2026 NJBIZ Law Power List

Practicing law has always been difficult. Long hours, intense pressure and the constant need to stay current as the regulatory and jurisprudential landscape shifts underfoot all combine to make an attorney’s life … interesting, to say the least. And those challenges have intensified in recent years, leaving no segment of the industry untouched.

Large firms face strain from their lockstep compensation systems at the same time clients are pushing back against billable hours and demanding new fee arrangements.

Mid-sized firms face pressure from above and below. Smaller firms may be able to beat them on cost to clients, while larger firms can offer more services across a wider spectrum of industries and venues.

Small firms and sole practitioners often lack the resources to compete in marketing their services and may struggle to keep up with changing technology. New kinds of entities are proliferating, offering bread-and-butter services at lower prices.

In-house counsel are not immune from cost-containment pressures, as C-suite executives and directors impose budgetary constraints within their departments. General counsel also run point on directives to keep outside legal expenses down. And, of course, corporate law departments face challenges from several directions in recruiting and retaining talent.

Lawyers everywhere must now deal with the spread of artificial intelligence within their own offices and those of their clients. The technology offers some relief from tedious tasks but also raises regulatory and security issues.

So, succeeding and thriving this environment counts as a tremendous achievement. This list is meant to recognize professionals who have figured out how do to just that. They manage the pressures and provide quality counsel in a wide range of contexts.

As you read through the profiles, keep in mind how quickly the legal business has changed and continues to evolve. In all likelihood, you will come away impressed with the energy, talent and intellect of our honorees. And please let us know if we missed anyone deserving of inclusion.

– Jeffrey Kanige
Email: jkanige@njbiz.com

Methodology

The Power and In the Lead lists are compiled by the NJBIZ editorial staff based on our reporting throughout the past year with input from experts in a variety of fields and recommendations from our readers. The staff looks for people who have gained public attention – and perhaps acclaim – for their professional accomplishments and public service. Each list identifies individuals who, through their efforts, are helping to make New Jersey a better place to live, work and do business. Honorees are not necessarily better at their jobs than others in their profession, but they have contributed meaningfully to the advancement of the public interest through their work and/or community service.

Meet the 2026 NJBIZ Law Power List honorees: