BARON & BUDD

Founded in Dallas in 1977, Baron & Budd specializes in toxic torts including asbestos injury; it helped write the casebook on groundwater contamination. At present it represents some 180 municipalities, water providers and private well owners across 19 states suing over contaminants including methyl tertiary-butyl ether. The 80-attorney firm also maintains offices in California, Ohio, Louisiana and New York.