8. Vernon Jordan – Net worth $12 million
Vernon Jordan was raised in a racially segregated society in Georgia in the 1950s, and so it formed his passion for civil rights and led him on the path to becoming one of the richest lawyers in the world.
Jordan struggled to get good jobs when he was young, often discounted because of his race, but eventually secured a law degree from the Howard University School of Law in 1960. He joined the office of a civil rights activist, working on cases of racial discrimination, and after working tirelessly became a political advisor to Bill Clinton during his term as President.
Jordan has been awarded various honours for his work, including the Barnard Medal of Distinction from Barnard College.
