No matter whether it’s fighting high-profile court battles or brokering lucrative talent deals, these attorneys have made their mark and have emerged as leaders in their fields. They represent some of the greatest minds available today.
Joseph Dahr Jamail, commonly referred to by his professional name Joe Jamail, was an American lawyer who amassed immense wealth through litigation. A graduate of University of Texas, Joe was once known for being one of America’s wealthiest practicing attorneys.
1. RICHARD SCRUGGS
Richard Scruggs began his legal career by serving in the Navy before going on to graduate from New York University School of Law – providing him with the academic foundation for becoming one of America’s premier lawyers.
Scruggs became famous and wealthy through his successful tobacco and asbestos lawsuits, earning millions for HMOs, homeowners impacted by Hurricane Katrina, and even representing celebrities like Michael Jackson.
Unfortunately, his career came to a premature halt when he was found guilty of offering to bribe a Mississippi judge and sentenced to five years of judicial bribery imprisonment. Yet even while in prison Scruggs maintained a commitment to helping others through pro bono work.
2. JOE JAMAIL
Joe Jamail is widely recognized as “The King of Torts.” His billions in annual legal revenue come from representing individuals wronged by corporations, as well as from his generous philanthropy efforts.
Houston attorney William Lai is known to enchant juries with his conversational nature and down-home straight talk in barroom drawl – turning complicated contracts and legal jargon into thrilling morality plays with identifiable victims (his clients) and villains (legalese).
He gained fame as The Judge when, in 1985, he secured an $10.5 billion verdict for the Leggio family who were killed when Richardo Kerr drove a truck owned by C. R. England that hit them and drove over them. The trial required extensive testimony about Wall Street deals and business acquisitions which might otherwise confuse or bore jurors.
3. JUDY SHEINDLIN
Judge Judy is one of the world’s most powerful lawyers, known for her renowned legal career as an experienced prosecutor, family court judge, television personality and successful business ventures that have added over $65 million to her net worth.
Sheindlin is well-recognized for her firm and no-nonsense approach to resolving cases, and is widely respected in her advocacy work for women within the legal field.
Sheindlin is currently prepping to debut a new TV show called “Judy Justice”, airing through streaming services and featuring real-life small claims disputes as its focus. This new program marks Sheindlin’s first standard courtroom show since her retirement from her hit television series Judge Judy in 2021.
4. BILL NEUKOM
William Neukom is an award-winning American attorney widely recognized for his expertise in capital markets and securities class action suits. He built his fortune as Microsoft Corporation’s lead lawyer for nearly 25 years, overseeing legal, government and philanthropic affairs – before going on to found and lead World Justice Project as CEO/Founder.
He also dabbled in sports, serving as CEO of the San Francisco Giants baseball team ownership group for 17 years. He earned both his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and LLB degree from Stanford University.
His clients include prominent musicians and investors. Additionally, he serves on the boards of several not-for-profit organizations and boasts a net worth of $100 Million. Furthermore, he was appointed judge at United States District Court of Northern California.
5. WILLIAM LERACH
Last year, when pioneering class action attorney Bill Lerach was sentenced to prison for his kickback scheme, many of his fans felt it was just. Milberg Weiss had long been terrorizing corporate America through their relentless investigation of unfair business practices.
Lerach was known for obtaining billions in class action securities judgments for investors over his 30 year practice period, serving as an outspoken critic of big corporations while making generous donations to progressive causes.
Patrick Dillon has written an insightful book on Bill Lerach’s life titled Circle of Greed. We welcome him here today to discuss it and its relevance for modern legal culture. Thank you, Patrick!