Elizabeth Warren's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Elizabeth Warren. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Elizabeth Warren is a prominent American politician and the senior U.S. Senator from Massachusetts since 2013. As a Democrat with progressive views, her senatorial work centers on consumer protection, economic equality, and strengthening social safety nets. Prior to her political career, she was a distinguished law professor. Warren was a presidential candidate in the 2020 Democratic primaries, where she finished third.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1990: Named William A. Schnader Professor

In 1990, Warren obtained an endowed chair at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, becoming the William A. Schnader Professor of Commercial Law.

1996: Highest-Paid Professor

In 1996, Warren became the highest-paid professor at Harvard University who was not an administrator.

2005: Among Most-Cited Scholars

From 2005 to 2009, Warren was among the three most-cited scholars in bankruptcy and commercial law.

2009: Among Most-Cited Scholars

From 2005 to 2009, Warren was among the three most-cited scholars in bankruptcy and commercial law.

2009: Named Bostonian of the Year and Received Lelia J. Robinson Award

In 2009, The Boston Globe named Elizabeth Warren the Bostonian of the Year, and the Women's Bar Association of Massachusetts honored her with the Lelia J. Robinson Award. She also became the first professor in Harvard's history to win the law school's Sacks–Freund Teaching Award for a second time, and was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World.

2010: Named One of the Most Influential Attorneys

In 2010, The National Law Journal named Elizabeth Warren one of the 40 most influential attorneys of the decade, and was also named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World.

2011: Harvard's Only Tenured Public Law School Professor

As of 2011, Warren was Harvard's only tenured law professor who had attended law school at an American public university.

2011: Commencement Address at Rutgers Law School

In 2011, Elizabeth Warren delivered the commencement address at Rutgers Law School, received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree and membership in the Order of the Coif, and was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.

January 2012: Named One of the Top U.S. Progressives

In January 2012, New Statesman magazine named Elizabeth Warren one of the "top 20 U.S. progressives".

June 2, 2012: Wins Democratic Nomination

On June 2, 2012, Elizabeth Warren secured the Democratic nomination, running unopposed and receiving a record 95.77% of delegate votes at the state Democratic convention. During this time, she faced opposition from business interests.

November 6, 2012: Elected to U.S. Senate

On November 6, 2012, Elizabeth Warren was elected to the U.S. Senate from Massachusetts, defeating Scott Brown with 53.7% of the vote, becoming the first woman elected to the Senate from Massachusetts.