Who is the Most Powerful Lawyer?

Douglas Wigdor has helped shape a national dialogue on workplace accountability through his cases, leading to corporate resignations and substantial financial settlements for his clients. For his efforts he was named to City & State 2025’s Law Power 100 list as well as one of Billboard Magazine’s Top Music Lawyers list.

Mary Jo White, known for her fearlessness, successfully prosecuted both John Gotti and 9/11 bombing cases successfully and is also recognized for pursuing white collar crime on Wall Street.

1. RICHARD SCRUGGS

Dickie Scruggs was an esteemed American naval aviator and lawyer known for taking on Big Tobacco and asbestos companies. A trailblazer with his own style, Dickie inspired an entire generation of lawyers to push the limits of law for greater good.

His unique style in high-profile litigations and eccentric personality have drawn both praise and criticism, but have left an indelible mark on the legal landscape.

Wichai Thongtang stands in second with an estimated fortune of approximately $2.2 billion. A graduate of Thammasat University and practicing corporate law in Thailand, he became internationally renowned when he successfully represented former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra against accusations that his assets were concealed from public view. Wichai has also served as legal advisor to multiple important businessmen throughout his career and is commonly known as the “King of Torts”.

2. JOE JAMAIL

Jamail hails from Houston and worked at his parents’ grocery store before studying pre-med at the University of Texas before switching to law. A fierce advocate for his clients, and an adept businesswoman (he led Microsoft’s legal team during its formative years). Juries appreciate Jamail’s skill at boiling complex cases down into human terms – jurors recognizing his genuine regard for them as juries appreciate Jamail’s unique skill at doing just that! While legislators attempt to lessen corporate accountability for actions or products taken, courts have produced significant societal shifts: desegregation; product liability; rights of bereaved families among others.

At 77, Jamail remains active. From courtroom cross-examinations and discoursing at cocktail parties – only interrupted by his glass of whiskey reaching empty – to being known as the “King of Torts”, which won Pennzoil an important case against Texaco – his voice can still be heard loud and clear.

3. WILLIAM LERACH

Bill Lerach was one of the pioneers of private securities class action litigation and caused considerable unease throughout corporate America. Specializing in cases against banks, law firms, and accounting firms whose executives were accused of fraud; Bill collected billions for shareholders as a result, making him both famous and wealthy — his net worth now exceeds $900 Million!

San Diego lawyer was once celebrated as a hero for taking on corporate giants with unflinching courage, winning massive class-action settlements against them – including one of which yielding the largest ever class action settlement ever reached in history. Unfortunately, his success also attracted federal prosecutors’ suspicions who accused Milberg Weiss Bershad & Schulman, his former firm, of paying people to file cases on his clients’ behalf and engaging in illegal practice by paying individuals to file suits on his behalf.

Judge James Walter has received numerous letters pleading with him for mercy and understanding from friends, colleagues and clients of Lerach. These were filed under seal but this week prior to sentencing they have been allowed for public display by his court.

4. BILL NEUKOM

Bill Neukom is an attorney known for his corporate practice as well as his philanthropy. As the founder and CEO of the World Justice Project – an initiative dedicated to furthering global justice – Bill is known for both. Born in San Mateo California and attending Dartmouth College on the East Coast before returning home for Stanford Law School studies.

Early on in his career, he worked at a small law firm before being recruited by Microsoft to work on its early litigation and initial public offering (IPO). While at Microsoft, he helped guide its transition from being a small startup into one of the world’s most valuable corporations.

He is a former partner at K&L Gates’ Seattle office and served as president of the American Bar Association. Additionally, he is a trustee at Dartmouth College and past chairman of its board; member of its ownership group for baseball team San Francisco Giants; serves on its board; as well as being on Fortinet, Inc.’s board.