With this issue, The National Law Journal inaugurates our Litigation Boutiques Hot List, featuring 10 small firms that take second place to no one in courtroom skill. These are the firms important clients turn to for state-of-the-art advocacy in bet-the-company cases. They are carving out specializations in products liability, international trade, intellectual property and other areas of the law. They also represent an avenue to practice high-end law on a more human scale than perhaps is offered by larger firms.
 ADDUCI MASTRIANI & SCHAUMBERG‘Skyrocket’ is heating up the ITC’s docket Washington firm was positioned to take advantage of an emerging front in the patent wars. |
 BONDURANT MIXSON & ELMORELuring top talent Atlanta firm succeeds by fielding small teams of lawyers who know their cases very well. |
 DURIE TANGRIFrom classmates to partners in a high-tech firm Splinter group departed a venerable San Francisco firm three years ago and took key clients with them. |
 GIBBS & BRUNSTexas firm obtains big settlement for investors Gibbs & Bruns’ proposed $8.5 billion settlement with BoA put the firm on the national radar. |
 GOLDMAN ISMAIL TOMASELLI BRENNAN & BAUMAt this start-up, the billable hour is anathema Chicago boutique specializes in defending pharmaceutical and medical-device makers. |
 NICHOLS KASTERTaking the employees’ side Whether pizza drives or strippers, the team finds satisfaction in sticking up for the little guy. |
 PODHURST ORSECKBucking the trend and finding success U.S. courts’ reluctance to hear overseas airline crash cases forced the firm to extend its reach globally. |
 REILLY POZNERMajor wins in Colorado Denver firm successfully represented a pension fund in a challenge to cost-saving legislation. |
 ROBBINS UMEDANot resting on laurels A decade after it helped launch a practice area, the firm still fights to keep corporations honest. |
 YETTER COLEMANTragedy took the wind out, but not for long Texas firm suffered a key partner’s untimely death, but came back swinging. |
| CHART Diversity Scorecard See how these small firms break down by headcount and demographic. |
Further Reading: • Plaintiffs Hot List • Midsize Hot List • Appellate Hot List |
