Last year's legal landscape was tumultuous at best, filled with high-profile cases, ethical debates, and significant departures from tradition. Now, Above the Law has unveiled its finalists for the 2025 Lawyer of the Year, drawing from a pool of nominees that have stirred the legal pot in various ways. The list comprises six lawyers whose actions have dominated headlines and sparked conversations across the nation.

Pam Bondi, the former Florida Attorney General turned U.S. Attorney General under Trump, has been a polarizing figure. Her tenure at the Department of Justice has been marked by controversies, including a mass exodus of career attorneys and the appointment of legally questionable U.S. Attorneys, reshaping the DOJ into what many critics call "Trump's personal law firm."

Rachel Cohen, a former associate at Skadden, stands out for her moral courage. She publicly challenged her firm and the broader legal establishment over their responses to Trump's executive orders, rallying nearly 2,000 associates from various firms to demand a steadfast defense of the rule of law. Her actions have not only spotlighted the ethical dilemmas faced by attorneys but also earned her widespread acclaim and a Civil Courage Award.

Alina Habba, briefly U.S. Attorney for New Jersey before courts deemed her appointment unlawful, and Lindsey Halligan, whose prosecutorial misadventures were similarly rebuked by the judiciary, represent what many see as symptomatic of deeper issues within the current administration's approach to legal appointments.

Brad Karp, chairman of a major law firm, faced backlash for his decision to negotiate a deal with Trump following a retaliatory executive order. This agreement, which involved $40 million in pro bono work aligned with Trump's policies, prompted significant dissent within his firm and the legal community at large, raising questions about the balance between legal compliance and ethical integrity.

Finally, Jeanine Pirro, known for her television persona and now a Trump-appointed federal prosecutor, has pursued politically charged cases with zeal but limited success, earning her criticism for what many view as a misuse of prosecutorial power.

As Above the Law opens its polls for readers to vote on the Lawyer of the Year, the legal community and the public alike are invited to weigh in on these figures who have defined the year in law for better or worse. Voting remains open until January 11, 2026, offering everyone a chance to have their say in a contest that highlights the complex interplay of law, ethics, and politics.

Who will you vote for? The decision is sure to be as contentious as the nominees themselves. To cast your vote, visit Above the Law's official polling site linked in their announcement.