Power Lawyers 2012

Stein could be considered a trendsetter: He brought some of the earliest cases for actors to renegotiate long-term contracts (The Dukes of Hazzard cast, Gary Coleman), TV talent challenging vertical integration between studios and networks (Home Improvement, The X-Files) and the protection of formats in reality television (Wipeout). So what's next? He's been auditing on behalf of TV showrunners over licensing income on digital channels such as Hulu and Netflix.

➻ My legal philosophy "I look at areas where change is necessary and instigate litigation to effectuate the change. When I started out, I wanted to do civil liberties and felt guilty for representing wealthy clients. I now try to protect creative people because I feel there's justice there."

LIST: THR's Power Lawyers 2012

PHOTOS: Christian Bale, Lindsay Lohan Pose With Their Lawyers