The legal field is home to highly impactful and influential individuals whose work extends far beyond their local area. These are the top five most influential lawyers of 2025 thus far, whose work benefits their clients and helps set bold new standards within the industry.
1. John T. Greenway, Esq – Guardian Litigation Group
Unlike many debt settlement programs that leave clients without legal representation when creditors sue, Guardian Litigation Group offers consumer protection and debt collection defense at no extra charge. With over 30 attorneys and 100+ professionals, the nationwide law firm has established a reputation for defending clients throughout every stage of the debt relief process.
Guardian has assisted over 55,000 clients in 48 states and has resolved over $600 million in debt. The firm is not a debt consolidation loan or credit repair service but provides comprehensive legal defense and debt settlement services.
John T. Greenway, Esq., Managing Partner of Guardian Litigation Group, is both a licensed attorney and an entrepreneur. After building multiple consumer-focused businesses, his legal journey shifted in 2017 when he encountered the world of consumer debt and saw firsthand the abusive tactics of creditors and collectors. Determined to address what he saw as an immense opportunity to have an immediate positive impact on the lives of thousands of struggling individuals and families, John designed Guardian, offering not just debt relief but real legal defense.
2. Todd Whatley – The Elder Law Coach
Todd Whatley has spent more than 25 years shaping the field of elder law. A Certified Elder Law Attorney since 2007 with an advanced LLM in Elder Law, he built one of Arkansas’s largest elder law firms before launching The Elder Law Coach, where he now mentors attorneys across the country.
Whatley’s career began in nursing homes as a physical therapist, where he saw families overwhelmed by Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care. That experience revealed an urgent need for legal guidance, inspiring him to transition into elder law. His background in healthcare, paired with legal expertise, has allowed him to serve clients with unique insight and compassion.
Through his coaching platform, Whatley continues to actively practice law while training attorneys to succeed in this highly specialized field. His model includes practical tools, case-based mentorship, and immersive training, helping lawyers avoid costly mistakes while building sustainable practices.
In 2026, he will host his first Transformation Summit, a hands-on, three-and-a-half-day event limited to just ten participants. For Whatley, the mission is clear: to show attorneys that elder law isn’t just a practice area; it’s one of the most rewarding paths in the legal profession, where grateful clients and meaningful work go hand in hand.
3. Raymond Gray – Gray Winston & Hart
This Texas-based boutique property tax litigation firm has over 125 years of combined experience. Founding partner Raymond Gray has over 40 years of experience in Texas property tax law, beginning as a law clerk during the revisions of the Texas Property Tax Code in 1981.
Gray’s background includes representing appraisal districts and taxpayers, giving him a dual perspective that allows for unique, innovative strategies in high-stakes disputes. He has litigated cases involving power plants, renewable energy projects, manufacturing facilities, hotels, retail centers, and large-scale real estate.
The firm has received an AV Preeminent rating, Gray is a Texas Bar Foundation Fellow, and it has received Best Lawyers 2026 recognition.
4. Jennifer Swanson – Swanson Law, PLLC
Jennifer Lynn Swanson is a former special education teacher turned Texas special education attorney. This affords her a unique three-seat perspective as a teacher, lawyer, and mother. She advocates for parents in special education law, emphasizing the importance of empowering them through Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), Section 504 plans, and knowledge of Education law.
Jennifer positions herself as “the most non-attorney attorney,” in that she is approachable, knowledgeable, and practical while remaining compassionate. Her main message emphasizes the power of a good IEP and the importance of empowering parents with knowledge of their rights.
5. Lem Garcia – Lem Garcia Law
Since 2014, Lem Garcia has grown his law firm from the ground up into one of Southern California’s most respected personal injury practices. With no money, no connections, and only the experience of just passing the bar exam, Garcia set out to build a practice defined by one thing: exceptional service. From the start, he stood out by meeting clients where they were at home, in hospitals, even at accident scenes while personally gathering evidence to strengthen their cases.
By focusing relentlessly on client service and results, those first cases turned into word-of-mouth referrals and glowing online reviews that fueled the firm’s growth. Later joined by his wife and partner, Therese, the two built a practice grounded in empathy, accessibility, and dedication.
That approach has delivered results: the firm has secured multi-million-dollar settlements, including $8 million, $3 million, and $2.75 million, along with several other seven-figure recoveries and hundreds of five-star reviews. Today, Garcia says the mission is simple: make the biggest impact on people’s lives when they need help most. That philosophy also guides hiring, with every team member expected to bring not only skill but compassion.
Making an Impact
Dealing with legal processes is never easy, but having a lawyer you can trust can make all the difference. Choosing the right attorney can give you peace of mind and help you achieve the best outcome for your case. These dedicated lawyers are making an impact in the legal industry, putting their clients first with each case.
