Bloomberg Law is inviting nominations for its 2025 edition of “They’ve Got Next: The 40 Under 40,” a special report that acknowledges the achievements of exemplary young lawyers across the United States. Now in its fifth year, this initiative aims to spotlight legal professionals under the age of 40 who demonstrate outstanding legal acumen and leadership potential.
The nomination criteria have been detailed by Bloomberg Law. Candidates must be actively engaged in the full-time practice of law, whether in a firm, corporation, governmental body, non-profit, or educational institution within the U.S. Those practicing internationally for American entities also qualify. Importantly, nominees must have shown success in handling significant client matters and should have demonstrated capabilities in assuming key roles early in their careers, often in high-stakes arenas such as corporate litigation, government investigations, and projects involving cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence.
- Candidates should have a proven track record of leadership in their professional environments and wider communities, emphasizing pro bono work and participation in diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- Innovation and thought leadership in legal practice are also crucial components for consideration.
Firms and organizations are allowed to nominate one attorney, while individual attorneys can self-nominate or nominate a colleague. Despite a large pool of potential nominees, Bloomberg Law limits the number of honorees to 40, with a cap of two attorneys per organization to ensure a diverse representation of talents.
To participate, nominators must provide a concise biography, an essay outlining the candidate’s qualifications, two letters of recommendation, and a high-resolution professional headshot. Additionally, candidates will be required to answer four fundamental questions regarding their legal philosophy and mentors.
The nomination deadline is set for 8:00 p.m. EST on Friday, March 13, 2025, and must be submitted through Bloomberg Law’s awards portal. For further guidance on the process, potential nominators can consult the 2025 Frequently Asked Questions, or reach out via email for any specific inquiries not covered in the FAQs.