One of the highest-paying professions in the world is that of an attorney. The field of law encompasses several roles, such as litigation, corporate law firm jobs, patent, prosecutors, and many more. Some attorneys have amassed fortunes by practicing in the field for years. Let’s look at some of the highest paid (lawyer) lawyers in the world.
Who is the Highest Paid Lawyer?
The question of who is the highest paid lawyer seems very simple; it is not. It depends solely on the perspective of how they have accumulated their wealth. Some have specialized in their niches, and some have amassed fortunes by investing in businesses. The highest-paid lawyers include; patent attorneys, real estate attorneys, corporate attorneys, and divorce attorneys.
Highest Paid Lawyer (Lawyers) in the World
Charlie Munger
Charlie Munger is the right-hand man of Warren Buffet and the vice-chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. He has a stellar net worth of $2.3 billion. The former attorney is the Daily Journal Corp. Munger is an investor, businessman, and a former real estate attorney. He formed a law firm named Munger, Tolles, and his own investment company, which he amassed the majority of his net worth from. Munger is an active philanthropist and sits on the board of retailer Costco. This goes on to say that Charlie is a self-made billionaire who also went to World War II as an army meteorologist. Many argue why he isn’t as rich as Buffet; Munger is a philanthropist and donates millions to charity.
Richard Scruggs
Richard Scruggs is a prominent trial lawyer known for tobacco cases with over $1 billion in settlements. His famous lawsuits include the Lehman Brothers with a $51 million verdict and the Ritalin class action lawsuits. Scruggs was accused of the charge of bribery and in 2008, he pled guilty to the crime. He retained his fortune after spending six years in federal prison. The former attorney is now retired.
Joe Jamail
Joe Jamail passed away in December 2015 in Houston, Texas. He is known as the “King of Torts” with a whopping net worth of $1.5 billion. With a quick wit and love for Scotch, Jamail had a reputation for being rude and abrasive in the courtroom. His specialty was personal injury cases which amassed him $13 billion in settlements alone. Further, he won over 500 lawsuits and was known for his generous attitude outside of the court as a philanthropist. He won $10.5 billion for representing Pennzoil in a high-profile legal battle. Being a philanthropist, he has given over $216 million towards legal research through his foundation, Lee and Joseph D. Jamail Foundation.
Wichai Thongtang
He is one of the most powerful lawyers in Thailand and is also one of the richest people in South Asia. Thontang is a corporate lawyer who has represented several Thai executives and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The attorney is also a minority stakeholder in Bangkok Dusit Hospital. He is also the Chairman of Cable Thai Holding PLC and has earned over $1 billion in court settlements. Thongtang also chairs one of the largest hotel chains in South Asia, the Royal Orchid Hotel. He is known for his legal and business knowledge that helps him to branch out from his work.
William Lerach
William Shannon Lerach was debarred for a kickback scheme in 2009. He specialized in private Securities Class Action lawsuits. His biggest case yielded him a whopping $7.12 billion in court against Enron, which went down as a landmark case in US history. He has represented other prestigious clients like Disney, Goldman Sachs, RJ Reynolds, and Apple. Lerach is famously known as the “King of Pain” due to his fearless attitude in court. Being one of the most feared lawyers in America, he has the record of the largest settlement in a class action lawsuit.
Bill Neukom
Bill Neukom is the CEO of the “World Justice Project” which helps in advancing and promoting the rule of law worldwide. He is also the former managing general partner of the San Francisco Giants baseball team ownership group. Being graduated from Stanford Law School, he fights for social justice and has a brilliant mind making him an excellent closer in corporate law. His current net worth is $870 million, with a $72 million yearly income. Neukom also served as the president of the American Bar Association from 2007-2008 and as a partner of the K&L Gates law firm. His Neukom Family Foundation which he established with his wife Sally, supports non-profit organizations.
Judy Sheindlin
Judith Susan Sheindlin is a no-nonsense T.V. judge, court-show arbitrator, television producer, and former prosecutor and Manhattan family court judge living in Brooklyn, New York. She is known as a “tough” judge and has judged over 20,000 cases in her lifetime. Judge Judy has received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her role as a prestigious judge. She has written several books in her life that have helped towards her massive wealth of $250 million.
Willie E. Gary
Willie E. Gary is a corporate attorney and has taken down several American corporate giants earning him the title of “The Giant Killer.” He is the nation’s best trial attorney, with a feature in Ebony Magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential Black Americans.” Gary has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, and People as a top attorney. He has served on a board of trustees in many universities amassing a net worth of $100 million in his lifetime. Gary has also donated millions to law schools around America. He is also a partner at Gary, Williams, Parenti, Watson, Gary & Gillespie, P.L.L.C.
Conclusion
Law is a dynamic profession that can yield millions and even billions of dollars. Some pursue law for all the glitz and glamor, but some for giving to others and doing good for societal impact. However, one needs to have extensive knowledge about the field to be a successful lawyer. Years of expertise can help you excel.
