. Solicitor General, Ted Olson is a powerhouse in appellate advocacy, having argued over 60 cases before the Supreme Court.
He played a key role in the Bush v. Gore case and later fought for marriage equality in Hollingsworth v. Perry.
3. Neal Katyal – Supreme Court Litigation
As a former acting Solicitor General and a professor at Georgetown Law, Neal Katyal has successfully argued numerous cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, making him one of the most influential appellate attorneys today.
4. William Barr – Corporate & Government Affairs
A former U.S. Attorney General under two administrations, William Barr has shaped policies on national security, corporate law, and government regulation, making him a key legal figure in the U.S.
5. Harvey Levin – Media & Entertainment Law
Though widely known as the founder of TMZ, Harvey Levin is a respected media attorney who has shaped the legal landscape of entertainment law, protecting the rights of journalists and content creators.
6. Lisa Blatt – Supreme Court & Appellate Law
Lisa Blatt has argued over 40 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, more than any other woman in history. Her track record of success in high-stakes litigation has earned her national recognition.
7. Robert Shapiro – Criminal Defense
Best known for his role in the O.J. Simpson trial, Robert Shapiro remains a leading figure in criminal defense, representing high-profile clients and offering legal insight on complex criminal cases.
8. Amal Clooney – International Human Rights
An international human rights lawyer, Amal Clooney has represented clients such as Julian Assange and former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed.
Her advocacy work on genocide and press freedom has made her a global legal force.
9. Mark Geragos – High-Profile Criminal Defense & Civil Litigation
Mark Geragos has represented celebrities and high-profile figures in both criminal and civil cases.
His aggressive legal tactics and media presence have made him one of the most recognized attorneys in the country.
10. Benjamin Crump – Civil Rights Law
Known as “Black America’s Attorney General,” Benjamin Crump has been at the forefront of the modern civil rights movement.
He has represented the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Trayvon Martin, fighting for racial justice and police accountability. His dedication to social justice and equal rights continues to make a lasting impact.
Bonus: More top lawyers in the United States
Mike De Vries – Intellectual Property Litigation
A partner at Kirkland & Ellis, De Vries is celebrated for his prowess in intellectual property law, handling high-stakes patent litigation with a record of favorable outcomes for clients.
Nicole Saharsky – Appellate Practice
As a partner at Mayer Brown, Saharsky has argued numerous cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, showcasing her expertise in appellate advocacy and shaping significant legal precedents.
Joseph I. Zumpano – Health Law
President and Managing Shareholder of Zumpano Patricios, Zumpano is recognized for his innovative approaches in health law, particularly in complex healthcare litigation and regulatory matters.
Scott Greenberg – Restructuring and Finance
A leading partner at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Greenberg has been instrumental in guiding major restructuring deals, notably in complex debt transactions and liability management exercises.
Craig Primis – Commercial Litigation
Partner at Kirkland & Ellis, Primis is known for his adept handling of high-profile commercial disputes, providing strategic counsel in complex litigation matters.
Josh Sussberg – Bankruptcy and Restructuring
Also a partner at Kirkland & Ellis, Sussberg has a distinguished reputation in bankruptcy law, leading significant Chapter 11 cases and corporate restructurings.
Merrick Benn – Corporate Law
As the U.S. chair of Womble Bond Dickinson, Benn has played a pivotal role in orchestrating mergers and expansions, including the notable merger with Lewis Roca, enhancing the firm’s national presence.
Elizabeth Petit – Legal Research and DevelopmentServing as the Director of Research & Development and Managing Editor at Best Lawyers, Petit oversees the meticulous peer-review process that underpins the organization’s attorney recognitions.
Ligia Guallpa – Labor and Employment Law
As the executive director of the Worker’s Justice Project and co-founder of Los Deliveristas Unidos, Guallpa advocates for labor rights, focusing on improving working conditions and policies for delivery workers.
Liane Jackson – Legal Journalism
Senior Law Editor at Forbes, Jackson contributes to the legal community by highlighting influential attorneys and providing in-depth analysis of legal trends and issues.
Conclusion
These attorneys have both excelled in their practice areas and shaped the legal landscape in the U.S.
Whether through litigation, advocacy, or corporate governance, their work continues to influence generations of lawyers and citizens alike.
