In the corridors of power where legal and political elites converge, the story of a law firm that lost a Supreme Court Justice’s name but continued to thrive is both a testament to resilience and a reflection of deep-seated influence. Before embroiling himself in a scandal that led to his resignation from the highest court in the United States, Abe Fortas was not just a Supreme Court Justice; he was also a founding partner of a formidable Washington law firm.

Abe Fortas, known for his pivotal role in arguing the landmark right-to-counsel case, *Gideon v. Wainwright*, co-founded the firm alongside two notable figures: a former head of the Justice Department’s antitrust division and a former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This trio of legal powerhouses established a firm that would become a cornerstone in the realm of Biglaw, even as it underwent significant transformations.

Despite its origins tied to such prominent figures, the firm underwent a significant rebranding when Fortas ascended to the Supreme Court. In adherence to ethical standards and to avoid any appearance of impropriety, Fortas’s name was removed from the firm’s masthead. What remained were the names of the two surviving founders, both of whom were influential New Deal power brokers. One had even served as a federal appeals judge before deciding to establish the law firm.

Today, the firm is recognized by just the surnames of these two remaining founders. It continues to wield considerable influence in legal circles, a testament to its founders’ legacy and its robust ability to adapt and excel in the competitive field of Biglaw. The firm’s journey from its establishment by a future Supreme Court Justice and other legal luminaries to its current status as a bastion of legal expertise underscores the enduring impact of its founders.

This firm's evolution from its auspicious beginnings through a scandal to its current prominence is not just a piece of legal trivia; it is a compelling story of adaptation, resilience, and sustained excellence in the legal profession. The removal of a Justice’s name did little to deter the firm’s trajectory as it remains a powerhouse in the legal world, upholding the ideals and expertise that were foundational to its inception.