50 Most Powerful People in D.C. Includes Some Lawyer Favorites
GQ has released its list of the 50 most powerful people in Washington, D.C.
The list is topped by White House Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel.
But Chief Justice John Roberts makes the top ten. CJ Roberts ranks #10, just behind Dick Cheney. Since Dick Cheney doesn’t have a job, I’m going to go out on a limb and say Chief Justice Roberts should be at least 9th.
There are a number of lawyers or former lawyers that are included in the top 50. But one of our favorites clocks in at #45.
See who after the jump.
At #45, GQ recognizes Tom Goldstein of Akin Gump and SCOTUSblog. Here’s part of Goldstein’s glowing GQ write-up:
Going on his hunch last summer that Sotomayor would be the next pick, Goldstein was able to roll out analysis of her major opinions within days of the announcement, making him the most sought-after commentator on the nominee. “I feel indebted to him,” says Linda Greenhouse, former SCOTUS correspondent for the Times.
Congratulations to Mr. Goldstein.
Click on the link below to check out the full GQ list.




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first to be unemployed
This list is of no consequence to PE and myself. PE, kudos on your grand victory at the golf course last week.
JG Wentworth
CJ Roberts' vote doesn't count any more than any of the other eight justices'.
PE receives oral favors from Courtney Cox while I toil away for $28/hr sans benefits and paid time off. Perhaps this is how Fidel Castro felt in 1955.
By your logic you would rank ahead of Cheney.
Wow -- maybe Tom Goldstein will actually get a paying client for once, rather than pro se cases!
But probably not.
This is a silly list.
Obama's not on it?
Justice Kennedy's not there?
But a restauranteur, a stylist and 3 journalists are?
GQ should stick to writing about Ermenegildo Zegna suits and $3000 alligator wallets.
Wait a minute! Cheney is listed, but I'm not? This list is totally bogus!
Tom Goldstein's blog is great, but his inclusion on the list is absurd. If it's possible for his ego to get any larger, GQ might have found a way to make it happen.
What are the legal ramifications when your six year old steals your flying saucer, causing Denver airport to close? Colorado attys- you dont have to wait for the ambulance this time. Defense- get to that kids house. Those parents will need representation. Plaintiff's attys- get to the airport. There is lost revenue.
"There are a numbers of lawyers..."
Considering this is officially the slowest news day in ATL history, you would like to think that Elie had plenty of time to proofread. Think again.
Aye carrumba!
Mi dios mio!
Taco flavored kisses!
Burrito scented farts!
What are the chances that a Supreme Court litigator gets the chance to represent themselves at the high court - nonetheless, make a career out of it? 6, no doubt some status should award such good fortune....
First to say wtf is wrong with Henry Waxman's nostrils.
Why do you say "But Chief Justice John Roberts makes the top ten. CJ Roberts ranks #10, just behind Dick Cheney."
But, what? Chicken butt? I don't get it...
"Wow -- maybe Tom Goldstein will actually get a paying client for once, rather than pro se cases!"
Tom Goldstein's many appearance have always been pro se? That is amazing that one private citizen can generate that much cert-worthy litigation.
First to say that Rahm E. makes my knees quiver.
"Chief Justice John Roberts makes the top ten. CJ Roberts ranks #10, just behind Dick Cheney. Since Dick Cheney doesn’t have a job, I’m going to go out on a limb and say Chief Justice Roberts should be at least 9th."
You don't know Dick.
Ok, so I take it this list is a joke. Any list that doesn't have Ben Bernanke first is a joke. And tying Geithner with Summers is also mildly humorous.
"Tom Goldstein's many appearance have always been pro se? That is amazing that one private citizen can generate that much cert-worthy litigation."
Well, I could have said IFP cases, which is more accurate, but nobody here (including Elie) would know what that means. Insofar as the great majority of cases he takes are originally brought pro se, that is a decent enough proxy for IFP status.
The point is, no client who can actually choose his advocate ever hires Tom Goldstein.
-6
Add me to the list of those who think Justice Kennedy belonged on the list in place of Chief Justice Roberts. The list is about power, and the power to be the fifth vote in a 5-4 decision is far greater than the little extra power a chief justice has compared to the associate justices.