The Top 20 Greatest Attorneys in the USA: Pioneers Influencing American Law in 2025
Some of the world’s most brilliant, powerful, and tenacious advocates work in the American legal profession. In addition to winning well-known cases, these attorneys have established their reputations by redefining what it means to be a modern lawyer, advancing industries, and protecting civil rights. Here are 20 of the top attorneys in the United States today, renowned for their knowledge, commitment, and innovative work.
1. David Boies, renowned for his involvement in historic cases such as Bush v. Gore and the battle against California’s Proposition 8, is a co-founder of Boies Schiller Flexner LLP. He is one of the best trial lawyers in the nation because of his proficiency in intricate litigation.
2. Olson, Ted
Olson, a renowned appellate advocate and partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, joined Boies in the fight for same-sex marriage rights and made a strong argument in Bush v. Gore. He has had an unparalleled influence on constitutional law.
3. Katyal Neal
Katyal, a former Acting Solicitor General and partner at Hogan Lovells, is renowned for his intelligence, clarity, and capacity to manage complex appeals. He has argued in numerous Supreme Court cases.
4. Kaplan, Roberta
Through her company, Kaplan Hecker & Fink LLP, Kaplan, who is well-known for her arguments in the historic United States v. Windsor case that invalidated DOMA, continues to advocate for civil rights.
5. Guilfoyle, Kimberly
Guilfoyle, a former prosecutor who is now a well-known media personality and advisor, has cultivated a public career that combines politics, media, and law.
6. Gloria Allred
Allred, arguably the most well-known women’s rights lawyer in America, has defended victims of sexual harassment and assault for decades, frequently taking on high-profile and contentious cases.
7. Brafman, Benjamin
One of the best criminal defense lawyers in America, Brafman is based in New York and is renowned for his fierce, methodical approach to defending high-profile individuals and celebrities.
8. Geragos, Mark
Respected for his courtroom tenacity, Geragos has defended countless well-known names and has a client list that resembles a Hollywood directory.
9. Sullivan, Kathleen
Sullivan, a partner at Quinn Emanuel and a former dean of Stanford Law School, is regarded as one of the country’s leading constitutional law experts and appellate attorneys.
10. Kendall, David
Kendall’s career at Williams & Connolly LLP includes decades of intricate and delicate legal matters, but she is best known for her representation of President Bill Clinton during the impeachment proceedings.
11. Quinn, John
Quinn established Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP, a formidable firm that specializes in intricate business litigation and intellectual property disputes.
12. Bharara Preet
Bharara, a former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, gained notoriety for his vigorous prosecution of financial crimes and corruption, and he is still regarded as a respected legal and policy expert.
13. Lisa Blatt
Blatt, a partner at Williams & Connolly, is commended for her incisive, convincing advocacy and has argued more cases before the U.S. Supreme Court than any other woman.
14. Boutrous, Ted
Boutrous of Gibson Dunn is well-known for his work in media and First Amendment law. He has successfully argued in landmark cases involving free speech and defended prominent news outlets.
15. Avenatti, Michael
Avenatti is a contentious individual who attracted national notice for his representation of Stormy Daniels. His aggressive, media-driven legal strategies have drawn both praise and criticism.
16. Dershowitz, Alan
Dershowitz, an emeritus professor of Harvard Law, has a lengthy history of involvement in high-profile defenses and significant constitutional cases, such as those involving O.J. Simpson and Jeffrey Epstein.
17. Stevenson, Bryan
Stevenson is renowned for his unwavering efforts to combat racial injustice and excessive punishment in the American legal system. He founded the Equal Justice Initiative.
18. Tacopina Joe
Tacopina is a vigorous and media-savvy criminal defense attorney who has successfully represented politicians, musicians, and athletes.
19. Brooks, Juanita
One of the nation’s leading intellectual property litigators, Brooks is a partner at Fish & Richardson and well-known for her ability to win patent battles in court.
Code Is: K9$rB
20. Consovoy, William
Prior to his recent death, Consovoy was a prominent appellate lawyer who was involved in significant conservative court cases, such as challenges to affirmative action.
Why These Attorneys Are Unique
Not just well-known cases or famous clients are what bind these disparate legal minds together. Whether they are defending the accused, fighting for civil rights, or developing intricate constitutional arguments, it is their vision, strategy, and commitment to their professions. Numerous people have contributed to the transformation of American public policy and law, establishing new standards and igniting national debates.
Their tales demonstrate the dual power of the law as a weapon and a shield, and they serve as a reminder that outstanding attorneys are more than just legal experts; they are also advocates, storytellers, and occasionally even historians.