Jordan Thomas, Partner, Labaton Sucharow

What are some of your proudest recent achievements? I am so proud that our whistleblower clients are responsible for the SEC collecting more than $1 billion in monetary sanctions. That's simply remarkable. Even more gratifying, the vast majority of our clients don't regret coming forward and would do it again, if they had to. Historically, the outlook for corporate whistleblowers was bleak. Following the advent of the SEC Whistleblower Program, my team has successfully leveled the playing field for truthtellers. I'm proud to work alongside these professionals.

What does it mean to be a leader? There are many types of leaders. I have always identified with and been impressed by the rebels, troublemakers and outsiders, who see the world differently and courageously attempt to change things for the better and inspire others to join them in the good fight.

Name a lawyer or mentor whose leadership inspired you. Ralph Nader is a leader that I admire. As a young lawyer, he became concerned with consumer safety and has devoted his life to making the world safer for all of us. The organizations that he founded, the consumer protection laws that he successfully lobbied for and the countless pubic interest lawyers that he has inspired will be his enduring legacy.

How are the business and profession of law changing, and how should lawyers adapt for the future? Perhaps I am old school, but I don't believe the qualities that make great attorneys have changed much over the years. In my experience, if you focus on developing your craft and doing work that you are passionate about, the "business" of law takes care of itself.

What is the best advice for someone considering a career in law, or someone already in the profession who is seeking to make a greater impact? Accept that success is not a meritocracy. As a lawyer, legal acumen and hard work are simply not extraordinary qualities. At the highest levels, competence is common and it is extremely difficult to objectively differentiate top candidates. Young lawyers should try to develop an 'X factor' that will distinguish them from equally qualified attorneys. And, if you want to make a greater impact, model those that you respect or join forces with them.