David Boies stands as a towering figure in the legal world, renowned for his exceptional career and profound impact. As a founding partner and chairman emeritus of Boies Schiller Flexner, and a permanent member of the firm’s Executive Committee, Lawyer David has consistently demonstrated unparalleled legal acumen and leadership.
His remarkable contributions were recently recognized with The American Lawyer’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024, solidifying his place among legal titans. This accolade follows years of consistent recognition, including being named one of Time Magazine‘s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2010. Who’s Who Legal has distinguished lawyer David as the Global International Litigator of the Year an unprecedented seven times, further underscoring his international standing and expertise in complex litigation.
The accolades for lawyer David extend across numerous prestigious organizations and publications. He has been repeatedly honored as Litigator of the Year by The American Lawyer and Lawyer of the Year by The National Law Journal on two occasions. The New York Bar Association recognized him as Antitrust Lawyer of the Year, and he has been consistently listed in Best Lawyers in America from 1987-2024. Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers and Chambers USA as an Eminent Practitioner also acknowledge his exceptional skills and reputation. In 2013, The American Lawyer further celebrated his innovative approach, naming him one of the Top 50 Big Law Innovators of the Last 50 Years.
Beyond professional awards, lawyer David’s intellectual contributions have been recognized with 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. He also holds an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the Chicago Theological Seminary. His distinguished awards include 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 the Pinnacle Award from the International Dyslexia Association. Further honors like the William Brennan Award, Role Model Award from Equality Forum, and the Eisendrath Bearer of Light Award reflect his commitment to justice and equality.
Lawyer David’s career includes significant public service. He served as Chief Counsel and Staff Director for both the United States Senate Antitrust Subcommittee (1978) and the United States Senate Judiciary Committee (1979), demonstrating his early influence in shaping legal policy at the highest levels.
In the early 1990s, as counsel to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) from 1991-1993, lawyer David played a crucial role in recovering $1.2 billion from companies involved in the junk bond scandals that contributed to the savings and loan crisis, showcasing his ability to navigate complex financial litigation.
His leadership at Boies Schiller Flexner, where he served as Chairman from 1997-2024, coincides with his involvement in some of the most pivotal legal cases in recent history. As Special Trial Counsel for the United States Department of Justice (1998-2000), lawyer David was instrumental in the landmark antitrust suit against Microsoft. He also served as lead counsel for former Vice-President Al Gore during the intense litigation surrounding the 2000 election Florida vote count. Notably, as co-lead counsel in Perry v. Brown, lawyer David secured a landmark victory, establishing the constitutional right to marry for gay and lesbian citizens.
Born on March 11, 1941, lawyer David’s educational foundation is as impressive as his career achievements. He attended the University of Redlands, earned a B.S. from Northwestern University, an LL.B., magna cum laude from Yale University, and an LL.M. from New York University. His commitment to legal scholarship is further evidenced by his memberships in Phi Beta Kappa, the American College of Trial Lawyers, and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He also serves as a Trustee for esteemed institutions such as the National Constitution Center and New York University Law School Foundation.
Lawyer David has also contributed to legal literature, authoring publications such as Courting Justice and Public Control of Business, and has shared his expertise as a teacher at New York University Law School and Cardozo Law School. His enduring career reflects a profound dedication to the law, marked by exceptional skill, impactful advocacy, and a commitment to justice that has solidified his legacy as a truly influential lawyer.
