As 2025 winds down, the legal community buzzes with anticipation for Above the Law's annual Lawyer of the Year (LOTY) competition. It's time to reflect on the attorneys who have shaped the legal landscape over the past year and submit your nominations for those who stood out.

Like previous years, the process begins with you. You can nominate any lawyer who has made an impact—be it through influence, notoriety, or sheer creativity. Send your nominations via email by December 19, ensuring that your candidates are both living and legally certified.

Past winners set a high bar for what it means to be LOTY. They range from high-profile figures like Chief Justice John Roberts and President Barack Obama, to more colorful characters such as Christopher Hook, known for his fiery language during negotiations, and Bryan Wilson, the "Law Hawk," famed for his unconventional advertising tactics. This variety underscores the competition's openness to diverse and compelling legal stories.

LOTY isn't just about celebrating recognized names. The victory of Loyola 2L in 2007 proved that even lesser-known legal minds could capture the public’s imagination and respect. Similarly, Kyle McEntee and Patrick Lynch, who co-founded Law School Transparency, received accolades for their work in legal education reform, demonstrating that impactful contributions to the legal field often come from outside traditional practice.

What does it take to be nominated? That's entirely up to the nominators and voters. Whether a lawyer is championing groundbreaking cases, influencing policy, or simply using their legal skills in unique ways, the criteria are broad and inclusive.

Remember to submit your nominations by the deadline to ensure your chosen lawyers get a chance to join the ranks of these illustrious LOTY alumni. The review of nominees will follow, culminating in a reader poll where the legal community casts their votes to decide who truly deserves the title of Lawyer of the Year for 2025.

Let the nominations begin! Engage in this exciting opportunity to highlight legal professionals who are not just practicing law but are transforming it in their unique ways.