Executive Summary
Alston & Bird LLP stands as a premier full-service law firm with a strong AmLaw #43 ranking and $1.33 billion in revenue for 2026. Based in Atlanta with national reach and international capabilities, the firm has established itself as a leader across multiple high-value practice areas.
The firm's comprehensive excellence is demonstrated through 128 Tier 1 Best Lawyers rankings and recognition in the American Lawyer's top 40 Pro Bono Scorecard nationally. With Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For recognition, Alston & Bird combines legal excellence with exceptional workplace culture.
Serving clients across financial services, healthcare, technology, and other key industries, the firm offers competitive compensation at $225K for first-year associates with a merit bonus program and 150 non-billable hours for professional development and community service.
Key Differentiators
- AmLaw #43 ranking with $1.33B revenue
- 128 Tier 1 Best Lawyers practice rankings
- Fortune 100 Best Companies recognition
- Top 40 national pro bono commitment
- Atlanta-based national presence
- Merit-based bonus program
Financial Performance & Market Position
2026 Financial Highlights
AmLaw #43 ranking position
Among highest-grossing US law firms
Tier 1 Best Lawyers rankings
Competitive Benchmarking
Financial Strengths
Market Leadership
Consistent AmLaw top 50 performance with strong revenue growth
Practice Diversity
Multiple practice areas contributing to stable revenue streams
Client Relationships
Strong client retention across diverse industry sectors
Geographic Reach
National presence with international capabilities
Firm Culture & Values
Cultural Excellence
Alston & Bird has earned prestigious Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For recognition, demonstrating its commitment to creating an exceptional workplace environment. The firm's culture emphasizes collaboration, professional excellence, and community service.
With a strong commitment to pro bono work recognized in The American Lawyer's top 40 Pro Bono Scorecard nationally, the firm encourages attorneys to contribute meaningfully to their communities while developing their legal skills.
Fortune 100 Recognition
Named among Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For, highlighting exceptional employee satisfaction and workplace culture.
Core Values
Collaboration
Cross-practice teamwork and knowledge sharing
Excellence
Highest standards of legal service and professional conduct
Service
Commitment to clients, community, and profession
Innovation
Creative solutions and forward-thinking approaches
Compensation & Benefits
Associate Compensation
Base annual salary
Annual bonus based on individual performance
Pro bono and professional development credit
Comprehensive Benefits
Career Development & Training
Professional Development Programs
Alston & Bird provides comprehensive career development opportunities designed to help attorneys grow professionally and advance within the firm. The program emphasizes mentorship, skills development, and leadership training.
Mentorship Program
Formal pairing with senior attorneys for guidance and support
Skills Training
Regular workshops on legal writing, negotiation, and client relations
Leadership Development
Programs to prepare attorneys for partnership and leadership roles
Summer Associate Program
The firm's summer associate program offers tailored experiences across practice areas with direct engagement from partners to associates, providing comprehensive exposure to the firm's diverse legal work.
Program Highlights
- • Meaningful work assignments across practice areas
- • Direct mentorship from experienced attorneys
- • Professional development workshops
- • Social and networking events
- • Pro bono project opportunities
- • Exposure to firm leadership and culture
Diversity & Inclusion
Commitment to Diversity
Alston & Bird is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that values different perspectives and backgrounds. The firm has implemented comprehensive initiatives to promote diversity at all levels of the organization.
The firm's diversity efforts are integrated into its recruiting, retention, and advancement strategies, ensuring that diverse talent is not only attracted but also supported throughout their careers.
Diversity Goals
Strategic focus on increasing representation across all levels of the firm
Inclusion Initiatives
Affinity Groups
Employee resource groups supporting various communities
Mentoring Programs
Formal and informal mentorship for diverse attorneys
Scholarship Programs
Support for diverse law students and early-career attorneys
Measurement & Accountability
Regular assessment and reporting on diversity metrics
Practice Areas & Specializations
Alston & Bird maintains comprehensive practice capabilities across multiple high-value areas, evidenced by 128 Tier 1 Best Lawyers rankings. The firm serves clients across financial services, healthcare, technology, and numerous other industries with deep sector expertise.
Financial Services
- • Banking & Finance
- • Securities & Capital Markets
- • Investment Management
- • Financial Regulation
- • Fintech & Innovation
Healthcare
- • Healthcare Regulation
- • Life Sciences
- • Medical Devices
- • Healthcare M&A
- • HIPAA Compliance
Technology
- • Technology Transactions
- • Data Privacy & Security
- • Intellectual Property
- • Software Licensing
- • Emerging Technologies
Litigation
- • Complex Commercial Litigation
- • White Collar Defense
- • Securities Litigation
- • Class Action Defense
- • Appellate Practice
Corporate
- • Mergers & Acquisitions
- • Corporate Governance
- • Private Equity
- • Public Offerings
- • Joint Ventures
Real Estate
- • Commercial Real Estate
- • Real Estate Finance
- • REITs
- • Development Projects
- • Land Use & Zoning
Client Service Excellence
Service Philosophy
Alston & Bird's client service approach centers on understanding each client's unique business objectives and providing practical, strategic solutions. The firm's lawyers work collaboratively across practice areas to deliver comprehensive service.
With deep industry knowledge and regulatory expertise, the firm helps clients navigate complex legal challenges while focusing on business outcomes and value creation.
Recognition Highlights
128 Tier 1 Best Lawyers practice area rankings demonstrate consistent excellence across multiple disciplines
Service Differentiators
Strategic Thinking
Business-focused legal solutions aligned with client goals
Team Approach
Cross-practice collaboration for comprehensive solutions
Responsiveness
Timely service delivery and proactive communication
Industry Expertise
Deep sector knowledge across key industries
Technology & Innovation
Technology Infrastructure
Alston & Bird leverages advanced technology platforms to enhance service delivery, improve efficiency, and provide clients with better access to information and resources. The firm continues to invest in innovative solutions to support its legal practice.
Knowledge Management
Advanced systems for legal research and precedent management
Data Security
Robust cybersecurity measures protecting client information
Client Portals
Secure client access to case information and documents
Innovation Initiatives
The firm actively explores emerging technologies and innovative service delivery methods to better serve clients and improve internal operations.
Legal Technology
Exploring AI and automation for document review and analysis
Data Analytics
Advanced analytics for case strategy and matter management
Virtual Collaboration
Enhanced remote collaboration tools and platforms
Risk Assessment
Market Position Strengths
Strong Financial Position
AmLaw #43 ranking with $1.33B revenue demonstrates market strength
Practice Diversity
128 Tier 1 rankings across multiple practice areas reduce concentration risk
Cultural Excellence
Fortune 100 recognition supports talent retention and client relationships
Geographic Presence
Atlanta base with national reach provides market diversification
Potential Challenges
Market Competition
Intense competition from other AmLaw top 50 firms for talent and clients
Economic Sensitivity
Legal services demand tied to economic cycles and corporate activity
Talent Retention
Ongoing need to retain top talent in competitive legal market
Regulatory Changes
Evolving legal industry regulations and client service expectations
Competitive Analysis
Market Position
Alston & Bird competes effectively in the AmLaw top 50 segment, leveraging its strong Atlanta base, comprehensive practice capabilities, and exceptional workplace culture to differentiate itself from peer firms.
Competitive Advantages
- • Fortune 100 Best Companies workplace culture
- • 128 Tier 1 Best Lawyers practice rankings
- • Strong Southeast and national presence
- • Top 40 national pro bono commitment
- • Merit-based compensation and advancement
- • Comprehensive industry sector expertise
Peer Comparison
Strategic Positioning
Cultural Excellence
Fortune 100 recognition sets firm apart in talent attraction and retention
Practice Breadth
128 Tier 1 rankings demonstrate comprehensive legal capabilities
Social Impact
Top 40 pro bono ranking showcases commitment to justice and community
Future Outlook & Strategic Direction
Growth Opportunities
Alston & Bird is well-positioned for continued growth through its strong foundation in key practice areas, exceptional workplace culture, and commitment to innovation. The firm's comprehensive capabilities and national presence create multiple avenues for expansion.
Practice Expansion
Opportunities to deepen expertise in high-growth sectors like fintech and healthcare technology
Geographic Growth
Potential for strategic expansion in key markets and international capabilities
Talent Development
Continued investment in diversity and professional development programs
Strategic Priorities
Client Service Innovation
Enhancing service delivery through technology and process improvements
Cultural Excellence
Maintaining Fortune 100 status through continued workplace improvements
Practice Leadership
Building on 128 Tier 1 rankings to achieve market-leading positions
Community Impact
Expanding pro bono and social responsibility initiatives