Sure, the role of a law-firm managing partner is somewhat obvious, although certainly not negligible. Managing partners are responsible for business operations and strategic planning along with handling personnel and securing clients. That’s just to keep the wheels in motion. Also, without refute, they must be masters, specialists and experts of their legal practices.

Yet, managing partners, such as those briefly profiled here, are about so much more. Simply, and extraordinarily, they make lasting differences — not only in what they do and how they do it, but also in who they impact, both in their offices and throughout their communities.

In that sense, while their professional knowledge carries significant weight, their personal convictions and judgements often are the measures that truly move the ledger.

In their uncommon and distinctive way, they are leaders in law who also exhibit cause and commitment to rule.