Many students pursue law degrees in hopes of one day becoming powerful leaders; unfortunately, not everyone makes it that far.
This year’s list of the world’s most powerful people includes 72 individuals – 14 are lawyers or law school graduates; among these is Microsoft founder Bill Gates as well as one Kenyan lawyer who broke barriers as one of Nairobi Stock Exchange’s largest female shareholders.
William Howard Taft
Alphonso was well-suited to pursuing legal practice; in fact, Yale Skull and Bones was his father’s fraternity of choice. Helen convinced Taft that politics provided more opportunities.
As Taft was encouraged by his wife to accept administrative positions and run for Republican presidential candidacy, Taft resigned his judgeship to serve under President McKinley as civilian governor of the Philippines, then returned home after Roosevelt appointed him Secretary of War in 1904. In 1900 he served his first stint with McKinley’s civil administration; Roosevelt offered him secretaryship as well.
He was an accomplished attorney, successfully prosecuting 80 antitrust cases and pushing through congressional amendments for federal income tax and direct election of senators. Unfortunately for progressives however, his high tariff rates caused friction within his law firm and against progressives generally.
Robert Kardashian
Kim Kardashian’s late father was an attorney renowned for his involvement in OJ Simpson’s murder trial. As part of the Dream Team that represented Simpson against charges that he murdered Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.
Born to Armenian-American parents in Los Angeles, he attended Dorsey High School. Eventually he earned a law degree from University of San Diego before turning his focus toward business ventures – co-founding Radio & Records trade publication before selling it off successfully in 1979.
Kardashian died of esophageal cancer at age 59 in 2003 and was laid to rest at Inglewood Park Cemetery.
Bill Clinton
William Jefferson Blythe III (Bill Clinton), known by his initials in 1946 as Bill Jefferson Blythe III was always fascinated with politics from an early age. Winning student elections during high school and college years as well as working with Congress staff members was among his interests, which earned him a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford. Later he graduated Yale Law School before teaching law in Arkansas before running unsuccessfully for Congress in 1974 – an eventful journey with numerous highs and lows along the way.
Clinton soon rose to become one of the leading politicians, eventually being appointed president in 1993. Unfortunately, however, he was beset with scandal surrounding the Whitewater land deal and his relationship with Monica Lewinsky; but still maintained strong approval ratings despite these setbacks and currently works at Williams & Connolly in Washington D.C as a partner firm.
Richard Scruggs
Dickie Scruggs earned national prominence and amassed fortune suing asbestos and tobacco industries. Additionally, he took on high-profile cases such as Wilson Case involving fee disputes among co-counsel and represented many victims following Hurricane Katrina.
Scruggs was well-connected. He owned a private jet, donated generously to political candidates, and even helped former U.S. Sen. Trent Lott select a judge.
University of Mississippi alumni earned his substantial fortune through lawsuits filed against asbestos and tobacco industries. After being charged with judicial bribery, he spent six years behind bars but still manages to retain most of his fortune.
Jane Wanjiru Michuki
Jane Wanjiru Michuki is an impressive Kenyan lawyer who has amassed an immense fortune. As managing partner of Kimani & Michuki Advocates – a top corporate law firm in Nairobi with clients like Equity Group Holding Limited as clients – and as largest female stockholder on the Nairobi Stock Exchange; her investments comprise an important portion of her net worth.
Law’s journey to success often begins with high-stakes cases that mark both lawyers involved and the profession as a whole. Legal powerhouses set standards of excellence within their fields and demonstrate what can be accomplished with hard work.