For the fifth year, we’re recognizing Washington lawyers for work that has advanced the practice of law. The trailblazers profiled here have won cases at the U.S. Supreme Court and influenced policy at the Justice Department. They’ve charted new courses for their firms and in-house legal departments, and spent hundreds of hours on pro bono cases that made a difference. The results of their work often can be felt far beyond the Beltway.

Selections are made by the editors of The National Law Journal, based on nominations from the legal community as well as our own research and reporting. The selections have been divided into two categories: Champions, those who have upheld the profession’s core values through public service, pro bono work and advocacy for civil liberties, and Visionaries, attorneys whose business foresight or legal acumen has expanded their firms, advanced the law or improved government.