The ingredients for building a marquee U.S. Supreme Court and appellate practice include a deep bench, diverse cases, high-profile clients and a presence in the nation's highest court. By that measure, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe is swiftly mastering the recipe.

Over the past decade, many law firms tried to create first-rank Supreme Court and appellate practices. But without a long-range plan, many fell short. Orrick has a plan, and judging by its practice group's recent rapid growth, the last Supreme Court term and a number of important victories in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, its commitment is paying off.