Comprehensive Law Firm Profile
AmLaw 100 Ranking: #45
Report Date: July 2025
Foley & Lardner LLP is a prestigious global law firm with a rich history dating back to 1842. With its headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the firm has expanded to 27 offices worldwide and currently ranks as the 45th highest-grossing law firm in the United States according to the 2025 Am Law 100 rankings. With a gross revenue of $1.28 billion in 2024, Foley & Lardner maintains a strong position in the legal marketplace and continues to grow both organically and through strategic expansions.
The firm is known for its strong practice areas in corporate law, intellectual property, litigation, healthcare, energy, and innovative technology. With approximately 1,100 lawyers, Foley & Lardner provides comprehensive legal services to corporations, emerging companies, and institutions across various industries. The firm's client-first approach, combined with a focus on diversity, innovation, and talent development, positions it well for continued success in an increasingly competitive legal landscape.
$1.28 Billion
Gross Revenue (2024)
27 Offices
Across the United States and Worldwide
~1,100 Attorneys
Across Multiple Practice Areas
Foley & Lardner has demonstrated consistent financial growth over recent years, solidifying its position among the top 50 law firms in the United States. The firm's gross revenue reached $1.28 billion in 2024, placing it 45th on The American Lawyer's 2025 Am Law 100 rankings, up from 46th position in 2020.
This upward trajectory reflects the firm's strategic expansion and focus on high-growth practice areas such as technology, healthcare, and energy. Additionally, the firm has maintained healthy profit margins through effective operational management and strategic client acquisition.
| Metric | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Revenue | $1.28 Billion | 2024 |
| AmLaw Ranking | #45 | 2025 |
| Revenue per Lawyer | ~$1 Million | 2024 |
| Number of Attorneys | ~1,100 | 2024 |
Foley & Lardner has cultivated a collaborative and inclusive firm culture that balances professional excellence with collegiality. The firm emphasizes teamwork and cross-practice collaboration to deliver comprehensive solutions to clients' complex legal challenges.
The firm promotes a team-based approach to client service, encouraging attorneys across practice areas and offices to work together. This collaborative culture allows for knowledge sharing and the development of innovative solutions for clients.
While maintaining high standards of excellence, Foley & Lardner recognizes the importance of work-life balance. The firm offers flexible working arrangements and supports attorneys in managing their professional and personal commitments.
The firm cultivates an environment that encourages innovative thinking and the adoption of new technologies to enhance client service and internal operations. This forward-thinking approach is embedded in the firm's culture.
At the core of Foley & Lardner's culture is a deep commitment to understanding clients' business objectives and delivering tailored legal solutions. Attorneys are encouraged to build strong, long-lasting relationships with clients.
Foley & Lardner's leadership emphasizes transparency, inclusion, and strategic growth. The firm's management structure supports a democratic approach to decision-making, with input from partners across different practice areas and geographic locations. This inclusive leadership model helps ensure that diverse perspectives are considered in the firm's strategic planning.
Foley & Lardner offers competitive compensation packages designed to attract and retain top legal talent. The firm implements a national salary scale across all U.S. offices, ensuring consistency regardless of location.
First-year associates at Foley & Lardner receive a starting salary of $225,000, which is competitive with other major law firms. This base salary increases with seniority according to a structured scale. The firm also provides performance-based bonuses, which take into account both billable hours and the quality of work.
| Associate Level | Base Salary Range |
|---|---|
| First Year | $225,000 |
| Second Year | $235,000 |
| Mid-Level (3-5 years) | $250,000 - $295,000 |
| Senior (6+ years) | $310,000 - $400,000+ |
Partner compensation at Foley & Lardner follows a modified lockstep system that incorporates both seniority and performance-based elements. Equity partners participate in profit sharing, with compensation reflecting individual contributions to the firm's success through client generation, revenue production, and leadership.
The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Associates at Foley & Lardner are generally expected to meet annual billable hour targets that align with industry standards, typically between 1,900 and 2,000 hours. The firm also recognizes and credits pro bono work and business development activities toward these targets, reflecting its commitment to community service and professional growth.
Foley & Lardner has established robust career development programs designed to support attorneys at all stages of their professional journey. The firm invests significantly in training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities to help its lawyers reach their full potential.
The firm offers extensive professional development programming, including practice-specific training, leadership development, and business development skills. In 2024, Foley launched the PEAK Partner Training Program to further enhance partner capabilities.
Every associate is paired with a mentor who provides guidance on professional growth, firm navigation, and career planning. These formal mentoring relationships are supplemented by organic mentoring connections that develop across practice areas.
The path to partnership at Foley & Lardner is structured and transparent. Associates typically become eligible for partnership consideration after 8-10 years, with advancement decisions based on legal skill, client relationships, business development, and leadership qualities.
Foley & Lardner implements a structured career advancement framework that provides clear milestones and expectations for associates. The firm conducts regular performance reviews and provides actionable feedback to help attorneys progress in their careers.
In 2024, Foley & Lardner launched the PEAK (Performance, Excellence, Achievement, Knowledge) Partner Training Program. This innovative initiative consists of both live sessions and on-demand modules focused on refining the key attributes of successful Foley partners. The program demonstrates the firm's commitment to ongoing professional development even at the partner level.
Foley & Lardner has made diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) a core component of its organizational values and strategic priorities. The firm recognizes that diverse perspectives enhance client service and foster innovation.
Foley & Lardner offers a prestigious Diversity Fellowship Program for second-year law students. Each Diversity Fellow receives a total of $50,000, paid in two installments: $20,000 following successful completion of the summer program and $30,000 upon joining the firm as a full-time associate.
The firm sponsors various affinity groups that provide support, networking opportunities, and professional development for diverse attorneys. These groups focus on creating inclusive environments and addressing specific challenges faced by different demographic groups.
Foley & Lardner conducts regular training sessions on unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, and cultural competence for all attorneys and staff. These educational initiatives help foster a more inclusive workplace culture.
The firm has established a dedicated DEI committee that works to implement and monitor diversity initiatives across all offices. This committee reports directly to firm leadership, ensuring that DEI remains a strategic priority.
Foley & Lardner's commitment to diversity has been recognized through various awards and rankings, including:
Representation in 2024:
Women attorneys: 42%
Attorneys of color: 25%
Diverse partnership: 30%
"Foley is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion because we are striving to be the best place to work — for everyone. This commitment stems from our core belief that a diverse and inclusive workplace leads to better outcomes for our clients, our firm, and our communities."
Foley & Lardner offers comprehensive legal services across numerous practice areas, with particular strengths in several key sectors. The firm organizes its services into strategic practice groups that enable collaborative, cross-disciplinary approaches to client matters.
While specific client matters are often confidential, Foley & Lardner has built a reputation for handling significant cases and transactions across its practice areas:
Representation of major corporations in multi-billion dollar mergers and acquisitions, including cross-border transactions and complex regulatory approvals.
Handling significant patent litigation matters for technology companies, including proceedings before district courts, the Federal Circuit, and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.
Advising major health systems on strategic transactions, regulatory compliance, and reimbursement issues in an evolving healthcare landscape.
Representing developers, investors, and lenders in renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and energy storage facilities across the United States.
Foley & Lardner has developed a distinctive client-centered approach that emphasizes understanding clients' business objectives and delivering tailored legal solutions. The firm's client service philosophy is built on several key principles:
As stated in their client service materials, Foley approaches client service "by first understanding our clients' priorities, objectives, and challenges." This foundational principle ensures that legal advice is always aligned with business goals and delivered in a context that is meaningful to clients.
The firm assembles cross-disciplinary teams tailored to each client's specific needs, drawing on expertise from various practice areas and offices. This collaborative model ensures comprehensive coverage of complex legal issues while providing clients with seamless service delivery.
Recognizing the importance of cost predictability, Foley & Lardner offers alternative fee arrangements and value-based pricing options alongside traditional hourly billing. The firm works with clients to develop fee structures that align with their budget constraints and value expectations.
The firm emphasizes clear, timely, and proactive communication with clients. Regular updates, accessible attorneys, and responsive service are hallmarks of Foley's client relationship management approach.
Foley & Lardner has implemented several innovative service delivery models to enhance client experience:
The firm has institutionalized a formal client feedback program to continuously improve service delivery. This includes regular client interviews, matter evaluations, and relationship reviews that provide actionable insights for enhancing client satisfaction and strengthening client relationships.
Foley & Lardner has positioned itself as a technology-forward law firm, embracing innovative tools and digital solutions to enhance legal service delivery and internal operations. The firm's approach to technology is twofold: leveraging advanced tools to improve client service while also developing deep expertise in technology-related legal issues.
Foley & Lardner has invested significantly in its technology infrastructure to improve efficiency, collaboration, and client service:
The firm has developed various technology solutions designed to enhance client experience and deliver added value:
Beyond adopting technology internally, Foley & Lardner has developed a robust Innovative Technology practice that advises clients on legal issues related to emerging technologies:
Legal counsel on AI development, implementation, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
Comprehensive advice on data protection regulations, breach response, and privacy program development.
Legal support for cloud computing, data centers, and digital infrastructure development and operations.
Foley & Lardner has been recognized as a technology innovator within the legal industry. In 2011, the firm was acknowledged as a "Top Technology Innovator" for its technology allowance program, which provides attorneys with resources to adopt new technologies that enhance client service. This forward-thinking approach to technology adoption continues to be a differentiating factor for the firm.
As with any major law firm, Foley & Lardner faces various strategic, operational, and market risks that could impact its performance and competitive position. Understanding these risks provides context for evaluating the firm's long-term prospects.
The ongoing consolidation in the legal industry creates both opportunities and threats. While Foley & Lardner has the scale to compete effectively, it faces increased competition from mega-firms resulting from mergers and international combinations.
Risk Level: Moderate
As with all professional services firms, Foley & Lardner's performance is influenced by broader economic conditions. Economic downturns can reduce demand for certain practice areas, though the firm's diversified practice mix provides some insulation.
Risk Level: Moderate
The rise of alternative legal service providers, legal tech companies, and the Big Four accounting firms presents competitive challenges, particularly for standardized legal work.
Risk Level: Moderate
In a competitive market for legal talent, retaining key attorneys—particularly those with significant client relationships or specialized expertise—remains a challenge for all major law firms, including Foley & Lardner.
Risk Level: Moderate
As a repository of sensitive client information, the firm faces cybersecurity risks. While Foley & Lardner has invested in security measures, the evolving nature of cyber threats presents ongoing challenges.
Risk Level: Moderate
Operating across multiple jurisdictions exposes the firm to various regulatory regimes. Changes in regulations governing the legal profession or specific practice areas could impact operations.
Risk Level: Low
Foley & Lardner has implemented various strategies to address these risks:
Foley & Lardner operates in a highly competitive legal market, particularly in its core practice areas and geographic locations. Understanding the firm's competitive position provides context for evaluating its strategic direction and market opportunities.
Foley & Lardner has positioned itself as a full-service law firm with particular strengths in several key areas:
The firm has developed a strong reputation in technology-related legal services, including work with emerging technologies, digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity. This focus aligns with growing market demand and differentiates the firm from many competitors.
Foley & Lardner's deep expertise in the health care sector positions it well in a large and growing market. The firm's interdisciplinary approach to health care issues is a competitive advantage.
The firm's focus on renewable energy and sustainability aligns with market trends and positions it well for continued growth in these sectors.
Foley & Lardner competes with various types of legal service providers:
The firm's primary competitors include other mid-sized to large national and international law firms with similar practice strengths and geographic footprints. These include firms like Perkins Coie, Baker & Hostetler, and Holland & Knight.
In specific regions, particularly the Midwest where Foley & Lardner has its roots, the firm competes with strong regional players that have deep local connections and specialized expertise.
In specialized practice areas, Foley & Lardner faces competition from boutique firms that focus exclusively on areas like intellectual property, health care, or energy law.
The firm's organization around key industry sectors enables deep understanding of client business challenges and regulatory environments.
With 27 offices worldwide, Foley & Lardner offers both national coverage and strategic international presence in key markets.
The firm's embrace of technology for both internal operations and client service enhances efficiency and client experience.
While Foley & Lardner has offices in key international locations, its global footprint is more limited than some competitors. Strategic international expansion could enhance its ability to serve multinational clients.
Further development of alternative service delivery models, including managed services or technology-enabled solutions, could help the firm compete with non-traditional legal service providers.
Based on current trends, strategic initiatives, and market position, Foley & Lardner appears well-positioned for continued growth and success in the evolving legal services marketplace. Several factors will likely shape the firm's trajectory in the coming years:
The firm's focus on emerging technologies positions it well to capitalize on growing demand for legal services related to artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data privacy. Recent expansions in this area, including the addition of digital infrastructure partners in 2025, underscore this strategic priority.
As the health care industry continues to evolve through technological innovation, regulatory changes, and market consolidation, Foley & Lardner's deep health care expertise presents significant growth opportunities.
The ongoing transition to renewable energy and sustainable practices creates substantial opportunities for the firm's energy practice, particularly in areas like project development, regulatory compliance, and financing for renewable energy initiatives.
The firm's investment in professional development, including programs like the PEAK Partner Training Program launched in 2024, demonstrates a commitment to building internal capabilities and enhancing service delivery.
Foley & Lardner continues to expand its geographic footprint strategically, with recent office openings in key markets. This expansion enhances the firm's ability to serve clients in growing regions and practice areas.
Continued investment in technology for both internal operations and client service will likely remain a priority, enabling enhanced efficiency, collaboration, and client experience.
Several market trends present both challenges and opportunities for Foley & Lardner:
Foley & Lardner's long-term prospects appear strong, supported by its focused strategy, solid financial performance, and investments in key growth areas. The firm's emphasis on strategic industries, client-centered service, and technological innovation positions it well to navigate evolving market conditions and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Its continued ascent in the AmLaw rankings (moving from #46 in 2020 to #45 in 2025) suggests positive momentum that, if sustained, should support continued growth and competitive strength.
