Big Law’s Supreme Court Star Power Competes for Smaller Pie

Supreme Court veteran Kannon Shanmugam has practiced at the high court for nearly 20 years and hasn’t seen competition in the Supreme Court bar as high as it is now.

Earlier this year Shanmugam nevertheless joined a growing number of firms setting up new Supreme Court practices, making the jump from litigation powerhouse Williams & Connolly to launch Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison’s new practice.

The prestige of Supreme Court work can be a tool to enhance a firm’s brand—both for attracting new clients and new talent, too, said Robert Hochman, whose firm Sidley Austin was one of ...