The National Law Journal's Midsize Hot List includes law firms that have thrived amid the downturn. From among the stacks of nominations received, the NLJ selected 20 firms in the 50- to 150-lawyer range that demonstrated excellence in the courtroom or boardroom; that spotted a niche that eluded their competitors or that excelled on many fronts; that developed innovative management, billing or training structures; that changed the face of the country’s cities; that set the standard for midsize practice — firms that clearly stand apart from your everyday law firm. (Source: NLJ July 11, 2011).