100 Most Influential Attorneys in America

The National Law Journal has chosen 100 lawyers in the United States who have shaped the legal world through their work in the courtroom, at the negotiating table, in the classroom or on Capitol Hill. They have taken on major legal battles and orchestrated the biggest corporate deals. They've tackled unpopular causes and helped run giant international companies.

NLJ selected these top performers based on five qualities: political clout, legal results, media penetration, business credibility and thought leadership. All winners have a little bit of each quality and are exceptional in some. You'll see symbols by the attorneys' names indicating the qualities at which they excel the most.

Included in thier 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America are dealmakers, trial attorneys, legal scholars, lobbyists, general counsel, firm managers and appellate advocates. NLJ focused mainly on their accomplishments during the past five years. Relevant, too, was whether their earlier accomplishments continue to affect the legal sector.

You've surely heard of many of these lawyers, but you're also likely to find some surprises inside this report.

Check and see if your name is on the list!