The Mount Rushmore of American Litigators

By: Donald V. Watkins

Copyrighted on October 5, 2026

An Editorial Opinion

The four greatest litigators in American history are Thurgood Marshall, Johnnie Cochran, Bryan Stevenson, and Willie Gary. Each of these litigators was/is a strong, smart, brave, and extremely gifted gladiator in the courtroom. Each one knew/knows how to try cases and win jury verdicts or court judgments in his client's favor.

If there was a Mount Rushmore for American litigators, the name, image, and likeness of these four men would be on it.

Thurgood Marshall desegregated public schools, public accommodations, and public transportation systems throughout America during the 1930s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. In 1967, Marshall became the nation’s first black U.S. Supreme Court justice, where he used his extensive litigation background to usher in enhanced protections of constitutional and civil rights for disfavored Americans. Marshall died a national hero on January 24, 1993.

In 1995, Johnnie Cochran became the first black lead defense attorney to try a very controversial, nationally televised, murder case and win it in the courtroom. The “Not Guilty” verdict in O.J. Simpson’s murder trial is still talked about today. Johnnie’s life and work have been featured in countless documentaries since his death on March 29, 2005.

In 1989, Bryan Stevenson founded the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama. He has used his considerable courtroom skills to win court-ordered relief, reduced sentences, or freedom for a record-breaking 140 clients who were wrongly convicted or sentenced to death. Bryan wrote the bestselling 2014 memoir “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption,” which was adapted into an award-winning 2019 biographical drama film.

Willie Gary turned courtroom litigation into an art form. Since 1974, Willie has used his mastery of complex litigation to win massive jury verdicts for tens of thousands of historically disadvantaged Americans. Willie’s nickname in the legal profession is “The Giant Killer.” He earned this nickname through high-profile courtroom victories against large companies like The Loewen Group (a major funeral conglomerate) and The Walt Disney Company. Willie’s legal career and famous case involving client Jeremiah Joseph O'Keefe were also depicted in the “The Burial” film starring Jamie Foxx as Gary.

The two living litigation legends -- Bryan Stevenson and Willie Gary -- hold Martindale-Hubbell's top five-star "AV" rating. Martingale-Hubbell is the legal profession's most recognized and trusted peer review rating agency.

Finally, these four master litigators won their cases in the most hostile racial environments imaginable. In the process, they never betrayed their clients or sold out their people. Above all, they had courage when it counted the most.