Dozens of lawyers have made waves with significant court victories, wealth accumulation, or social contributions over time. From Jane Wanjiru Michuki of Nairobi Stock Exchange’s largest female stockholder to University of Pittsburg School of Law alumni Richard Scruggs; these legal titans demonstrate that hard work pays off.
Corporate defense-side employment relies heavily on contract jobs.
Richard Scruggs
Mississippi lawyer Richard Scruggs once epitomized power and success. A master of class-action litigation, winning huge settlements for clients exposed to asbestos or tobacco exposure, Scruggs earned millions while rubbing shoulders with powerful figures in Washington – even becoming the brother-in-law of Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott!
Now facing a bribery conviction and potential prison sentence, Dickie Scruggs once considered untouchable is one of the more prominent trial lawyers who has fallen victim to temptation or crime. His indictment by federal prosecutors will have ripple effects far beyond his home state as they take aim at prominent plaintiffs’ lawyers who garner massive settlements for numerous clients.
This case concerns how to split over $26.5 million in legal fees — part of an ongoing battle between trial lawyers and corporate America over trial lawyer access that can result in multibillion-dollar payouts. Meanwhile, details regarding Mr. Scruggs, his son Zach and another business associate’s efforts to influence a judge in an insurance-company related lawsuit is providing insight into how large corporations trade favors, influence or money in exchange for not being sued.
Mr. Scruggs, a longtime Republican and frequent donor to political candidates and liberal causes groups, served as mentor to former Enron CEO Jeff Skilling after its collapse and downfall, was even given his private pilot’s license by him! Diane lives with him in Oxford Mississippi while they each make generous donations without public recognition in fear that it might damage worthy efforts; during free time they enjoy long walks with one former McKinsey consultant who now resides at Federal Correctional Institution Pascagoula as fellow inmates
Wichai Thongtang
Wichai Thongtang, a lawyer-turned-businessman, has amassed an immense fortune through strategic investment ventures in healthcare and other fields. His transition from legal practice to entrepreneurship serves as an inspiration to professionals looking for ways to diversify their careers and Thongtang’s investments have had an enormous impact in shaping Thailand’s healthcare sector, helping its growth and modernization.
Thongtang began his professional life as a corporate lawyer, representing high-profile executives and corporations in corporate law matters. His fame increased after winning an asset concealment case against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in 2001 – earning him the moniker “Thailand’s Takeover King.”
Thongtang initially made his fortune through real estate as legal fees from cash-strapped clients, giving him an entryway into property development. Utilizing his expertise in healthcare assets to return struggling hospitals back into profitability. Today his portfolio includes hospital-related holdings as well as CTH pay-TV operator and Bangkok Dusit Medical Services which have all contributed towards making him wealthy.
Thongtang’s success as an investor stems from his approach to risk management. While mistakes are inevitable, he does not allow them to derail his goals – making him an invaluable asset to both government and international investors he works with.
Thongtang plans on continuing his expansion of his empire and has no plans for retirement any time soon. He still attends work each day at Phyathai 2 Hospital in Bangkok with no intention of slowing down anytime soon. Despite being extremely busy, Thongtang still takes the time out every morning for himself by going jogging – maintaining both health and his fitness while making important decisions for his company. His success can be measured in his determination; from becoming one of South Asia’s leading lawyers to one of its most influential businesspeople is truly remarkable – stay tuned to discover more!