The 2024 “40 Under 40”: Honoring Young Legal Professionals Making Waves in the Legal Field

We are pleased to announce the 2024 honorees of “They’ve Got Next: The 40 Under 40,” the fourth annual Bloomberg Law award celebrating outstanding young lawyers from across the nation. This select group of professionals has demonstrated remarkable achievements in their respective fields, including law firms, corporations, non-profits, and government agencies. These individuals exemplify excellence and innovation, not just for their clients but also within their broader communities.

Our editorial team meticulously evaluated nominees based on their client success records. We also assessed their ability to balance client responsibilities, leadership positions, and pro bono work. Furthermore, we inquired about their early career lessons, definitions of success, and influential mentors.

For Anne Barrett of Willkie Farr & Gallagher, the most vital lesson from her first year was, “How you do anything is how you do everything. This applies to both practice and people. Developing relationships with colleagues in other practice areas and treating everyone with respect—from the head of a practice group to the mailroom—is critical. Being part of a team that you can rely on and that can rely on you is critical.”

Mark Schenkel of Sullivan & Cromwell highlighted his pride in being a creative problem solver, notably contributing to transactions like the multibillion-dollar partnership between OpenAI and Microsoft. Such innovative solutions underscore the significance of legal frameworks in advancing technology.

This year’s honorees also shared insightful narratives about leading high-stakes trials and appeals, advising government officials during crises, and navigating complex cross-border deals. Their stories reveal a blend of dedication to their legal practice and impactful community service. Mentorship played a pivotal role in their journeys, as many recounted the guidance received from senior attorneys and judges.

We encourage you to delve further into the experiences of the 2024 class through their detailed Q&As and explore the fun “By the Numbers” section, where you can learn about popular law schools and practice areas among the honorees here. Additionally, check out our latest feature, “They’ve Got Next: Where Are They Now?,” which revisits past honorees from 2021 through 2023 to see how their careers have progressed here.

Meet the 2024 honorees across various categories, including Antitrust, Appellate, Banking and Finance, Bankruptcy and Restructuring, Capital Markets, Emerging Technology Transactions & Intellectual Property, and more. These exemplary young lawyers now join the prestigious tradition of our Bloomberg Law awards.

For a comprehensive look at the 2024 Honorees of “They’ve Got Next: The 40 Under 40,” visit the announcement here.