In 1979, John Quinn set out for the West Coast, leaving behind a job at New York's Cravath, Swaine & Moore. Seven years later, he and a few other L.A.-based litigators would form their own firm, bringing on other Cravath refugees such as name partner Bill Urquhart. Since those early days, Quinn Emanuel has evolved from boutique to 100-lawyer firm enjoying a reputation as one of California's premier litigation shops. With three offices, the firm focuses on commercial litigation, offering particular expertise in intellectual property, entertainment law, white collar criminal work, and employment litigation.

No punking out

Quinn Emanuel stands out for many things, not the least of which a singular unwillingness to settle cases. As Bill Urquhart told California Law Week: "We don't punk out." Cocky? A bit, but the numbers tend to back up the attitude. Since its founding, Quinn Emanuel has brought over 230 cases to verdict. Partners William Price and Steven Madison, both former assistant U.S. attorneys, enjoy a win-loss record of 79-1 during the 1990s. If anything, the firm's success has caught the attention of students at the top law schools. Of 23 total 1999 summer associates, 16 hail from the "holy trinity" of Harvard, Yale and Stanford.

Taking casual beyond golf course attire