Abraham Lincoln is famously remembered as a U.S. President, but he also had a significant career as a lawyer before entering politics. Practicing law in Illinois for nearly 25 years, Lincoln became a respected and skilled attorney known for his logic, honesty, and straightforward approach in the courtroom. His practice involved a range of cases, from criminal defense and civil litigation to transportation law as the railroads expanded.

Lincoln’s reputation as an attorney grew as he took on high-profile cases, including the notable Almanac Trial, where he used an almanac to demonstrate the impossibility of a witness’s testimony, securing an acquittal for his client. His legal practice was primarily based in Springfield, Illinois, but he often traveled as part of the Eighth Judicial Circuit. His dedication to truth and ethical practice earned him the nickname “Honest Abe,” a quality that continued to shape his political career.