September 17, 2026
Willkie partners Douglas C. Emhoff, Michael J. Gottlieb and Craig C. Martin have been recognized in Forbes’ 2026 list of America’s Top Lawyers.
They are among the leading attorneys nationwide selected by Forbes for setting the standard for excellence in the law “by the caliber of their work, the trust they engender and the results they deliver for clients.”
Doug Emhoff has more than three decades of experience as a litigator, trial lawyer, and trusted counsel to clients and global business leaders. He frequently advises corporations, boards of directors, and individuals on their most consequential business challenges, sensitive investigations, and complex litigation, including matters with significant reputational concerns that are international in scope, and emerging legal issues across industries and sectors. Prior to joining Willkie, he served as Second Gentleman of the United States.
Michael Gottlieb is one of the country’s leading litigators and go-to counsel for brand and reputational crises. He represents clients in enterprise-threatening events, including complex litigation at the trial and appellate level, government investigations and enforcement actions, and crises involving multi-front disputes with intense media interest. Michael serves on Willkie’s Executive Committee, Chairs the Crisis Management Practice, and is also Co-Chair of the Media & First Amendment Practice Group.
Craig C. Martin, Chairman, Americas, is widely recognized as a “courtroom to boardroom” lawyer who represents clients in their most important strategic, reputational, and economic matters. As one of the nation's go-to first-chair trial lawyers, Craig regularly represents corporate boards in times of crisis, and provides legal and business advice to the Fortune 100, family offices and private investors globally. Craig, a member of Willkie’s Executive Committee, established Willkie’s Chicago office, and maintains a global practice.
Forbes compiled its third annual list of the nation’s top attorneys in private practice based editorial research, nominations and recommendations from legal professionals.
View America’s Top Lawyers of 2026 here.
