6. Kathleen Rice

She’s made a big jump from last year’s list, and with good reason. Nassau’s DA has continued on her course to make good on her campaign promises of almost two years ago. Now, nearly midway through her first term, it is undeniable that Rice has flown against conventional thinking in her office. Promising to get tough on DWI offenses, she established a special court to prosecute offenders while ticking off the criminal defense community in a big way. But Rice makes no apologies for her tactics, despite her foes. It is clear that she will continue with her resolve to get tough on crime, and the fireworks will continue to fly around her.