Meet 5 Standout Lawyers of 2024

Most of us reckon that the legal world is just about arguments and statutes. However, for lawyers, it’s about passion, intellect, and justice.

Imagine attorneys who go beyond courtrooms to create waves of societal impact. They’re using their expertise to better educate people about the laws, protect the vulnerable, and fight for what’s right. They blend sharp legal acumen with heartfelt commitment, proving that the law is a powerful tool for positive transformation.

In 2024, the landscape of law is being redefined by such a remarkable group of individuals. All of them strive to champion fairness, pioneer reforms, and advocate for the voiceless.

In this article, we are celebrating such lawyers. These professionals are not only at the pinnacle of their careers but are also trying to make a difference in the world. From groundbreaking cases to innovative practices, these legal luminaries are setting new standards and inspiring us all. So, get ready to meet the top 10 lawyers of 2024.

Philip Berenz

If you’re in Chicago and looking for an accident attorney who knows their stuff, Philip Berenz is your guy. With a track record that speaks for itself, Phil has achieved many successful settlements and verdicts in various cases, including cases where he won judgments beyond plaintiffs’ initial expectations.

Phil has led countless bench and jury trials in Illinois State and some in Federal Courts. Plus, he’s taken his skills across the country, admitted pro hac vice in West Virginia, Florida, and California. This legal maestro reigns the legal world with poise and professionalism while fighting non-stop for his clients. 

Before law school, Phil spent five years in the securities and derivatives trading division at one of the world’s largest banks. His tenure as a financial analyst and Assistant Vice-President was spent working in the US and with its offices in Hong Kong, England, Germany, Asia, and Japan.

As the founder of Berenz Law Network, Phil has been handling injury cases in Chicago for over 20 years with beyond sound expertise. With his adeptness at dealing with insurance companies, he seeks to maximize his clients’ compensation they deserve – whether it’s for medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering or all of the above.

Berenz Law Network fights for justice, securing significant wins for clients and never representing big insurance companies or corporations. Their mission? Helping everyday folks fight back against the powerful when wronged.

If you or a loved one has been injured by any means, Phil Berenz is the attorney you need. His dedication to public safety, combined with his extensive experience, makes him the top choice for anyone looking to navigate the legal maze after an accident.

Darren Tobin

Trial attorney Darren Tobin has set records for some of the largest verdicts and settlements in Georgia history. His success in the courtroom has earned him recognition throughout the country. Year after year he sets records.

In 2022, Tobin won a monumental $100 million federal jury verdict – one of the largest civil rights violation awards ever won at trial in United States history. He also set the record that year by securing the largest settlement amount ever in a rural Georgia county when he settled a case for $5 million a week before trial.

Tobin’s stream of groundbreaking wins continued in 2023 with a $22.7 million wrongful death settlement. Despite facing long odds after other firms rejected the disputed liability case, his steadfast determination and tireless work proved the police officers wrong and he won one of the largest wrongful death settlements in the last decade.

Most recently in 2024, Tobin shattered another record winning a $1.6 million jury verdict. This marked the largest sum ever awarded in Georgia for a bicycle accident case.

As the founder of Tobin Injury Law, Tobin has built a powerhouse trial firm focused exclusively on representing severely injured plaintiffs nationwide. With over 300 five-star reviews, the firm’s courtroom mastery and negotiation prowess provide an unparalleled advantage. 

Beyond the verdicts, Tobin is driven by a deeper mission – advocating for automotive safety reforms to protect all. Embodying social responsibility, Tobin and his firm donate a portion of the firm’s profits to charitable causes worldwide every year.

A leading authority on the practice of serious injury law, Darren Tobin is raising the bar for personal injury representation. His legacy: exceptional advocacy and record-setting results for clients.

Vadim A. Glozman

A celebrated defense attorney and an advocate for the underdogs, meet Vadim A. Glozman—the principal attorney at Glozman Law, Chicago’s powerhouse for criminal defense. Glozman isn’t just your average lawyer; he’s a formidable force in criminal defense, dedicated to tackling the toughest cases head-on.

Specializing in white-collar and major felony defense, civil and criminal asset forfeiture, and appellate representation, Glozman handles everything from conspiracy and fraud to violent crimes and public corruption. His courtroom victories include acquittals, case dismissals, and major sentence reductions.

Glozman has been a criminal defense attorney his entire professional career.  During a brief stint as an intern at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office just prior to starting law school, Glozman witnessed the crushing weight of the legal system on the accused. This experience ignited his passion for defending the underdog, a theme that continues to drive his practice today. Whether representing a high-flying executive or an everyday individual, Glozman is committed to providing a robust defense and ensuring fair treatment under the law.

His credentials are impressive. Glozman holds a J.D. from the University of Illinois at Chicago John Marshall Law School and a B.A. from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He has been recognized as a Rising Star by Illinois Super Lawyers and an Emerging Lawyer by the Leading Lawyer Network. His accolades also include being named among America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100.

Glozman’s meticulous preparation and innovative approach, inspired by his mentor Ed Genson, make him a respected opponent in the courtroom. If you need a dedicated criminal defense attorney in Chicago, Vadim A. Glozman is a name to remember.

Anna Krolikowska

Divorces don’t have to be the end of the world; they can be compassionate, respectful, and thoughtful, too. Anna Krolikowska, a Divorce Attorney, Mediator, and Collaborative Divorce Professional, aspires to achieve these thoughtful and compassionate divorces for her clients.

She started Anna K Law to educate couples on all aspects of divorce so that families are able to make well-informed decisions during one of life’s most challenging times. When she prepares her cases, she customizes the divorce process according to her clients’ particular needs and circumstances. This is especially important because all families are different, and have different goals for their lives after the divorce, Anna helps her clients understand their options, and prioritizes their goals to achieve a better divorce outcome and create the life they want post-divorce for themselves and their family.

Anna’s 20-year journey in the legal profession has been nothing short of stellar, marked by numerous prestigious awards. Anna has been recognized multiple times as one of the Best Lawyers in America by US New Report, one of Chicago’s Top 50 Women Lawyers and one of 40 Under 40 by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. She has also earned the distinguished titles of SuperLawyer and Leading Lawyer numerous times. Anna  is also a Past President of the Illinois State Bar Association, and is only the 5th woman to have been elected president of the ISBA in the organization’s 148 years. She currently serves as Chair of the Boar of ISBA Mutual Insurance Company, the American Bar Association IL State Delegate and a member of the Executive Council of the National Conference of Bar Presidents, and as a Commissioner of the ABA’s Commission of Women in the Profession. Her achievements show her dedication and leadership in the legal field.

Beyond the courtroom, Anna passionately advocates for early education on divorce options, believing that empowering clients with knowledge can steer them towards paths of mediation or collaborative divorce—where disputes are resolved with dignity and mutual respect.

Looking forward, Anna’s aspirations know no bounds. She aims to expand her outreach, extending her compassionate counsel to more families in need. Her vision is clear: to continue providing compassionate and thoughtful legal guidance without compromising the positive, supportive experience that defines Anna K Law.

Cynthia Julliett McFarlane

Cynthia Julliett McFarlane is a prolific barrister, international mediator, and the creative spark behind Lawpreneur®. She’s turning the legal world on its head with her one-of-a-kind coaching, mediation, and litigation services. With two decades of legal prowess under her belt, Cynthia’s mission is to empower McKenzie Friends (who assist self-represented litigants at court), CEOs, and entrepreneurs to tackle legal challenges with confidence and finesse.

Cynthia’s story is as compelling as her services. From battling health challenges to feeling trapped by the traditional legal mold, she emerged stronger, ready to disrupt. 

Her journey from the esteemed English and Welsh courts to the international mediation arena has been truly life-altering. Her accomplishments, including the Personal Injury Awards 2020, and Mediation Achiever of the Year, speak for themselves. 

But it’s her innovative approach, encapsulated in the Lawpreneur® methodology, that sets her apart. With her comprehensive framework for 360-degree legal education, clients are better prepared to handle situations before, during, and after a dispute, protecting their reputation.

Lawpreneur® isn’t just about legal coaching. It’s a revolution for self-represented litigants and CEOs striving for self-sufficiency in legal battles. Whether it’s through one-on-one sessions, team workshops, or digital courses, Cynthia offers a lifeline in a legal quagmire. And let’s not forget her robust stance on mediation—It’s not just vague or insubstantial but a practical, cost-saving alternative to court chaos.

This dedication to practical solutions is what sets Cynthia McFarlane apart. In a world where the legal landscape is often murky, she shines as a beacon of clarity and empowerment, making sure her clients aren’t just heard but triumphantly roared.