Bill Savino

As managing partner for Long Island’s largest law firm—also among the region’s most prestigious—Savino’s power is most quantifiable in having the region’s largest army of attorneys under his command. Trying Nassau County’s high-profile lawsuit against the Nassau Interim Finance Authority last year aside, that power is more often than not wielded more subtly. Most recently, he was named by New York State Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman to an advisory committee making recommendations on implementing a pro bono service requirement for attorneys seeking admission to the New York Bar. That’s just one of a litany of behind-the-scenes dealings and precedent-setting litigation—from Sept.11 World Trade Center Liability Coverage to the BPA-Plastic Products Coverage—Savino has put his stamp on over the years. Of course, you don’t have to believe us. Just ask any lawyer who’s been unfortunate enough to find him smiling back from the other side of the courtroom.

Inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2012