Finding exceptional legal representation can make the difference between winning and losing a case. In 2026, the United States boasts some of the world’s most accomplished attorneys who have shaped legal precedents, defended civil rights, and secured justice for countless clients. This comprehensive guide introduces you to four of America’s leading legal minds: Paul Clement in appellate law, Priya Chaudhry in criminal defense, Ben Crump in civil rights, and Lori Cohen in litigation.
Whether you’re facing criminal charges, fighting for your constitutional rights, navigating complex litigation, or appealing a court decision, understanding who the top lawyers are and what makes them exceptional can help you make informed decisions about your legal representation.
Table of Contents
- Paul Clement: Supreme Court Appellate Master
- Priya Chaudhry: Premier Criminal Defense Attorney
- Ben Crump: Civil Rights Champion
- Lori Cohen: Litigation Powerhouse
- Lawyer Comparison Table
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Choose the Right Lawyer
Paul Clement: The Supreme Court Appellate Master
Background and Credentials
Paul Drew Clement stands as one of the most accomplished appellate attorneys in American history. Born in 1966 in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, Clement’s legal career has been nothing short of extraordinary. He served as the 43rd Solicitor General of the United States from 2005 to 2008 under President George W. Bush, and his Supreme Court record is unmatched among contemporary lawyers.
Clement’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree summa cum laude from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, a Master of Philosophy degree with distinction in economics from Cambridge University, and a Juris Doctor degree magna cum laude from Harvard Law School, where he served as Supreme Court editor of the Harvard Law Review.
Practice Area and Expertise
Primary Focus: Appellate Law, Constitutional Litigation, Supreme Court Practice
Clement specializes in appellate matters before the United States Supreme Court and federal appellate courts. His practice encompasses constitutional law, administrative law, federal jurisdiction, and complex civil litigation at the appellate level.
Notable Achievements and Case Record
Paul Clement has argued more than 100 cases before the United States Supreme Court – more than any other lawyer in or out of government since 2000. His impressive portfolio includes landmark cases such as:
- Loper Bright v. Raimondo
- NetChoice v. Moody
- Hobby Lobby v. Burwell
- United States v. Booker
- Rucho v. Common Cause
- Epic Systems Corp. v. Lewis
- Kennedy v. Bremerton (representing high school football coach)
Beyond high-profile cases, Clement has undertaken substantial pro bono work, successfully representing defendants in cases like Bond v. United States (twice).
Contact Information
Law Firm: Clement & Murphy, PLLC
Location: Washington, D.C.
Website: www.clementmurphy.com
Professional Profile: Georgetown Law Faculty Page
Academic Roles
In addition to his private practice, Clement serves as a Distinguished Lecturer in Law at Georgetown University Law Center and as a Senior Fellow of the Law Center’s Supreme Court Institute. He also holds the position of Justice Joseph Story Distinguished Practitioner in Residence at the Gray Center at Scalia Law School.
Why Choose Paul Clement?
If you’re facing an appellate matter, particularly before the Supreme Court or federal circuit courts, Paul Clement’s unparalleled experience and track record make him one of the most sought-after attorneys in the nation. Chambers and Partners describes him as having “a really good way about him which is why he is the best before SCOTUS for oral advocacy.”
Priya Chaudhry: Premier Criminal Defense Attorney
Background and Journey
Priya Chaudhry has established herself as one of America’s most formidable criminal defense attorneys. Born in Delhi, India, her family moved to Cleveland, Ohio when she was one year old. Growing up in Cleveland’s projects and witnessing police treatment of poor communities of color inspired her to become a defense lawyer.
Chaudhry earned her undergraduate degree with High Honors from the University of California, Berkeley, and graduated from Northwestern University School of Law at age 23. She began her career as a public defender in Seattle before moving to New York City, where she has built a reputation as a fierce advocate for the accused.
Practice Area and Specialization
Primary Focus: Criminal Defense (White-Collar Crime, Homicide, Sexual Assault Cases)
Chaudhry handles the full spectrum of criminal defense work, from sophisticated white-collar cases to violent crimes including homicide and sexual assault. She also represents clients in regulatory proceedings before FINRA and the SEC, as well as Title IX violations.
Trial Record and Major Cases
With over 50 jury trials in more than 25 years of practice, Chaudhry’s trial experience is extensive. Her high-profile clients have included:
- Paul Haggis (Academy Award-winning screenwriter and director)
- Jonathan Majors (actor)
- Jennifer Shah (“Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star)
- Adam Foss (former Boston prosecutor) – secured acquittal on all charges
While not all cases result in acquittals, Chaudhry is known for her aggressive and creative defense strategies, earning her recognition as one of Hollywood’s “25 Power Lawyers” by The Hollywood Reporter and inclusion in Forbes’ list of “America’s Top Lawyers” for 2025.
Contact Information
Law Firm: ChaudhryLaw PLLC
Location: New York, New York
Website: www.chaudhrylaw.com
Bar Admissions: New York State and Federal Courts
Recognition and Teaching
Chaudhry has been teaching Trial Advocacy at Harvard Law School for nearly two decades. She has also served as adjunct faculty at Columbia Law School and Fordham Law School. Her published works include chapters in “White Collar Crime: Business and Regulatory Offenses” and “Defending Federal Criminal Cases.”
Professional recognitions include:
- Chambers and Partners (5+ years)
- Super Lawyers (15+ years)
- American Board of Criminal Lawyers
- National Trial Lawyers
- National Association of Distinguished Counsel
Why Choose Priya Chaudhry?
If you’re facing serious criminal charges, particularly white-collar crimes or high-stakes cases requiring sophisticated trial strategy, Chaudhry’s combination of trial experience, tactical creativity, and unwavering advocacy makes her one of the nation’s premier criminal defense attorneys.
Ben Crump: Civil Rights Champion and Social Justice Advocate
The Attorney for Black America
Benjamin Lloyd Crump, often referred to as “Black America’s Attorney General,” has become the face of civil rights litigation in America. Born on October 10, 1969, Crump has dedicated his career to representing families who have suffered injustice, particularly in cases involving police misconduct, wrongful death, and civil rights violations.
Crump earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and his law degree from FSU College of Law. He founded Ben Crump Law, PLLC with the belief that “justice equals respect.”
Practice Areas
Primary Focus: Civil Rights, Wrongful Death, Personal Injury, Police Misconduct
Crump’s practice encompasses:
- Civil rights violations
- Police brutality and misconduct cases
- Wrongful death litigation
- Environmental justice
- Class action lawsuits
- Catastrophic personal injury
Landmark Cases and Settlements
Ben Crump has represented families in some of the most significant civil rights cases of the 21st century, securing record-breaking settlements and verdicts:
| Case/Client | Type of Case | Settlement/Verdict Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flint Water Crisis Children | Environmental Justice | $641 Million | 2021 |
| Tyre Nichols Estate | Police Misconduct/Wrongful Death | $550 Million (lawsuit filed) | 2023 |
| Duane Washington | Police Misconduct | $411 Million | Recent |
| Tyre Sampson Family | Wrongful Death (Amusement Park) | $310 Million | Recent |
| Botham Jean Family | Police Shooting/Wrongful Death | $98.65 Million | Recent |
| Randy Cox | Police Misconduct (Paralysis) | $45 Million | Record Settlement |
| George Floyd Family | Police Misconduct/Wrongful Death | $27 Million | 2021 |
| Breonna Taylor Family | Police Shooting/Wrongful Death | $12 Million | 2020 |
Other notable representations include:
- Trayvon Martin family
- Michael Brown family
- Ahmaud Arbery family
- Jacob Blake
- Keenan Anderson
- Sonya Massey family
- Estate of Henrietta Lacks
- Estate of Malcolm X
- Astroworld Festival victims (nearly 200 concertgoers)
Contact Information
Law Firm: Ben Crump Law, PLLC
Headquarters: 122 S Calhoun St, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 505-3901
Website: www.bencrump.com
Additional Offices: Chicago, Washington D.C., and multiple other locations nationwide
Recognition and Impact
Crump’s influence extends far beyond the courtroom:
- Named to TIME 100 Most Influential People in the World (2021)
- Ebony Magazine’s Power 100 Most Influential African Americans
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- NAACP Thurgood Marshall Award
- NAACP Image Award for documentary work (2025)
- First practicing Black attorney to have a law school named after him (Benjamin L. Crump College of Law at St. Thomas University)
Advocacy and Leadership
Crump serves as President of the National Civil Rights Trial Lawyers Association and founded the Benjamin Crump Social Justice Institute. He has authored “Open Season: Legalized Genocide ” (HarperCollins, 2019) and hosted acclaimed legal docudramas including “Evidence of Innocence” on TVOne.
Why Choose Ben Crump?
If you or your family has suffered from police misconduct, civil rights violations, wrongful death, or environmental injustice, Ben Crump’s national platform, proven track record, and unwavering commitment to justice make him a powerful advocate. His firm handles cases on a contingency basis, meaning clients don’t pay unless they win.
Lori Cohen: Litigation Powerhouse and Trial Wizard
A Trailblazer in Complex Litigation
Lori G. Cohen has earned her reputation as one of America’s most accomplished trial lawyers, particularly in product liability and pharmaceutical litigation. As Vice Chair of Greenberg Traurig and Co-Chair of the firm’s Global Litigation Practice, she leads over 800 attorneys nationally and internationally.
Cohen graduated with distinction from Emory University School of Law in 1990 and has built a career marked by exceptional trial victories and leadership in developing diverse legal teams.
Practice Area and Specialization
Primary Focus: Complex Litigation, Product Liability, Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Defense, Mass Torts
Cohen’s practice includes:
- Pharmaceutical and medical device litigation
- Product liability defense
- Mass tort litigation
- Toxic tort litigation
- Medical malpractice defense
- Class action defense
Extraordinary Trial Record
Lori Cohen boasts an extraordinary trial record of 58 defense verdicts, a remarkable achievement in complex litigation. She has served as national, regional, and trial counsel for numerous medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers, successfully handling multidistrict litigation, class actions, and individual trials across the country.
Cohen is known for her ability to “parachute in” at the last minute before trial, particularly in challenging cases in difficult jurisdictions, and secure victories. One of her team’s victories in a pelvic mesh trial in Missouri was recognized by Courtroom View Network as the “Top Defense Verdict of 2016.”
Leadership and Innovation
Cohen created and chairs the Trial Practice Group at Greenberg Traurig, which she describes as her “brain child.” Upon joining the firm, she also built the Pharmaceutical, Medical Device & Health Care Litigation Practice from the ground up. Under her leadership, this practice has grown to include over 100 attorneys across more than 30 offices in the United States and globally.
In 2018, The American Lawyer named her group “Product Liability Litigation Department of the Year.”
Contact Information
Law Firm: Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Office Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Website: www.gtlaw.com/en/professionals/c/cohen-lori-g
Firm Scope: 800+ litigation attorneys across 51 locations globally
Awards and Recognition
Cohen’s accolades are extensive:
- Benchmark Litigation: National Practice Area Star (2020-2026), Litigation Star (2019-2026), Top 100 Trial Lawyer (2018-2026), Top 10 Woman Litigator (2018-2025), Product Liability Attorney of the Year (2019, 2022)
- Euromoney Legal Group: Life Sciences Attorney of the Year (2020)
- The Legal 500: Hall of Fame for pharmaceutical and medical device product liability litigation
- The National Law Journal: “50 Most Influential Women Lawyers in America,” profiled twice in “Winning Litigators”
- Chambers and Partners: Nationally ranked (2007-2026)
- Georgia Super Lawyers: Top 10 (2013-2021), Top 100 (2009-2021), Top 50 Female (2006-2021)
Breaking Barriers
In an industry where two-thirds of attorneys in civil cases are people of all genders represent only a quarter of lead or trial counsel, Cohen stands out as a female leader championing the development of diverse attorneys. She is widely regarded for building strong, diverse, trial-ready teams that include not just lawyers but nurses, in-house graphics designers, technology consultants, paralegals, and legal assistants.
Why Choose Lori Cohen?
If you’re a corporation facing product liability claims, pharmaceutical litigation, medical device lawsuits, or complex mass tort litigation, Lori Cohen’s track record of 58 defense verdicts and her reputation as a “trial wizard” make her an invaluable asset. Chambers USA Guide describes her as using “creative approaches to explain to lay jurors complex evidence.”
Comprehensive Lawyer Comparison
| Attorney | Primary Practice Area | Location | Notable Record | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Clement | Appellate Law, Supreme Court Practice | Washington, D.C. | 100+ Supreme Court arguments | Unmatched Supreme Court experience, constitutional expertise, former U.S. Solicitor General |
| Priya Chaudhry | Criminal Defense | New York, NY | 50+ jury trials over 25 years | Aggressive defense strategies, white-collar crime expertise, high-profile case experience |
| Ben Crump | Civil Rights, Wrongful Death | Tallahassee, FL (National Practice) | $1+ billion in settlements/verdicts | Civil rights advocacy, national platform, record-breaking settlements, contingency representation |
| Lori Cohen | Complex Litigation, Product Liability | Atlanta, GA (Global Practice) | 58 defense verdicts | Mass tort expertise, pharmaceutical/medical device defense, trial strategy innovation |
5 Most Searched Questions About Finding the Best Lawyers
1. How Do I Find the Best Lawyer for My Specific Legal Issue?
Finding the right lawyer requires matching your legal needs with an attorney’s specialization and experience. Start by identifying your specific legal issue (criminal defense, civil rights, appeals, litigation, etc.). Then:
- Use attorney directories: Resources like Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Avvo, and Martindale-Hubbell provide peer-reviewed rankings
- Check bar association referrals: State and local bar associations offer lawyer referral services with screened attorneys
- Research credentials: Verify bar membership, check for disciplinary actions, and review case outcomes
- Read client reviews: Look for testimonials from clients with similar legal issues
- Schedule consultations: Most attorneys offer free initial consultations to discuss your case
For specialized needs like Supreme Court appeals, seek attorneys with specific appellate experience like Paul Clement. For civil rights cases, look for attorneys with a proven track record in that area like Ben Crump.
2. What Questions Should I Ask a Lawyer Before Hiring Them?
During your initial consultation, ask these essential questions:
- Experience: “How many cases like mine have you handled?” “What were the outcomes?”
- Strategy: “What approach would you take with my case?” “What are the potential outcomes?”
- Fees: “What are your fees?” “Do you charge hourly, flat rate, or contingency?” “What additional costs should I expect?”
- Communication: “How often will you update me?” “Will you personally handle my case or delegate to associates?”
- Timeline: “How long do you expect my case to take?” “What are the key milestones?”
- Success rate: “What percentage of your cases result in favorable outcomes?”
Avoid lawyers who guarantee specific outcomes or refuse to discuss fees transparently. Reputable attorneys like those profiled in this article will provide honest assessments of your case.
3. How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Top Attorney in America?
Attorney fees vary significantly based on practice area, experience, location, and case complexity:
| Fee Structure | Typical Range | Common Practice Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rates | $300-$1,500+ per hour | Complex litigation, appellate work, corporate law |
| Contingency Fees | 25%-40% of settlement/verdict | Personal injury, civil rights, wrongful death |
| Flat Fees | $1,000-$10,000+ | Simple criminal cases, document review, wills |
| Retainer | $5,000-$50,000+ | Criminal defense, business litigation |
Examples from our featured attorneys:
- Ben Crump: Works on contingency basis for civil rights and personal injury cases – clients pay nothing unless they win
- Paul Clement: Likely charges premium hourly rates ($800-$1,500+) given his Supreme Court expertise
- Priya Chaudhry & Lori Cohen: Typically hourly billing for complex cases with substantial retainers
Remember that the most expensive lawyer isn’t always the best choice for your case. Focus on finding an attorney with relevant experience and a track record of success in cases similar to yours.
4. What Makes a Lawyer One of the “Best” in America?
The designation of “best lawyer” comes from several objective and subjective factors:
Peer Recognition:
- Rankings in Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Chambers and Partners
- Awards from professional legal organizations
- Reputation among other attorneys and judges
Track Record:
- Win/loss ratio in trials
- Size and significance of settlements and verdicts
- Precedent-setting cases
- Success in appeals
Experience and Specialization:
- Years of practice in specific area
- Number of cases handled
- Depth of expertise in niche areas
Professional Credentials:
- Quality of education (law school ranking)
- Judicial clerkships (especially Supreme Court or federal appellate)
- Government service (like Paul Clement’s Solicitor General role)
- Teaching positions at prestigious law schools
Client Service:
- Communication and responsiveness
- Client testimonials and reviews
- Dedication and personal attention to cases
All four attorneys profiled in this article excel across these metrics, which is why they’re considered among America’s best in their respective practice areas.
5. Can I Afford a Top-Tier Attorney, or Are They Only for Wealthy Clients?
The good news is that top-tier legal representation is more accessible than many people think:
Contingency Fee Cases (No Upfront Cost):
Attorneys like Ben Crump handle personal injury, civil rights, and wrongful death cases on contingency, meaning clients pay nothing unless they win. The lawyer receives a percentage (typically 25-40%) of the settlement or verdict only if successful. This makes elite representation accessible to anyone with a valid claim, regardless of their financial situation.
Pro Bono Work:
Many top attorneys, including Paul Clement, take on pro bono (free) cases that align with their values or involve important legal principles. Clement has successfully represented clients pro bono in Supreme Court cases including the high school football coach in Kennedy v. Bremerton.
Payment Plans:
Some attorneys offer payment plans for hourly or flat-fee cases, allowing clients to spread costs over time.
Free Consultations:
Most personal injury, civil rights, and criminal defense attorneys offer free initial consultations, allowing you to present your case without financial commitment.
Legal Aid and Reduced Fees:
For those who qualify based on income, legal aid organizations provide free or low-cost legal services. Some top attorneys also offer reduced rates for compelling cases or clients in financial need.
When to Invest in Top Representation:
Consider hiring premium attorneys when:
- Your case involves substantial damages or potential compensation
- Criminal charges carry serious penalties (lengthy prison sentences)
- Constitutional or civil rights are at stake
- The case will set legal precedent
- Your opponent has hired elite counsel
- Appeals to higher courts (especially Supreme Court) are involved
How to Choose the Right Attorney for Your Case
Match Practice Area to Your Needs
Each attorney profiled in this article excels in different areas:
- Choose Paul Clement if: You’re appealing a case to federal circuit courts or the Supreme Court, facing complex constitutional issues, or need expert appellate representation
- Choose Priya Chaudhry if: You’re facing serious criminal charges (white-collar crimes, violent crimes, sexual assault allegations) and need aggressive defense in New York or federal courts
- Choose Ben Crump if: You or a family member suffered from police misconduct, wrongful death, civil rights violations, environmental injustice, or catastrophic personal injury
- Choose Lori Cohen if: Your corporation faces product liability litigation, pharmaceutical or medical device lawsuits, mass tort claims, or complex class actions
Consider Geographic Location
While all four attorneys handle cases nationally (and internationally in Cohen’s case), location matters:
- Paul Clement (Washington, D.C.): Ideal location for federal appeals and Supreme Court cases
- Priya Chaudhry (New York, NY): Primarily handles cases in New York state and federal courts
- Ben Crump (National): Headquartered in Tallahassee but handles cases across the United States with offices in multiple cities
- Lori Cohen (Atlanta, GA): Based in Atlanta but leads a global practice with 800+ attorneys in 51 locations
Evaluate Your Case’s Complexity and Stakes
The four attorneys profiled here represent the pinnacle of their practice areas and typically handle:
- High-stakes cases with substantial financial implications
- Cases with significant legal or constitutional questions
- Matters requiring extensive resources and expert witnesses
- High-profile cases attracting media attention
For more routine legal matters (simple wills, uncontested divorces, minor traffic violations), you may not need this level of representation and could work with excellent local attorneys at lower cost.
Research Their Track Record
When evaluating any attorney:
- Review their win/loss record in cases similar to yours
- Check published case results and settlements
- Read client testimonials and peer reviews
- Verify bar membership and check for disciplinary actions
- Look for recognition from legal organizations (Chambers, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers)
Schedule Consultations
Most attorneys offer initial consultations (often free for contingency cases). Use this opportunity to:
- Assess chemistry and communication style
- Evaluate their understanding of your case
- Discuss strategy and potential outcomes
- Clarify fee structures and payment expectations
- Gauge their level of personal attention vs. delegation to associates
The Importance of Specialized Legal Expertise
The legal profession has become increasingly specialized, and the days of “general practice” attorneys handling everything from divorces to murder trials are largely gone. The four attorneys profiled in this article demonstrate the value of deep specialization:
Paul Clement has dedicated his career to appellate advocacy, particularly before the Supreme Court. His 100+ Supreme Court arguments represent more than most lawyers will handle in a lifetime, giving him unparalleled insight into how justices think and decide cases.
Priya Chaudhry focuses exclusively on criminal defense, allowing her to develop sophisticated trial strategies and deep expertise in criminal procedure, evidence rules, and defense tactics that general practitioners cannot match.
Ben Crump has become synonymous with civil rights litigation, building national platforms for his clients and developing expertise in police misconduct cases, wrongful death claims, and civil rights violations that drives unprecedented settlement amounts.
Lori Cohen specializes in product liability and pharmaceutical litigation defense, giving her unique knowledge of FDA regulations, medical science, and mass tort procedures that general litigators lack.
Conclusion: Finding America’s Best Legal Representation
The United States legal system offers access to some of the world’s most accomplished attorneys, and 2026 finds Paul Clement, Priya Chaudhry, Ben Crump, and Lori Cohen at the top of their respective fields. Whether you need appellate expertise, criminal defense, civil rights advocacy, or complex litigation representation, these four attorneys exemplify the highest standards of legal practice.
When seeking legal representation:
- Identify your specific legal need and find attorneys who specialize in that area
- Research credentials, track records, and peer recognition to identify qualified candidates
- Schedule consultations to evaluate fit, strategy, and communication
- Understand fee structures and ensure you can afford representation (remembering that contingency cases require no upfront payment)
- Trust your instincts about who will be the best advocate for your case
The attorneys profiled in this article have earned their reputations through decades of successful representation, innovative legal strategies, and unwavering dedication to their clients. While they represent the elite tier of American legal practice, the principles they exemplify – specialization, experience, proven results, and client dedication – apply at every level of legal representation.
Remember that the “best” lawyer for your case isn’t necessarily the most famous or expensive, but rather the one with the right combination of expertise, experience, and dedication to achieve your legal goals. Use the information in this guide as a starting point, conduct thorough research, and don’t hesitate to reach out to multiple attorneys before making your decision.
Additional Resources
For more information about finding legal representation:
- American Bar Association: www.americanbar.org – Lawyer referral services and legal resources
- Best Lawyers: www.bestlawyers.com – Peer-reviewed attorney rankings
- Super Lawyers: www.superlawyers.com – Top 5% of attorneys by state
- Chambers and Partners: chambers.com – Global attorney rankings
- State Bar Associations: Contact your state’s bar association for lawyer referral services and to verify credentials
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The inclusion of any attorney in this article is based on publicly available information and professional recognition. We encourage readers to conduct their own research and consultations when selecting legal representation. Case results and settlement amounts mentioned are based on publicly reported information and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
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Published: January 2026 | Last Updated: January 2026
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