The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and those who interpret it are considered some of the most important lawyers in our country.
This list includes lawyers dedicated to upholding and interpreting the US Constitution and those who have made significant achievements in their field. From Supreme Court justices to well-known advocates, these individuals have all worked hard to advance the rights enshrined in our nation’s founding document.
This article will explore each individual’s accomplishments, as well as their contributions to constitutional law. It will also provide insight into what makes them some of the top constitutional lawyers in the US today.
So stay tuned for an overview of America’s most respected legal minds!
Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Deceased)
Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been a prominent figure in the United States legal system for decades. She is one of the top constitutional lawyers in the US and has been instrumental in advancing gender equality rights. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she graduated from Cornell University with her Bachelor’s degree before moving on to Harvard Law School, where she was one of only nine women among more than 500 men.
Ginsburg practiced law at Rutgers Law School and later at Columbia Law School, where she co-founded the Women’s Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
She became a federal judge in 1980 and served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit before being nominated by President Bill Clinton to serve as an Associate Justice on the United States Supreme Court in 1993.
Since then, Ginsburg has written many important opinions on cases involving gender discrimination, abortion rights, and same-sex marriage. Her work has had a lasting impact on constitutional law in America, and she is widely regarded as one of the most influential jurists ever. Her legacy will continue to shape our understanding of civil liberties for generations to come.
Ginsburg’s career dedicated to protecting civil liberties makes her an undisputed leader among constitutional lawyers in America.
Unfortunately, Ginsburg died at her home in Washington, D.C., on September 18, 2020, at the age of 87.
Erwin Chemerinsky
Erwin Chemerinsky is a prominent constitutional lawyer in the United States. He is the founding Dean and Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. He also serves as Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Law at the University of California, Irvine School of Law.
Chemerinsky’s expertise ranges from civil rights and liberties to criminal procedure and constitutional law. He regularly appears before the Supreme Court, arguing cases on behalf of his clients.
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Chemerinsky has authored numerous books on constitutional law, civil rights, and criminal justice, including:
- The Case Against the Supreme Court,
- The Conservative Assault on the Constitution,
- Closing the Courthouse Doors: How Your Constitutional Rights Become Unenforced
- Processes of Constitutional Decision Making.
Multiple Supreme Court justices have cited his writings in their opinions. He’s also written extensively for popular publications such as The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Washington Post.
In addition to his writing career, Chemerinsky has been heavily involved in legal education reform. In 2009 he was named one of the top 10 legal educators in America by Legal Times magazine. His involvement in legal education reform includes advocating for improved access to justice through increased affordability for students.
Chemerinsky has long been recognized as one of the leading authorities on constitutional law in America today, serving as a go-to expert for lawmakers across the country seeking advice on complex matters related to civil rights and liberties. He remains an active participant in public discourse about our nation’s laws through speaking engagements, media appearances, and contributing articles to major publications regularly.
Neal Katyal
Neal Katyal is one of the top constitutional lawyers in the United States. He has had a long and illustrious career, with a recent achievement being the successful defense of DACA before the Supreme Court in 2020.
Katyal is currently a Professor at Georgetown Law School, where he teaches courses on national security law, constitutional law, and other topics related to public policy. He is also a partner at Hogan Lovells, focusing on complex litigation and appellate matters.
Before joining Georgetown Law School and Hogan Lovells, Katyal served as Acting Solicitor General of the United States from May 2010 to June 2011. In this capacity, he argued 19 cases before the Supreme Court and successfully defended a number of significant statutes before federal appeals courts.
In recognition of his exceptional legal work, Katyal has received numerous awards, including The American Lawyer’s Litigator of the Year Award in 2016 and The National Law Journal’s “Lawyer of the Year” award in 2017.
Time Magazine also named him as one of The 100 Most Influential People in 2018 for his work defending DACA against the Trump administration‘s attempt to end it.
Laurence Tribe
Laurence Tribe is one of the top constitutional lawyers in the United States. He’s an American lawyer, professor, and author specializing in constitutional law. Laurence has taught at Harvard Law School since 1968 and has argued before the Supreme Court of the United States on over 35 occasions.
In addition, he served as a senior counselor to President Barack Obama from 2014 to 2017.
Tribe is known for his extensive constitutional law work and involvement in numerous landmark cases. He also helped write the proposed Constitution of the EU treaty signed in 2004.
His book Constitutional Choices was named one of the “25 Books That Have Most Influenced The Way We Think About Our Government” by The Washington Post in 2012.
Tribe is a highly respected figure in legal circles and beyond. He’s been awarded numerous prizes and honors, including the National Humanities Medal presented to him by President Obama in 2013. In 2018, Tribe received an honorary doctorate from Yale University and was inducted into the American Academy of Arts & Sciences in recognition of his contributions to legal scholarship.
With his extensive knowledge and expertise, Laurence Tribe stands out as one of America’s top constitutional lawyers. His impact on legal history can be seen through his involvement with landmark cases and contributions to academic scholarship. His career is a testament to his commitment to upholding our nation’s laws and justice system.
Kathleen Sullivan
Kathleen Sullivan is a renowned constitutional lawyer. She is a professor at Stanford Law School, has argued cases before the US Supreme Court, and has been involved in some of our time’s most significant constitutional issues. Her impressive track record makes her one of the top legal minds in the United States.
Sullivan’s expertise lies in free speech and gender equality. She was part of a winning legal team that defended Planned Parenthood against anti-abortion protests in 1994. She also served as lead counsel on hate speech and same-sex marriage cases. Sullivan’s work has helped shape decisions around these topics, ensuring that all Americans have equal access to rights and protections under the law.
In addition to her court appearances, Sullivan is an acclaimed scholar and author. She has written extensively about constitutional law, freedom of expression, and women’s rights, among other topics. Her books include ‘Constitutional Law: Principles and Policies’ and ‘One Nation Under Law: The Supreme Court in American Life.’
Through her work as an educator, advocate, and writer, she continues to advance knowledge on key legal issues in the United States today.
Throughout her career, Sullivan has earned numerous awards for her dedication to uphold constitutional principles. In 2019 she was elected Fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences for her extraordinary contributions to society.
As one of the leading constitutional lawyers in America today, she sets a high standard for justice and equality for all citizens.
David Cole
David Cole is one of the top constitutional lawyers in the United States. Having worked for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for many years, he has been involved in numerous high-profile cases concerning civil liberties and constitutional rights. He is a professor at Georgetown Law, and his research focuses on national security, racial justice, and criminal justice reform.
Cole was born in Detroit and grew up in New York City.
After graduating from Yale Law School, he clerked for Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. He is currently the National Legal Director at ACLU and has argued several cases before the Supreme Court. In addition to his work as a lawyer, Cole is also a prolific writer. He has authored five books on civil liberties, constitutional law, and terrorism.
In recent years, Cole has advocated for criminal justice reform initiatives across the United States. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Innocence Project and has been deeply involved in advocating for the reformation of mandatory minimum sentencing laws. His commitment to ensuring access to justice for all Americans makes him a respected figure within legal circles nationwide.
David Cole’s extensive experience with civil liberties issues makes him one of the most prominent legal minds in America today. His dedication to protecting individual rights furthers our nation’s goal of providing equal protection under the law for all citizens. His leadership among constitutional lawyers continues to be admired by many as he works tirelessly to ensure everyone’s rights are protected regardless of their background or identity.
Akhil Amar
Akhil Amar is a renowned constitutional lawyer in the United States. He’s currently a Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale Law School, and his expertise covers the areas of constitutional law, civil rights, and criminal law. He graduated from Yale College and Yale Law School, earning a JD summa cum laude in 1989.
Amar has written extensively on constitutional matters, and his books include America’s Unwritten Constitution: The Precedents and Principles We Live By (2012) and The Bill of Rights: Creation and Reconstruction (1998). He is also co-author of a leading casebook on constitutional law.
His writings have been published in more than 40 academic journals and by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, Newsweek Magazine, Slate Magazine, CNN.com, and other outlets.
In addition to his writing career, Amar has taught at leading universities such as Columbia Law School and the University of California at Berkeley. He has been awarded numerous honors for his work in the legal field, including the American Bar Association’s Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award (2007), the National Constitution Center’s Liberty Medal (2017), the American Philosophical Society’s Henry Allen Moe Prize for distinguished scholarship (2018).
Notably, Akhil Amar was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve on the United States Commission on Civil Rights from 2003 to 2004. During this time, he advised Congress on civil rights reforms pertaining to voting rights issues and racial profiling practices by police departments nationwide.
Pamela Karlan
Pamela Karlan is one of the top constitutional lawyers in the United States. She has been a professor at Stanford Law School since 1998 and has been involved in numerous landmark constitutional cases. She’s also argued nine cases before the Supreme Court, making her one of America’s most successful advocates for constitutional law.
Karlan is an advocate for progressive values and civil rights. Among other things, she has argued that same-sex couples have a right to marry under the 14th Amendment and that the Second Amendment does not guarantee individuals an unrestricted right to bear arms. Her expertise on constitutional issues makes her an invaluable resource for anyone looking to understand this complex area of law.
In addition to her legal work, Karlan is an active public speaker who frequently appears on television and radio shows discussing current events related to constitutional law. She has also written several books and articles on civil procedure, equal protection, voting rights, and judicial review. Her work has tremendously impacted legal thinking and discourse in the United States over the past two decades.
Karlan is widely recognized as one of the top constitutional lawyers in America today due to her extensive experience arguing before courts and her commitment to advancing progressive values through her legal work.
John Payton
John Payton is a top constitutional lawyer in the United States. He’s been a Professor of Law at Howard University since 1997, where he teaches civil rights and constitutional law courses. He’s also worked as an Attorney-Advisor to the U.S. Department of Justice and has argued cases before the Supreme Court.
His work focuses on racial justice and civil rights, specifically related to education and housing. He’s represented numerous people for discrimination cases in court and was part of the legal team that sued the State of North Carolina over school district segregation. Payton also worked with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund to challenge voter ID laws that were discriminatory against minority voters.
Payton has received numerous awards for his work, including the National Bar Association’s “Lawyer of the Year” award in 2013. His commitment to advancing civil rights through law makes him a leading figure among constitutional lawyers across the country – he’s been described as one of America’s most influential voices in matters of race and justice.
Payton continues to be an advocate for civil rights, using his knowledge and platform to ensure that everyone has access to justice no matter their race or ethnicity. He’s become an important leader in this field – not only fighting injustice but teaching others how they can do so too.
Walter Dellinger
Walter Dellinger is a top constitutional lawyer in the United States. He has a long and distinguished career, having served as the acting U.S. Solicitor General under President Bill Clinton and as a counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee and the House of Representatives. In addition, he has held prominent positions at Duke University School of Law, where he was the Douglas B. Maggs Professor of Law, and at O’Melveny & Myers LLP, where he was partner and head of the Appellate Litigation Group.
Dellinger’s knowledge of constitutional law is formidable. He has argued numerous cases before the Supreme Court, including those involving abortion rights, free speech rights, and civil rights protections. He also wrote briefs in many major Supreme Court cases such as Bush v. Gore (2000), Hamdan v. Rumsfeld (2006), Lawrence v Texas (2003), and Citizens United v Federal Election Commission (2010).
His work extends beyond legal matters: Dellinger has written on a variety of political and legal issues for publications such as The New Republic and The Yale Law Journal; been an advisor to several government entities; chaired or served on committees or task forces; spoken at various conferences; and taught courses at Harvard Law School and Georgetown University Law Center among others.
Given his extensive experience in constitutional law, it is no surprise that Dellinger is considered one of America’s top constitutional lawyers today.
Michael Dorf
Michael Dorf is one of the top constitutional lawyers in the United States. He is a professor at Columbia Law School, where he has taught since 1995. Dorf has also served as a legal consultant for many organizations, including the American Constitution Society, the Brennan Center for Justice, and the ACLU.
Dorf’s career includes numerous awards and accolades. He was honored with the American Bar Association’s Outstanding Scholar Award in 2012 and named a Carnegie Scholar in 2013. Additionally, his work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other major publications.
Dorf’s research focuses on topics such as constitutional theory, federal courts, and judicial decision-making. His work has been used to support an array of legal arguments related to cases involving abortion rights, civil liberties, and other issues. He is a respected leader in Constitutional Law circles and continues to provide valuable insight into this area of law.
As such, Dorf is an invaluable asset to those seeking advice on constitutional matters in the United States. His expertise allows him to offer advice that is both informed and well-reasoned when it comes to complex legal issues.
Maureen Mahoney
Maureen Mahoney is a top constitutional lawyer in the United States. She has argued over 25 cases before the Supreme Court and was one of the country’s most sought-after appellate lawyers. Her legal career began at the U.S. Department of Justice, where she worked on domestic policy and civil rights issues.
In addition to her work as a lawyer, Maureen Mahoney is also a professor at Georgetown University Law Center. She teaches courses on constitutional law, civil procedure, and professional responsibility. She has written extensively on matters related to constitutional law and has contributed to several books on the subject. Her work has been cited in dozens of court opinions across the country.
Maureen Mahoney’s legal career spans decades, and she is an influential voice in constitutional law. Her expertise and experience make her one of the top constitutional lawyers in America today. Her ongoing commitment to upholding the rule of law makes her an invaluable asset for anyone seeking a qualified attorney for their case involving constitutional law or civil liberties issues.
Mary L. Dudziak
Mary L. Dudziak is an acclaimed constitutional lawyer based in the United States. She has had an impressive career that spans over 30 years, and she is one of the most respected figures in her field today.
A professor at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, Dudziak earned her B.A. and J.D. from Harvard University. She began her legal career as a law clerk for Judge John Minor Wisdom on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and then joined the faculty at Emory Law School, where she taught until 1994 when she joined USC’s faculty.
Throughout her career, she has written extensively about constitutional law and foreign affairs law, as well as other topics such as civil rights and civil procedure. Her work has been published in several books, journals, and periodicals, including Foreign Affairs Magazine and The New York Times Magazine. Her book Exporting American Dreams: Thurgood Marshall’s African Journey was awarded several prestigious awards, including Honorable Mention for the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction category in 2007.
Her influence on this area of law is far-reaching, with many lawyers citing her work as highly influential to their work in this field. Several organizations have sought her expertise, including the American Bar Association, UNA-USA Global Leadership Council, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), and the American Society of International Law (ASIL), among others. She is also a frequent speaker at conferences around the world, discussing contemporary issues related to foreign affairs law and constitutional law issues in America today
Richard Pildes
Richard Pildes is one of the top constitutional lawyers in the United States. He’s a professor at New York University School of Law, where he teaches courses on constitutional law, federal courts, and politics. His research focuses on issues such as voting rights, judicial decision-making, and government structure.
Pildes has written extensively on a variety of topics related to constitutional law and legal theory. For example, his book “The Constitution in 2020” provides an overview of how the U.S. Constitution has evolved over time and explores how it could be adapted for future generations. He also co-authored the book “Separation of Powers Law: Cases and Materials” which examines the various principles that make up separation of powers doctrine and its application in contemporary society.
Pildes’ work has been influential in shaping U.S. constitutional law, particularly with regard to voting rights litigation. He has testified before Congress several times on matters related to election reform and voting rights enforcement. His writings have also been cited by numerous Supreme Court cases, including Shelby County v Holder, which struck down a key provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 as unconstitutional.
He is widely considered one of the most influential legal scholars working on U.S. constitutional law today, making him an invaluable asset to America’s legal landscape. His work continues to shape our understanding of constitutional structures and their implications for society at large—an invaluable contribution indeed!
Sanford Levinson
Sanford Levinson is a professor of law at the University of Texas. He specializes in constitutional law, making him one of America’s top constitutional lawyers. He has written extensively on the topic, including his book “Constitutional Faith,” which argues for a reinterpretation of the Constitution in order to bring it into line with modern values.
Levinson is known for challenging traditional interpretations of the Constitution and exploring new ways to interpret it. His work has been used as a basis for Supreme Court decisions and he has testified before Congress on several occasions about constitutional matters. He has also served as an adviser to various presidential administrations on constitutional issues.
In addition to being an expert on constitutional law, Levinson is also a political scientist who studies American government and politics. He has written books about democracy, civil rights, federalism, and other aspects of American politics. His writings have provided insight into the way our government works and how we can improve it.
He is often invited to speak at universities across the country about his views on these topics.
What Services Do The Top Constitutional Lawyers Provide?
The top constitutional lawyers in the United States provide various services to those who require their expertise. They offer advice on constitutional law, providing an understanding of the rights and responsibilities outlined within it. Furthermore, they can review legal documents and ensure their legality under constitutional law.
Moreover, they can provide assistance with litigation processes to protect the rights of clients as outlined by the constitution.
The top constitutional lawyers also specialize in providing counsel on a range of topics such as criminal defense, civil liberties, immigration law and civil rights. In addition to this, they can assist in writing legal briefs and arguments to present before courts or other parties involved in a case. Furthermore, they are able to advise on matters of public policy that may have implications for the constitutionality of laws or regulations at both state and federal levels.
These highly respected professionals are often consulted when governments need help with interpreting or implementing new laws. They often appear as experts in court cases as well as engaging in public debates about controversial topics such as abortion and gay marriage rights. The services provided by these distinguished practitioners play an important role in protecting people’s rights under the Constitution and ensuring its continued relevance today.
No matter what particular service is required from these top constitutional lawyers, they all share a common goal: upholding the rule of law so that justice is served consistently throughout our nation’s judicial system. Their vast knowledge and experience make them invaluable resources for protecting individuals’ rights under the Constitution – something that is essential for maintaining social order in our society today.
How Can I Find A Constitutional Lawyer In My Area?
Once you understand what types of services the best constitutional lawyers provide, then you can start looking for one in your area. Many law firms have directories or listings of attorneys specializing in constitutional law, so check there first if you’re looking for a local lawyer. You could also ask friends or family members who have used a constitutional lawyer before for referrals.
If you can’t find anything locally, do an online search for “constitutional lawyer near me” or “top constitutional lawyers in [your state].” Make sure to read reviews from previous clients before hiring anyone so you can make an informed decision about who to trust with your legal needs.
Researching the qualifications and experience of different lawyers is essential when looking for a top constitutional lawyer in your area. Check out their websites to learn more about each attorney’s background and practice areas, and contact them directly if you need additional information or would like to set up an appointment.
Be sure to ask plenty of questions during the initial consultation so that you can make sure they are qualified and capable of handling your case effectively.
What Qualifications Do The Top Constitutional Lawyers Have?
When it comes to the top constitutional lawyers in the United States, there are certain qualifications that set them apart from their peers. These qualifications include extensive experience and education in constitutional law, a deep understanding of Supreme Court decisions, excellent research and writing skills, and a high level of proficiency in legal negotiation.
In order for constitutional lawyers to be considered among the best of the best, they must have a comprehensive knowledge base about federal and state constitutions, as well as an ability to interpret complex legal language. Additionally, they must be able to analyze large amounts of data quickly and accurately. They must also have strong communication skills to effectively present arguments in court.
These qualities enable top constitutional lawyers to provide the highest quality legal advice and representation for their clients. Their expertise allows them to stay on top of changes in case law and develop strategies that will help them win cases. Through their commitment to excellence, these lawyers are able to provide effective solutions for those seeking justice within our Constitutional system.
The qualifications required by the top constitutional lawyers are highly sought after by those looking for legal guidance or representation on matters related to Constitutional Law.
How Much Does It Typically Cost To Hire A Constitutional Lawyer?
When it comes to hiring a constitutional lawyer, one of the first questions people often ask is how much it typically costs. It’s important to note that this varies greatly depending on a number of factors. The experience and reputation of the lawyer, for instance, will likely have an impact on the cost. A top constitutional lawyer in the United States could charge anywhere from $200 to $1,000 per hour or more.
The services provided by the lawyer also factor into the cost. Someone who is just providing advice might charge less than someone who is handling litigation or other legal issues. Additionally, some lawyers may offer reduced rates for certain types of cases or clients who need extra help. It’s important to shop around and compare prices before making any commitments.
Ultimately, taking time to research and make sure you’re getting a good deal will help ensure that you get quality representation at a price you can afford.
What Are The Success Rates Of The Top Constitutional Lawyers?
When considering the success rates of the top constitutional lawyers in the United States, it’s important to consider what successes have been achieved in their past cases. It is also essential to understand that a successful outcome isn’t always guaranteed for any case, regardless of the lawyer’s reputation.
Successful outcomes depend on several factors, including the expertise and experience of the lawyer, as well as their ability to present an argument effectively in court. Top constitutional lawyers have a wealth of knowledge about legal issues and can often use their knowledge to create strong arguments for their clients. Additionally, these lawyers are well-versed in legal procedures and can help guide their clients through complicated processes.
It’s also essential to understand that certain cases require more resources than others. For example, a complex case involving high-stakes financial disputes might require a team of experienced lawyers working together over an extended period of time. On the other hand, less serious cases may only need one top lawyer who is able to provide adequate representation without needing extra support or resources. Ultimately, success rates vary significantly depending on the case at hand and the type of representation needed.
No matter how much experience or expertise a lawyer has, there is no guarantee that they will be successful in any given case. The best way for potential clients to determine if a particular lawyer is right for them is by researching their past successes and asking questions about their experience with similar cases.
