Misconceptions about lawyers often include them being financially successful; however, just like doctors not all attorneys earn high incomes.
Some attorneys such as those at Boies Schiller Flexner LLP make millions every year due to their track record of success and outstanding reputation. Furthermore, it also matters which area of law they specialize in.
David Boies
Boies is one of the world’s best-known lawyers. His firm has represented such clients as Al Gore, George Steinbrenner and CBS. Boies has also served as special counsel in federal cases such as those brought by the U.S. Department of Justice against Microsoft for antitrust violations as well as Ted Olson in overturning Proposition 8 California ban on gay marriage. Many consider Boies one of the greatest cross-examiners ever; during one trial with Microsoft he reduced Bill Gates to stammering silence; while using similarly effective techniques when representing group of women accusing late financier Jeffrey Epstein of sexual misconduct claims.
Boies is known for his refined yet firm manner; yet his firm, Boies Schiller Flexner, is an aggressive legal adversary. Their firm has filed sexual-misconduct suits against powerful people and institutions such as The New York Times and Weinstein Company; when The Times revealed allegations of fraud at Theranos (a start-up promising revolutionary blood testing technology), Boies and two of his attorneys pressured an employee into signing a confidentiality agreement in an effort to prevent future leaks of information to competitors.
Although Boies is known for his high-profile cases, he also often acts pro bono on behalf of clients – such as filing a suit against Florida for failing to provide sufficient medical treatment to children, or shutting down Backpage a website known for posting sexual trafficking ads. Furthermore, Virginia Roberts Giuffre is currently represented by Boies’ firm for allegations made against Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz that involve having sexual contact with underage girls as part of an international sex trafficking ring.
At 31, Boies joined Cravath, Swaine & Moore of New York where he participated in numerous illustrious trials – persuading General William Westmoreland to drop his lawsuit against CBS after its documentary mischaracterized his role in Vietnam, and helping the Justice Department win their landmark antitrust suit against Microsoft. Subsequently in 1997 he founded his own firm consisting of 250 lawyers that now serves clients such as American Express, HSBC Barclays Theranos as well as Gary Jackson of Blackwater as well.
Daniel Petrocelli
At 68 years old, this veteran litigator has been at the center of attention in legal circles for four decades. His client list reads like an entertainment industry “Who’s Who”, while his case load includes both high-stakes civil and criminal litigation matters. American Lawyer named him their 2020 Litigator of the Year while Daily Journal awarded him their Lawyer of Decade honors. With offices both in Los Angeles and Century City – as well as O’Melveny Trial Practice Committee Directorship – Petrocelli stands apart as one of LA’s premier litigators!
Daniel Petrocelli’s professional achievements – who charges $1600 an hour – include winning a multimillion-dollar verdict against OJ Simpson for Ronald Goldman’s family. Additionally, Daniel represents Enron CEO Jeffrey Skilling and successfully opposed any attempt from the Department of Justice to block AT&T/Time Warner merger.
He has successfully represented household-name companies as well as celebrity clients, handling complex copyright and trademark litigation matters to include a lawsuit filed against Netflix over its anticompetitive practices.
Recent cases he has taken up involve CBS Corp CEO Leslie Moonves, who hired him to represent him during a sexual misconduct probe by the board of the company. Moonves is also engaged in a legal dispute with National Amusements Inc, his controlling shareholder, over its control of CBS Network.
O’Melveny Partner John Petrocelli is an expert on intellectual property law and trial tactics, regularly publishing on these subjects in his books and articles. In addition, he lectures at universities, seminars and law schools; serves as board member on professional associations; is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and since 2005 has been chosen for inclusion into Super Lawyers lists.
Petrocelli has found ways to ease his workload. By streamlining his process and focusing on a smaller group of high-profile clients, he is using his talent and experience to achieve optimal results for them. Listening closely to clients to understand their business and expectations before using this data to prepare for court cases is his mantra.
Michael Levin
Michael Levin is both a veteran advocate and member of Congress who specializes in energy issues. His writings about climate change and sustainable transportation alternatives have garnered much acclaim, while he also works to support veterans through legislation designed to enhance VA services.
Levin has written numerous books on Jewish history, philosophy and current events. He has appeared on television and radio programs; spoken at conferences across the nation; written articles for newspapers and magazines; hosted podcasts; appeared in podcasts; hosted his own weekly radio show as well.
Levin has extensive legal experience ranging from real estate transactions and criminal defense matters. He has represented high-profile clients such as celebrities and politicians. International cases he worked on included negotiations with foreign governments. Levin also has an incredible ability to connect with people quickly and find common ground quickly.
Levin, grandson of World War II veteran, has dedicated much of his time and efforts to veterans’ issues. As an active member of the House Committee on Natural Resources he leads in fighting climate change as well as protecting national parks and leading efforts against offshore drilling in California.
He grew up in South Orange County and attended local schools and universities. A graduate of Stanford University with his law degree earned at Duke University School of Law. Additionally, he served as a volunteer teacher while also providing contributions through Jewish Federation of Orange County membership.
As chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Levin has made it a priority to improve veterans’ benefits and services. He has sponsored multiple pieces of legislation through this important committee and takes great pride in leading it. Furthermore, he co-founded Sustain OC to accelerate transition toward sustainable energy in Orange County.
Robert Shapiro
Robert Shapiro is one of the world’s premier criminal defense lawyers, representing athletes, musicians and actors as celebrity clients. His professional achievements include representing OJ Simpson in his 1995 trial for murdering Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman as well as high-profile business leaders like Sumner Redstone, Kirk Kerkorian and Steve Wynn. Alongside his legal success he also published a book on criminal law!
Shapiro launched his own firm shortly after graduating from Loyola Law School, eventually known as Shapiro, Robinson & Associates, in 1972. Following OJ Simpson’s conviction in 1994 for murdering his wife and her friend – only for this verdict to later be overturned later that same year; Shapiro gained even further fame appearing in film and television dramatizations of the trial itself.
Since the end of the Simpson trial, Shapiro has turned his focus away from criminal defense and toward civil litigation. He has represented several high-profile clients such as the Kardashians and Johnny Carson; as well as publishing several books like his latest “SEARCH FOR JUSTICE.”
As well as running his successful law practice, Shapiro has also invested in various businesses and charitable ventures. He co-founded LegalZoom online legal-document service as well as Brent Shapiro Foundation which promotes drug awareness in memory of his son Brent Shapiro. Furthermore, Shapiro donated to several charities such as Los Angeles Police Foundation and Jewish Federation.
Shapiro has made waves recently as an attorney; however, in 2018 the Securities and Exchange Commission filed suit against him for his role in Woodbridge Investment Firm’s massive Ponzi scheme, raising more than $1 billion from investors. According to reports, Shapiro and his wife spent large portions of this money on luxury items like a 6200 square-foot Beverly Hills mansion; additionally they spent millions of dollars on travel and charter flights.