Top US Trial Lawyers of 2025: Lawyer Monthly's Expert Rankings

Top US Trial Lawyers of 2025: Lawyer Monthly's Expert Rankings.

Lawyer Monthly ranks the most distinguished trial lawyers across the United States based on their performance in high-profile cases, peer recommendations, and overall expertise in litigation. In this updated guide for 2025, we present the Top 10 lawyers from each band, ranging from Top Tier Senior Legal Experts  to Top Emerging Legal Talent, highlighting the industry leaders who define the modern legal landscape.

How We Rank Trial Lawyers

Our rankings are based on:

1. Client Recommendations & Peer Feedback: We gather insights from in-house counsel, fellow lawyers, and third-party experts.

2. Track Record of Success: This includes notable wins in courtrooms, handling complex litigation, and exceptional legal counsel.

3. Expertise: The lawyer’s specialized knowledge in areas like white-collar crime, antitrust, commercial litigation, product liability, etc.

4. Longevity and Impact: The lawyer’s sustained success over time and their contributions to the legal field.

2025 Rankings Overview: Trial Lawyers in the USA

Top Tier Senior Legal Experts (Top 10)

These lawyers are some of the most influential and seasoned figures in the legal world, offering decades of experience and leadership. They are the mentors and thought leaders shaping the future of trial law.

1. Chilton Davis Varner – King & Spalding LLP
   A trailblazer in product liability litigation, especially within the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors.

2. William H. Jeffress Jr. – Baker Botts L.L.P.
   Known for his mastery in commercial disputes and white-collar crime defense.

3. Brendan V. Sullivan Jr. – Williams & Connolly LLP
   Celebrated for his work in high-stakes commercial litigation and class action cases.

4. David Boies – Boies Schiller Flexner LLP
   A renowned name in constitutional law and antitrust cases, with several landmark legal victories.

5. Robert S. Bennett – Hogan Lovells US LLP
   A leading defense lawyer in high-profile white-collar crime cases and government investigations.

6. David R. Marriott – Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
   Distinguished for his role in complex securities and antitrust litigation.

7. Stanley A. Greenberg – Greenberg Traurig LLP
   Expert in high-profile commercial disputes and global regulatory matters.

8. Edward D. O'Keefe – Kirkland & Ellis LLP
   A leader in patent litigation, particularly in pharmaceutical patent cases.

9. Tom Melsheimer – Winston & Strawn LLP
   Specializing in commercial and securities litigation, with a reputation for securing big wins.

10. George P. Denny Jr. – Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
    Known for his exceptional work in securities litigation and class action disputes.

Leading Trial Advocates (Top 10)

The lawyers in this category are highly respected for their remarkable achievements in the courtroom. They are regarded as experts in their respective fields and consistently handle complex and high-stakes cases.

1. Barry H. Berke – Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
   A top choice for white-collar criminal defense, commercial litigation, and crisis management.

2. Tom Melsheimer – Winston & Strawn LLP
   Known for his exceptional track record in commercial litigation and complex disputes.

3. William H. Jeffress Jr. – Baker Botts L.L.P.
   A go-to lawyer for both antitrust and white-collar criminal matters, with a career that spans decades.

4. James M. Dowd – Sidley Austin LLP
   A leader in financial services and commercial litigation, with expertise in complex business disputes.

5. Karen L. Dunn – Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
   Recognized for her work in high-stakes commercial litigation, including defending clients in high-profile cases.

6. David A. Siegel – Kirkland & Ellis LLP
   Known for his outstanding skills in securities litigation, including complex corporate disputes.

7. Gregory B. Craig – Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
   Distinguished in white-collar crime defense and government investigations, especially at the federal level.

8. Kenneth G. O'Rourke – DLA Piper
   A top choice for antitrust and competition law disputes, with significant experience in international litigation.

9. Michael J. Bowe – Boies Schiller Flexner LLP
   A standout figure in commercial litigation and arbitration, particularly in the financial services sector.

10. J. Scott Ballenger – Hogan Lovells US LLP
    Recognized for his expertise in securities litigation and financial services disputes.

Elite Trial Lawyers (Top 10)

These lawyers are exceptional in their practice, often handling the most intricate and high-profile cases in trial law. They are highly sought after for their expertise, leadership, and success in complex litigation.

1. Dan K. Webb – Winston & Strawn LLP
   A formidable litigator with decades of experience handling antitrust, commercial, and criminal cases.

2. Diane P. Sullivan – Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
   Highly regarded for her work defending pharmaceutical companies in product liability and mass tort litigation.

3. Theodore V. Wells Jr. – Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
   A go-to lawyer for commercial disputes, antitrust matters, and white-collar defense.

4. Lori G. Cohen – Greenberg Traurig, LLP
   A standout in defending high-profile product liability cases, particularly in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.

5. W. Mark Lanier – The Lanier Law Firm
   Known for his success in representing plaintiffs in product liability and mass tort litigation.

6. Jonathan L. Stern – Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
   A key player in financial litigation, securities disputes, and complex business litigation.

7. Howard A. Shapiro – Latham & Watkins LLP
   Distinguished in securities litigation, particularly for large financial institutions and corporations.

8. Gary L. Hrbacek – Baker Botts L.L.P.
   A recognized expert in white-collar crime and securities litigation, with extensive trial experience.

9. Jeffrey L. Kessler – WilmerHale
   A top litigator in antitrust law, representing major corporations in significant commercial disputes.

10. Chris J. L. McPherson – Hogan Lovells US LLP
    Recognized for his work in environmental and product liability cases, particularly involving complex litigation matters.

Elite Legal Professionals (Top 10)

These practitioners are some of the most skilled and influential attorneys in the trial law field. They are known for their remarkable achievements, consistent excellence, and exceptional legal expertise across various sectors.

1. Barry H. Berke – Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
   Leading the charge in complex commercial disputes and white-collar criminal defense.

2. Orin Snyder – Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
   A top name in media and entertainment litigation, with extensive experience in class action defense.

3. Karen L. Dunn – Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
   Recognized for her skill in handling high-profile commercial cases, including litigation arising from corporate crises.

4. George C. Lombardi – Winston & Strawn LLP
   A leader in intellectual property litigation, with a particular focus on patent disputes in the pharmaceutical industry.

5. Brian M. Haggerty – Kirkland & Ellis LLP
   Known for his work in product liability and mass tort litigation, particularly in the consumer goods sector.

6. W. Mark Lanier – The Lanier Law Firm
   A renowned name in personal injury and product liability litigation, with a string of landmark cases under his belt.

7. Lori G. Cohen – Greenberg Traurig, LLP
   A key figure in defending major pharmaceutical and medical device companies in high-stakes product liability cases.

8. William S. Barr – Kirkland & Ellis LLP
   A respected figure in securities litigation, with a focus on complex financial and corporate disputes.

9. Charles F. Geyer – Sidley Austin LLP
   Expert in securities and financial litigation, particularly involving investment banks and hedge funds.

10. David A. Siegel – Kirkland & Ellis LLP
    A leader in securities and intellectual property litigation, handling complex cases for major multinational corporations.

Top Emerging Legal Talent (Top 10)

These lawyers are rapidly establishing themselves as some of the most talented litigators, with promising careers and increasing recognition for their work in high-profile legal matters.

1. Arturo J. González – Morrison Foerster
   Emerging as a leader in trade secrets and intellectual property litigation.

2. Jeffrey T. Kessler – WilmerHale
   Specializing in antitrust and commercial litigation with significant experience in high-profile cases.

3. Sarah M. P. Hughes – Sidley Austin LLP
   Known for her work in securities and financial services litigation, with a strong track record in class actions.

4. Jason D. McClure – Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
   A rising star in securities litigation and class action cases.

5. Mark H. Dowd – Baker McKenzie
   Known for his expertise in commercial disputes and international arbitration.

6. David W. H. Cook – Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP
   Specializes in antitrust and complex commercial litigation with international implications.

7. Michael P. Lynch – Winston & Strawn LLP
   Focuses on class actions and product liability cases with an impressive record of victories.

8. Ellen S. Sweeney – King & Spalding LLP
   Recognized for her expertise in environmental law and product liability litigation.

9. Lauren S. Fritsch – Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP
   A rising name in intellectual property litigation, particularly in patent and trademark disputes.

10. James A. Kesson – Baker Botts L.L.P.
    Known for his work in securities litigation and complex financial disputes.