1. What are some common specialties among the largest U.S. law firms?
Common specialties among the largest U.S. law firms include Corporate Law, Litigation, Intellectual Property, Real Estate, and Labor and Employment. Other niche areas such as Maritime and Aviation are also represented, offering a diverse range of options for legal professionals.2. Where are most of the largest U.S. law firms located?
The largest U.S. law firms are predominantly located in major cities like New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Each city has a unique focus, for example, New York is known for finance and corporate law, while San Francisco and Silicon Valley are hotspots for technology law.3. How can I use this list to benefit my legal career?
Whether you're a law student seeking internships or an experienced lawyer considering a change, this list can serve as a valuable resource for identifying firms that align with your career goals and specializations. The list includes details on each firm’s revenue, key specialties, and geographic location, providing a comprehensive overview to aid your decision-making.Law is one of the most lucrative professions in the United States, and the top law firms in the country are a testament to this. These firms not only command billions of dollars in annual revenue but also offer some of the most sought-after career opportunities for law students and attorneys alike. This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive list of the 100 largest U.S. law firms by revenue, along with some key insights into their operations, specialties, and opportunities for career advancement.
Methodology of Ranking Law Firms by Revenue
Our list is primarily based on revenue figures released annually by the American Lawyer Magazine. The data has been corroborated with other reputable industry sources for accuracy. It's essential to note that revenue is not the only metric of success; factors like work culture, career advancement opportunities, and specialization areas are also crucial. However, for the scope of this article, we are focusing on the financial aspects to give you an idea of the magnitude and influence of these firms in the legal landscape.
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Top 10 Largest U.S. Law Firms by Revenue
1. Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Revenue: $6,042,000,000
Interesting Fact: Kirkland & Ellis has been the legal force behind some significant corporate mergers and acquisitions, including that of LinkedIn's acquisition by Microsoft.
Revenue: $5,488,778,000
Interesting Fact: Latham & Watkins employs over 3,000 lawyers and operates in 14 countries.
3. DLA Piper
Revenue: $3,471,437,000
Interesting Fact: DLA Piper has the most extensive international presence among U.S. law firms, with offices in more than 40 countries.
4. Baker McKenzie
Revenue: $3,126,729,000
Interesting Fact: Baker McKenzie was the first law firm to surpass $1 billion in yearly revenue back in 2004.
5. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Revenue: $3,022,380,000
Interesting Fact: Known simply as "Skadden," this firm is renowned for pioneering the field of mergers and acquisitions law.
6. Dentons
Revenue: $2,940,600,000
Interesting Fact: Dentons is known for its rapid global expansion, now operating in over 70 countries.
7. White & Case LLP
Revenue: $2,869,800,000
Interesting Fact: White & Case has one of the largest international arbitration practices, making it a dominant player in resolving cross-border disputes.
8. Sidley Austin LLP
Revenue: $2,795,426,000
Interesting Fact: Sidley Austin has a longstanding tradition of pro bono work, providing free legal services to those who cannot afford it.
9. Clifford Chance
Revenue: $2,711,508,000
Interesting Fact: Known for its pioneering 'Magic Circle' status in the UK, Clifford Chance was one of the first law firms to truly globalize, now offering its services in multiple jurisdictions across five continents.
10. Ropes & Gray
Revenue: $2,674,046,000
Interesting Fact: Renowned for its commitment to pro bono work, Ropes & Gray has consistently received accolades for dedicating over 100,000 hours annually to pro bono causes, impacting a wide range of social issues.
While the top 10 law firms often steal the spotlight with their eye-popping revenue figures and headline-grabbing cases, the firms ranked 11-100 are equally deserving of attention. These firms not only contribute substantially to the legal landscape but also offer a rich array of specializations and opportunities for legal professionals at all stages of their career. Whether you're an aspiring law student looking for the perfect starting point or an experienced attorney contemplating a change, these firms offer unique platforms for professional growth, specialization, and impact in the legal community.
These firms cover a broad spectrum of legal services, from intellectual property and corporate law to healthcare and real estate. Moreover, they often provide more focused expertise in certain niches that might be overlooked by their larger counterparts. Whether you're interested in the fast-paced world of technology startups, the intricate regulations of healthcare law, or the complexities of international trade, you'll likely find firms that are experts in these areas among those ranked 11-100.
What's more, these firms offer diverse work environments—from the bustling halls of skyscrapers in major cities like New York and San Francisco to more specialized offices with a local or regional focus. Their sizes and structures provide different types of opportunities for mentorship, client interaction, and career advancement.
The following chart provides a compelling visual representation of the 100 largest U.S. law firms ranked by revenue. Designed as a quick yet comprehensive reference, this graph aims to offer valuable insights for law students, legal professionals, and industry analysts interested in the ever-evolving landscape of the American legal sector.
You'll find that the chart not only shows the annual revenue figures for each firm but also presents an at-a-glance view of their relative financial standing in the industry. From the giants dominating the top 10 list to the equally significant but perhaps less-publicized firms rounding out the top 100, this graph encapsulates the financial scale and impact of these key players.
For those looking to make informed career choices or to understand the market dynamics of the legal world, this graph serves as a foundational resource. It offers a quantitative perspective on the firms that are shaping legal practice in the U.S., covering a broad array of specialties from corporate and litigation to niche practices like maritime law.
So, whether you're charting your first steps into the legal world or looking to make a career transition, let this graph be your guide to the financial clout and specialization of America's top 100 law firms by revenue.
Rank |
Firm |
Revenue (US$) |
1 |
Kirkland & Ellis |
$6,042,000,000 |
2 |
Latham & Watkins |
$5,488,778,000 |
3 |
DLA Piper (verein) |
$3,471,437,000 |
4 |
Baker McKenzie (verein) |
$3,126,729,000 |
5 |
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom |
$3,022,380,000 |
6 |
Dentons (verein) |
$2,940,600,000 |
7 |
White & Case |
$2,869,800,000 |
8 |
Sidley Austin |
$2,795,426,000 |
9 |
Clifford Chance |
$2,711,508,000 |
10 |
Ropes & Gray |
$2,674,046,000 |
11 |
Allen & Overy |
$2,672,969,000 |
12 |
Hogan Lovells |
$2,605,973,000 |
13 |
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius |
$2,577,700,000 |
14 |
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher |
$2,480,394,000 |
15 |
Linklaters |
$2,453,846,000 |
16 |
Jones Day |
$2,446,000,000 |
17 |
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer |
$2,341,256,000 |
18 |
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett |
$2,224,191,000 |
19 |
Norton Rose Fulbright (verein) |
$2,100,000,000 |
20 |
CMS (EEIG) |
$2,065,838,000 |
21 |
Greenberg Traurig |
$2,003,790,000 |
22 |
Cooley |
$1,986,777,000 |
23 |
Goodwin Procter |
$1,973,368,000 |
24 |
Davis Polk & Wardwell |
$1,970,000,000 |
25 |
Weil, Gotshal & Manges |
$1,856,219,000 |
26 |
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison |
$1,850,437,000 |
27 |
Mayer Brown |
$1,840,000,000 |
28 |
King & Spalding |
$1,828,123,000 |
29 |
Sullivan & Cromwell |
$1,765,426,000 |
30 |
McDermott, Will & Emery |
$1,665,221,000 |
31 |
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan |
$1,655,306,000 |
32 |
Paul Hastings |
$1,572,304,000 |
33 |
Herbert Smith Freehills |
$1,518,169,000 |
34 |
Eversheds Sutherland |
$1,501,490,005 |
35 |
Covington & Burling |
$1,501,130,000 |
36 |
Reed Smith |
$1,436,171,000 |
37 |
King & Wood Mallesons (verein) |
$1,430,000,000 |
38 |
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton |
$1,418,818,000 |
39 |
Holland & Knight |
$1,402,502,000 |
40 |
Milbank |
$1,359,000,000 |
41 |
Dechert |
$1,341,486,000 |
42 |
Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati |
$1,336,000,000 |
43 |
Debevoise & Plimpton |
$1,329,262,000 |
44 |
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe |
$1,316,335,000 |
45 |
Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr |
$1,297,089,000 |
46 |
Yingke |
$1,258,914,000 |
47 |
Morrison & Foerster |
$1,234,500,000 |
48 |
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld |
$1,220,204,000 |
49 |
Willkie Farr & Gallagher |
$1,220,000,000 |
50 |
K&L Gates |
$1,179,282,000 |
51 |
Proskauer Rose |
$1,168,371,000 |
52 |
Perkins Coie |
$1,155,565,000 |
53 |
Winston & Strawn |
$1,153,207,000 |
54 |
Squire Patton Boggs (verein) |
$1,137,000,000 |
55 |
Kim & Chang |
$1,114,516,000 |
56 |
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz |
$1,111,730,000 |
57 |
Ashurst |
$1,098,367,000 |
58 |
Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer |
$1,033,000,000 |
59 |
Troutman Pepper |
$1,029,503,000 |
60 |
Foley & Lardner |
$1,024,834,000 |
61 |
Alston & Bird |
$1,023,935,000 |
62 |
Shearman & Sterling |
$1,012,059,000 |
63 |
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton |
$1,005,057,000 |
64 |
Cravath, Swaine & Moore |
$1,001,000,000 |
65 |
Faegre Drinker |
$987,708,000 |
66 |
McGuireWoods |
$953,548,000 |
67 |
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson |
$951,300,000 |
68 |
AllBright Law Offices |
$919,886,000 |
69 |
Vinson & Elkins |
$912,337,000 |
70 |
O’Melveny & Myers |
$911,450,000 |
71 |
Clyde & Co |
$894,660,000 |
72 |
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner |
$878,433,000 |
73 |
Baker & Hostetler |
$836,048,000 |
74 |
Hunton Andrews Kurth |
$830,041,000 |
75 |
Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy |
$805,682,000 |
76 |
Seyfarth Shaw |
$786,596,000 |
77 |
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman |
$781,406,000 |
78 |
Slaughter & May |
$758,741,000 |
79 |
Zhong Lun |
$731,692,000 |
80 |
Pinsent Masons |
$731,006,000 |
81 |
Fenwick & West |
$723,259,000 |
82 |
Baker Botts |
$723,228,000 |
83 |
Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith |
$722,500,000 |
84 |
Venable |
$717,018,000 |
85 |
Katten Muchin Rosenman |
$713,854,000 |
86 |
Gowling WLG |
$700,588,000 |
87 |
Polsinelli |
$697,318,000 |
88 |
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough |
$680,826,000 |
89 |
Blake, Cassels & Graydon |
$669,240,000 |
90 |
Littler Mendelson |
$658,578,000 |
91 |
Fox Rothschild |
$650,000,000 |
92 |
Simmons & Simmons |
$640,026,000 |
93 |
Deheng Law Offices |
$620,078,000 |
93 |
Grandall Law Firm |
$620,078,000 |
95 |
Bird & Bird |
$613,324,000 |
96 |
Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft |
$608,953,000 |
97 |
Duane Morris |
$596,590,000 |
98 |
Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo |
$588,500,000 |
99 |
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart |
$585,198,000 |
100 |
Cozen O’Connor |
$584,802,000 |
Key Specialties and Practice Areas
Understanding the key specialties and practice areas of these firms is critical for those seeking to make an informed decision about their legal career. Here are some of the most common and sought-after specializations you'll encounter among the largest U.S. law firms ranked by revenue.
Corporate Law: This area covers mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, and corporate governance. Firms specializing in corporate law often assist businesses in their various legal needs.
Litigation: This is the practice of taking legal action, either as plaintiff or defendant. Litigation attorneys represent clients in civil lawsuits and criminal cases.
Intellectual Property (IP): These firms focus on protecting intellectual assets like patents, trademarks, and copyrights. This is a particularly relevant field for technology and media companies.
Real Estate: This specialty involves property law, including acquisitions, zoning issues, and property management.
Labor and Employment: These firms assist with legal matters related to employment, including employee rights, employer obligations, and workplace disputes.
Healthcare: Law firms in this sector deal with medical malpractice, hospital law, and healthcare regulations among other concerns.
Energy: Specializing in oil, gas, and renewable resources, these firms often handle cases related to environmental laws, international trade, and resource management.
Technology: These firms work closely with tech companies on issues such as data protection, software licensing, and corporate financing.
Finance and Banking: This area covers issues like regulatory compliance, financial transactions, and dispute resolution related to financial institutions.
Public Policy: Some firms have a dedicated focus on lobbying, government relations, and other aspects of public policy.
Maritime: This niche specialization deals with laws governing shipping, ocean resources, and international waters.
Aviation: Law firms specializing in this area handle cases related to air travel, including safety regulations and commercial aviation agreements.
Insurance: These firms often represent insurance companies or those seeking claims from them, dealing with policies, claims, and dispute resolutions.
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Geographic Spread of Top Law Firms
The geographic location of a law firm can be as influential as its specialties when it comes to selecting the right fit for your career. The largest U.S. law firms are spread across a range of cities, offering different advantages and opportunities based on their geographic focal points. Here's a closer look at the geographic distribution of top law firms and what each locale offers:
- New York City: Often considered the epicenter of legal practice in the United States, NYC is home to numerous top-tier firms specializing in corporate law, finance, and international relations. This city offers a fast-paced, highly competitive environment ideal for those aiming for the pinnacle of the legal profession.
- Washington, DC: The nation's capital is a hub for firms focusing on public policy, government relations, and regulatory work. Proximity to federal agencies and lawmakers provides unique opportunities for law professionals here.
- San Francisco and Silicon Valley: A hotspot for technology and innovation, this region is ideal for lawyers interested in intellectual property, technology, and venture capital.
- Chicago: Known for its diverse economy, Chicago houses law firms specializing in various sectors including finance, technology, and manufacturing. The city's central location also makes it a hub for transportation law.
- Los Angeles: With its vast entertainment industry, LA is the go-to city for media and entertainment law. It also has a robust market for real estate, healthcare, and environmental law.
- Houston: As an energy capital, Houston is a focal point for firms specializing in oil, gas, and renewable resources. The city also has significant practices in healthcare and international trade.
- Boston: Known for its strong educational and healthcare sectors, Boston offers opportunities in biotechnology, healthcare law, and intellectual property.
- Atlanta: As a growing legal market, Atlanta firms often specialize in sectors like real estate, labor and employment, and corporate law.
- Miami: With its proximity to Latin America, Miami firms often handle international trade, maritime law, and immigration issues.
- Dallas/Fort Worth: This Texas hub is known for its booming tech industry, real estate market, and financial services, making it a diverse locale for legal practice.
- Philadelphia: A city with a rich history, Philadelphia has a strong healthcare, biotechnology, and education sector, providing opportunities for lawyers interested in these fields.
- Seattle: Known for its technology and e-commerce industries, Seattle is a growing market for specialties like intellectual property and international trade.
Understanding the geographic spread of top law firms can be extremely helpful in shaping your legal career. Depending on your specialty, some cities may offer more opportunities than others. Moreover, each city has its own legal culture and lifestyle, which could be a significant factor in your overall job satisfaction and career growth.
Conclusion
While revenue may be a strong indicator of a law firm's size and influence, it's essential to consider multiple factors when evaluating career opportunities or even just understanding the legal landscape. From specialization areas to diversity and future trends, the largest law firms in the U.S. are more than just revenue-generating machines; they are complex institutions that offer a myriad of opportunities for those in the legal profession.
