William Maxwell Evarts (February 6, 1818 – February 28, 1901) was an American lawyer and statesman from New York who served as U.S.
Secretary of State, U.S.
Attorney General and U.S.
Senator from New York.
He was renowned for his skills as a litigator and was involved in three of the most important causes of American political jurisprudence in his day: the impeachment of a president, the Geneva arbitration and the contests before the electoral commission to settle the presidential election of 1876.A eulogist summarized his career thus:
Mr.
Evarts's most conspicuous, perhaps sole, title to fame is, that he was a great lawyer and brilliant advocate.
...
his study of legal principles was profound, his acquaintance with literature was wide, his ideas of professional ethics were exalted.
He held great National offices, but his title to them was rather as lawyer than statesman.