David Boies stands as a towering figure in the legal world, renowned for his exceptional career and landmark achievements. As a founding partner and chairman emeritus of Boies Schiller Flexner, and a permanent member of the firm’s Executive Committee, David Lawyer’s influence extends across diverse areas of law and public service. His unparalleled contributions were recently recognized with The American Lawyer‘s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024, adding to a long list of accolades that underscore his profound impact. Previously, Time Magazine named him among the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2010, and Who’s Who Legal has honored him as Global International Litigator of the Year an unprecedented seven times. These accolades are just a glimpse into the career of a legal titan consistently recognized by organizations such as The American Lawyer, The National Law Journal, and Chambers USA as a leading litigator and innovator in the field.
Early Career and Government Service of David Lawyer
Before establishing himself as a leading figure in private practice, David Lawyer dedicated himself to public service, gaining invaluable experience that would shape his future career. He served as Chief Counsel and Staff Director of the United States Senate Antitrust Subcommittee in 1978, and subsequently as Chief Counsel and Staff Director of the United States Senate Judiciary Committee in 1979. These roles positioned him at the heart of legal and policy discussions at the national level, providing him with a deep understanding of legislative processes and complex legal frameworks. Later, from 1991 to 1993, David Lawyer leveraged his expertise as counsel to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). In this capacity, he successfully recovered $1.2 billion from companies involved in the junk bond crisis that contributed to the savings and loan association failures, demonstrating his ability to navigate high-stakes financial litigation and deliver substantial results.
David Lawyer’s Pivotal Role at Boies Schiller Flexner and Landmark Cases
David Lawyer’s leadership at Boies Schiller Flexner, where he served as Chairman from 1997 to 2024, has been instrumental in shaping the firm into a legal powerhouse. His career is punctuated by his involvement in some of the most significant and closely watched legal battles of our time. Notably, he served as Special Trial Counsel for the United States Department of Justice in the landmark antitrust suit against Microsoft from 1998 to 2000. This case, which redefined the landscape of the tech industry, showcased David Lawyer’s prowess in handling complex antitrust litigation on a global scale. Further demonstrating his versatility and commitment to justice, David Lawyer took center stage as lead counsel for former Vice-President Al Gore during the contentious litigation surrounding the 2000 election Florida vote count. His strategic legal guidance during this highly scrutinized period underscored his ability to operate effectively under immense pressure and public attention. In a landmark victory for civil rights, David Lawyer co-led the plaintiffs’ legal team in Perry v. Brown. This pivotal case resulted in the first judgment establishing the right to marry for gay and lesbian citizens under the U.S. Constitution, marking a watershed moment for LGBTQ+ rights and solidifying David Lawyer’s legacy as a champion of constitutional law.
Awards and Recognition of David Lawyer’s Legal Prowess
David Lawyer’s career is replete with honors and recognitions from esteemed institutions worldwide. Beyond the Lifetime Achievement Award from The American Lawyer and his Time Magazine recognition, his consistent acknowledgment as Litigator of the Year by various publications speaks volumes about his sustained excellence. He has been honored as Litigator of the Year by The American Lawyer, twice as Lawyer of the Year by The National Law Journal, and as Antitrust Lawyer of the Year by the New York Bar Association. His peers have consistently ranked him among the Best Lawyers in America from 1987-2024 and Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers. Chambers USA recognizes him as an Eminent Practitioner, and The American Lawyer named him one of the Top 50 Big Law Innovators of the Last 50 Years in 2013. Further highlighting his intellectual contributions and influence, David Lawyer has received Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from the University of Redlands, New York Law School, University of New Hampshire School of Law, and New York University, as well as an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the Chicago Theological Seminary. His trophy case includes the Award of Merit from Yale Law School, the ABA Medal from the American Bar Association, the Vanderbilt Medal from New York University Law School, and numerous accolades for his contributions to justice and equality, including awards from the International Dyslexia Association, Equality Forum, and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
Education, Affiliations, and Publications of David Lawyer
Born in Sycamore, Illinois on March 11, 1941, David Lawyer’s academic journey laid a strong foundation for his illustrious legal career. He attended the University of Redlands before earning a B.S. from Northwestern University in 1964, followed by an LL.B., magna cum laude, from Yale University in 1966, and an LL.M. from New York University in 1967. His commitment to legal scholarship and professional excellence is further demonstrated by his membership in Phi Beta Kappa, and his fellowships in the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. David Lawyer also dedicates his time and expertise to numerous prestigious organizations, serving as a Trustee of the National Constitution Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York University Law School Foundation, and St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center. An accomplished author, David Lawyer has contributed significantly to legal literature with publications such as Courting Justice (2004), Redeeming the Dream (co-authored with Ted Olson), and Public Control of Business (co-authored with Paul Verkuil). Beyond his practice and publications, he has shaped future generations of lawyers by teaching courses at New York University Law School and Cardozo Law School.
Conclusion
David Lawyer’s career is a testament to a lifetime dedicated to legal excellence, public service, and the pursuit of justice. From his early government roles to his leadership in high-profile litigation and his numerous accolades, David Lawyer has solidified his place as a legal icon. His work continues to influence the legal landscape and inspire future generations of lawyers globally.
