Lawyers play a pivotal role in shaping the legal landscape of any nation. In the US, their influence extends to every facet of society. From advocating for their clients to defend their rights to playing their role in shaping major policies and corporate practices, lawyers are the backbone of the legal system. From criminal defense to corporate law and civil rights, their expertise is sought in every industry. As reliable advisors, they aid their clients in navigating the different complexities of the law, ensuring they provide essential guidance during some of the most challenging moments.

With so much at stake, finding the right lawyer is vital. To help you out with it, we’ve compiled a list of America's Top 20 Lawyers in 2025. The list we have compiled is quite diverse. It features plaintiff lawyers, litigation lawyers, corporate, and M&A lawyers, to those having expertise in insurance recovery litigation as well. We’ve chosen them based on their impact, expertise, and reputation acquired in the legal sphere. Here’s a list covering the top 20 lawyers in the US for 2025.

1. Alice Shih LaCour
Organization/Firm Linked With: Hilgers Graben
Location: Dallas
Area of Expertise: Litigation, Government, Trade Secrets

Alice Shih LaCour is a very skilled litigator, having expertise in government investigations, regulatory defense, and white-collar crime. She has experience handling both civil and criminal cases, including high-profile trials such as defending the U.S. Department of Commerce in the case over the 2020 Census citizenship question and prosecuting significant fraud conspiracies. Alice has earned recognition for her work, including the U.S. Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service and being listed in Lawyer's 500 Leading Litigators in America. With a law degree from Yale and a background in public service and private practice, she stands out as a top professional in her field.

2. Eva Cole
Organization/Firm Linked With: Winston & Strawn
Location: New York
Area of Expertise: Antitrust

Eva Cole is a leading expert in antitrust law and she specializes in civil litigation, class actions, and international cartel investigations. She has a deep focus on defending multinational corporations in complex commercial class actions, especially in industries like electronics, finance, and sports. Her notable cases include defending against price-fixing claims in the automotive and electronics industries and managing global cartel investigations. Eva Cole is also known for representing executives facing criminal antitrust charges. She regularly handles antitrust compliance for companies and private equity firms and her experience spans numerous jurisdictions worldwide, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Eva’s proactive approach and successful outcomes have earned her high regard in the legal field.

3. Kannon Shanmugam
Organization/Firm Linked With: Paul Weiss
Location: Washington, D.C.
Area of Expertise: Appellate, esp. Supreme Court

Kannon K. Shanmugam is a well-renowned litigator specializing in appellate and Supreme Court litigation. He is well-known for handling high-stakes cases involving constitutional law, securities, and civil rights. His experience includes representing clients in groundbreaking cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, focusing on issues like voting rights and the First Amendment. Kannon has headed over 30 cases before the Supreme Court, including cases concerning class actions, government regulations, and corporate disputes. His outstanding performance has earned him recognition from legal-ranking organizations like “Chambers USA”. With a reputation for strategic thinking, Kannon continues to be one of the most respected appellate lawyers in the country.

4. Adam T. Klein
Organization/Firm Linked With: Outten & Golden
Location: New York
Area of Expertise: Plaintiff Employment Class Litigation

Adam T. Klein is the Managing Partner at Outten & Golden and a leading advocate in class actions and impact litigation, focusing on race, gender, and immigration-based discrimination. Renowned for representing clients in high-profile cases, including gender discrimination lawsuits against major financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and Bank of America, Klein's notable achievements include securing landmark settlements and spearheading successful class actions, such as a significant case against the U.S. Census Bureau over discriminatory hiring practices. He has received numerous honors, including recognition in “Lawdragon 500” and “Best Lawyers in America.". His advocacy for civil rights and employment justice has earned him widespread respect within the legal community.

5. Alice S. Fisher
Organization/Firm Linked With: Latham
Location: Washington, D.C.
Area of Expertise: Litigation, esp. White Collar

Alice S. Fisher is a highly respected attorney specializing in white-collar criminal defense, government investigations, and corporate compliance. With extensive experience in handling international corruption cases, including FCPA and anti-corruption matters, Alice has represented global pharmaceutical companies, financial institutions, and manufacturing firms. She also served as the Assistant Attorney General for the U.S. Department of Justice's Criminal Division from 2005 to 2008, leading significant investigations into corporate fraud and national security. Alice has been recognized for her exceptional judgment and strategic counsel, earning top rankings in “Chambers USA” and “The Legal 500.". She is a frequent speaker and writer on topics related to criminal law and corporate enforcement.

6. Andrew Rossman
Organization/Firm Linked With: Quinn Emanuel
Location: New York
Area of Expertise: M&A Litigation

Andrew J. Rossman is a managing partner at Quinn Emanuel’s New York office and chair of M&A Litigation. He is known for handling complex commercial litigation in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, securities, corporate governance, bankruptcy, and international disputes. Rossman has recovered over $6 billion in settlements and judgments for a wide range of clients, including private equity firms, hedge funds, and public companies. Notable cases include his successful defense of Tesla in the “420” securities class action and representing clients like KKR in significant litigation. Rossman’s strategic guidance has been key in high-profile disputes, especially in Delaware Chancery Court.

7. Brian Panish
Organization/Firm Linked With: Panish Shea Ravipudi
Location: Los Angeles
Area of Expertise: Plaintiff Consumer Litigation

Brian Panish is a renowned trial attorney with a remarkable record of securing some of the most significant jury decisions in U.S. history. His victories include a $4.9 billion verdict in a products liability case against General Motors and numerous multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury, wrongful death, and business litigation. Panish has obtained over $500 million in verdicts since 2011, including major wins for victims of vehicle crashes and defective products. He also serves on leadership teams for high-profile mass tort cases and major disaster litigations. Recognized for his expertise, Panish is considered one of the top personal injury attorneys in America.

8. Christopher Keller
Organization/Firm Linked With: Labaton Keller
Location: New York
Area of Expertise: Plaintiff Securities Litigation

Christopher J. Keller is the Chairman of Labaton Sucharow, focusing on securities litigation and representing institutional investors like pension funds. He has led successful cases such as In re Schering-Plough Corporation and In re Massey Energy Co., with settlements being based on hundreds of millions of dollars. Keller’s leadership has earned him recognition as a "Legend" and "Elite Lawyer" by Lawdragon, and he's been listed among the top global plaintiff lawyers. He frequently speaks at investor meetings about emerging legal trends and shareholder rights. Keller's advocacy extends to social justice initiatives, demonstrating his broad commitment to both legal excellence and societal impact.

9. David Coulson
Organization/Firm Linked With: Winston & Strawn
Location: Miami
Area of Expertise: Class Action, Consumer Litigation

David A. Coulson is an experienced trial lawyer specializing in complex commercial litigation, class actions, and product liability cases. With over 30 years of experience, he has successfully defended businesses in various industries, handling disputes related to consumer fraud, breach of contract, trade secrets, and business torts. Notably, he has achieved multiple victories on motions to dismiss and class certification challenges. Coulson's approach has been proven significant in winning high-stake cases, such as class action lawsuits involving false advertising and product defects. His clients praise his analytical abilities, courtroom expertise, and practical approach to litigation. As a founding partner of Winston & Strawn's Miami office, he leads the firm's Florida litigation practice.

10. Eric J. Wedel
Organization/Firm Linked With: Paul Weiss
Location: New York
Area of Expertise: Private Equity, Acquisition Finance

Eric J. Wedel is a partner at Paul, Weiss, specializing in securities litigation, antitrust matters, and other high-stakes commercial disputes. He has been instrumental in defending major corporations against class actions, government investigations, and antitrust issues. Wedel has a strong track record in securing favorable outcomes in high-profile cases, especially in the financial services and securities sectors. He is widely respected for his strategic thinking, deep understanding of the law, and ability to handle complex legal matters efficiently. His clients benefit from his extensive trial experience and commitment to providing pragmatic, results-driven counsel in challenging legal environments.

11. Erica Harris
Organization/Firm Linked With: Susman Godfrey
Location: Houston
Area of Expertise: Litigation

Erica Harris is a prominent trial lawyer at Susman Godfrey, specializing in commercial and energy litigation, as well as international arbitration. With 25+ years of experience, she has handled significant cases for major corporations like Chevron and Total Energies, securing favorable outcomes in complex environmental and contract disputes. Notable achievements include representing Chevron in climate change litigation and obtaining critical victories for clients in cases like Poly-America's trademark invalidity action. Harris is renowned for her courtroom skills, diligent preparation, and clear communication. Her excellence has earned her multiple recognitions, including recognition in Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America.

12. Gary Bornstein
Organization/Firm Linked With: Cravath
Location: New York
Area of Expertise: Litigation

Gary A. Bornstein is a leading partner at Cravath, Swaine & Moore, co-heading their Litigation Department. Specializing in high-stakes commercial disputes, particularly in antitrust, M&A, and securities litigation, he has gained significant recognition for his work on groundbreaking cases. His notable victories include leading Epic Games' antitrust actions against Google and Apple, securing favorable rulings and national injunctions. He also represented Qualcomm in disputes concerning patent licensing and secured pivotal appellate wins. Consistently honored as a top lawyer by publications like “The Legal 500” and “Benchmark Litigation," Bornstein is widely respected for his expertise and ability to handle complex litigation.

13. Ilene Knable Gotts
Organization/Firm Linked With: Wachtell
Location: New York
Area of Expertise: Antitrust

Ilene Knable Gotts is a leading antitrust attorney with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in merger clearance work, both domestic and cross-border. Gotts has been widely recognized for her expertise, earning the Lifetime Achievement Award from Euromoney’s Women in Business Law in 2019 and being named Antitrust Lawyer of the Year in 2016 by Best Lawyers. She previously served as a staff attorney at the Federal Trade Commission. Gotts is a member of the American Law Institute and the International Bar Association's Competition Committee and has been acknowledged for her exceptional client service by BTI Consulting Group.

14. Jacob W. Buchdahl
Organization/Firm Linked With: Susman Godfrey
Location: New York
Area of Expertise: Litigation

Jacob W. Buchdahl, a highly esteemed partner at Susman Godfrey, is renowned for his excellence in commercial litigation. Recognized as a leading trial lawyer, he represents both plaintiffs and defendants in complex cases across the United States. Notable achievements include winning a $1.6 billion trial verdict for BML Properties in a fraud and breach of contract case and securing a major victory for Memorial Sloan Kettering in a high-profile arbitration. As a former federal prosecutor, Buchdahl has built a reputation for his ability to simplify complex legal issues and deliver impressive results. His honors include recognition in Chambers USA, Lawdragon 500, and Super Lawyers.

15. Jennifer Leete
Organization/Firm Linked With: Cravath
Location: Washington, D.C.
Area of Expertise: Investigations & Regulatory Enforcement

Jennifer S. Leete is a distinguished partner at Cravath, Swaine & Moore, specializing in investigations, regulatory enforcement, and complex litigation. A former Associate Director at the SEC, Leete has over 20 years of experience overseeing significant enforcement actions, particularly in securities law, financial fraud, and emerging issues like digital assets and ESG. Her accolades include recognition by “Lawdragon” as one of the "500 Leading Lawyers in America" and being named a "Litigation Star" by "Benchmark Litigation.". Leete has contributed to advising companies and executives on regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and internal investigations. She also contributes to legal literature, such as co-authoring the SEC Compliance and Enforcement Answer Book.

16. Lary Stromfeld
Organization/Firm Linked With: Cadwalader
Location: New York
Area of Expertise: Capital Markets

Lary Stromfeld is a highly respected partner at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, where he specializes in complex commercial litigation and financial disputes. With a career spanning 3+ decades, he has represented major financial institutions, corporations, and individuals in high-profile matters involving securities, antitrust, and intellectual property. Stromfeld has worthy experience in handling class actions, government investigations, and regulatory enforcement issues. His exceptional legal skills have earned him recognition in industry rankings such as “The Legal 500” and “Chambers USA.". Clients value his pragmatic approach to litigation and his track record of delivering favorable outcomes in complex legal challenges.

17. Marc Wolinsky
Organization/Firm Linked With: Wachtell
Location: New York
Area of Expertise: Litigation

Marc Wolinsky is a highly experienced litigator at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, specializing in corporate governance, antitrust, and securities litigation. His worthwhile works include defending Airgas’ "poison pill" strategy and advocating for J.C. Flowers in litigation against Sallie Mae. Wolinsky was a key figure in the landmark World Trade Center insurance case following 9/11. He has also represented major corporations in antitrust matters and engaged in significant pro bono work, including reversing a manslaughter conviction. Wolinsky is admitted to practice in various courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, and serves as a trustee of the Legal Aid Society of New York.

18. Neil J. Weidner
Organization/Firm Linked With: Cadwalader
Location: New York
Area of Expertise: Structured Finance

Neil Weidner is a partner at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, specializing in commercial litigation and securities enforcement. He represents financial institutions and corporations in a range of legal matters, including complex commercial disputes and regulatory investigations. Notably, he has played a key role in significant cases involving securities fraud, antitrust violations, and complex financial transactions. Weidner has garnered a reputation for his skill in managing high-stakes litigation and his deep understanding of securities laws. He is recognized for his leadership in the legal community, contributing to his firm's success in navigating intricate legal issues and securing favorable outcomes for clients.

19. Paul M. Basta
Organization/Firm Linked With: Paul Weiss
Location: New York
Area of Expertise: Restructuring

Paul M. Basta is a highly respected bankruptcy and restructuring lawyer at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. He co-chairs the firm's restructuring department and is renowned for representing debtors, creditors, and boards of directors in complex bankruptcy matters. With With 19+ years of experience, Paul has played a significant role in handling high-profile Chapter 11 proceedings and bankruptcy-related acquisitions. His expertise spans various industries, including retail, energy, and technology. Paul is widely regarded as one of the top restructuring lawyers in America, praised for his strategic thinking and exceptional skill. His accomplishments have earned him numerous accolades in the legal field, solidifying his reputation.

20. Sigrid McCawley
Organization/Firm Linked With: Boies Schiller Flexner
Location: Fort Lauderdale
Area of Expertise: Litigation

Sigrid S. McCawley is a managing partner at Boies Schiller Flexner, renowned for her exceptional litigation skills. Her expertise spans high-stakes commercial disputes, with significant victories including a $365 million class action settlement for Epstein victims and a $100 million securities case heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. McCawley has been recognized as Litigator of the Year and named among the Top Ten Female Litigators by “Benchmark Litigation.". She is also recognized for her pro bono work, playing a key role in the legal fight against sex predator Jeffrey Epstein. Her accolades include recognition in “Lawdragon 500” and “The Best Lawyers in America.”.

Closing Remarks
To conclude, the lawyers featured in the above list represent the ones having the highest level of knowledge and expertise of the legal profession in the US. Their impressive track record and unwavering commitment to justice have earned them widespread recognition across various areas of law. Their expertise continues to reshape the future of the legal system and inspire the next generation of attorneys.