Recognitions
Dan Webb Recognized as “Lifetime Achiever” by The American Lawyer
Recognitions
Dan Webb Recognized as “Lifetime Achiever” by The American Lawyer
August 16, 2017
Winston & Strawn Co-Executive Chairman Dan Webb has been named a “Lifetime Achiever” by The American Lawyer. The annual list honors lawyers who have had “extraordinary careers at some of the country’s most prominent law firms and other legal institutions, and whose public service contributions have had far-reaching impact.”
Dan has played critical roles in matters of utmost significance since beginning his career as a prosecutor, which led to his appointment as the U.S. Attorney for Northern District of Illinois. He entered the national spotlight when he successfully prosecuted Admiral Poindexter in the Iran-Contra Affair, and he continues to secure industry-shaping wins for America’s largest companies and serve the public interest in highly sensitive matters.
As the U.S. Attorney for Chicago in 1984, Dan made legal history when a federal jury returned a guilty verdict in a bribery case against a Cook County judge. The conviction was part of Operation Greylord, a controversial investigation into corruption in the Chicago judicial system that led to nearly 100 indictments and the convictions of 15 judges and 50 lawyers. Dan employed innovative tactics to root out the corruption, including bugging a judge’s chambers, recording phone conversations, and sending undercover agents to pose as corrupt prosecutors and lawyers.
Throughout his career, Dan has swayed juries with his straightforward courtroom style that often simplifies complex cases down to one singular question. Most recently, Dan delivered a historic win for client Beef Products Inc. (BPI) in its defamation lawsuit against ABC.
Dan’s advice to young lawyers: “It doesn't matter how smart you are. It doesn't matter how quick you think you are on your feet. You have to work harder than your opponent.”
The six Lifetime Achievement Award honorees were recognized in the September issue of The American Lawyer and at an awards ceremony in New York on October 24.