The National Law Journal has named Harvard Law School Dean Elena Kagan ’86 and Harvard Law School Professor Elizabeth Warren as two of the top female attorneys in the country on its list of the “50 Most Influential Women Lawyers in America,” published on Monday.
“We looked for women with the demonstrated power to change the legal landscape, shape public affairs, launch industries and do big things,” writes the NLJ in its introduction to the list. Compiled from reader nominations as well as the NLJ editors’ own research, the list highlights women who have had a nationwide impact in their fields of law over the last five years.
Kagan is cited for her efforts to enhance the law school’s commitment to public service. Since her appointment in 2003, HLS has expanded its loan-repayment program for alumni who enter public service, guaranteed summer job funding, and required all students to commit to pro bono work.
Warren receives acclaim for her work in bankruptcy and consumer protection, including her fight against the unfair practices of credit card companies. In January, she testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, arguing that the lack of regulation in the industry allows companies to charge astronomical fees and penalties to consumers.
Four other HLS graduates have been named to the “50 Most Influential” list: Dale M. Cendali ’84, the chair of O’Melveny & Myers’ New York intellectual property and technology practice; Deborah L. Feinstein ’87, an antitrust lawyer who focuses on mergers and acquisitions before the Federal Trade Commission and the Justice Department; Jamie Gorelick ’75, the leader of WilmerHale’s national security and public policy and strategy groups; and Kathleen Sullivan ’81, a nationally respected constitutional scholar and the former dean of Stanford Law School.