Top Big Law Firms in The US in 2025

We have selected the top law firms based on their size, reputation, revenue, and industry recognition from leading sources such as TIME, Statista, and Vault. These firms have consistently demonstrated excellence in legal services, innovation, and client satisfaction.

What are The Big Three Law Firms?

The “Big Three” law firms in the U.S. are Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, and DLA Piper.

Who is The Most Famous Lawyer in The US?

Abraham Lincoln is the most famous lawyer in the U.S. While he’s most known as the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln was also a dedicated lawyer, practicing in Illinois before pivoting to politics.

Top Law Firms in The US 

1. Kirkland & Ellis

Founded in 1909, Kirkland & Ellis has a revenue turnover of approximately $6.09 billion. It currently has about 10,000 employees (including 4,000 lawyers) as per LinkedIn and specializes in Banking & Finance, Commercial Dispute Resolution, Insolvency & Restructuring, and Mergers & Acquisitions. Kirkland & Ellis also has offices in 21 cities across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

2. Cravath, Swaine, and Moore LLP

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP was founded in 1819 and is known for its focus on corporate litigation, tax, executive compensation and benefits, and trusts and estates. It has approximately 5,000 employees, as per LinkedIn, and a revenue of over $1 billion. Cravath also has a single-office model based in New York. 

3. Latham and Watkins

Latham & Watkins LLP was founded in 1934 and has since been a leading international firm in the U.S. law firm industry. With over 3,500 lawyers, the firm operates across more than 30 offices and has a revenue of approximately $7 billion. In addition, Latham & Watkins is known for its strength in Commercial Law, Banking & Finance, Environmental Law, and Litigation.

4. Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

Sullivan and Cromwell LLP was founded in 1879 with headquarters in New York. The firm has over 500 lawyers operating around the world through a network of 13 offices located in Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States. It focuses on Business Law, Mergers & Acquisitions, Banking & Finance, and Securities Regulation. Plus, current revenue is pegged at $1.8 billion. 

5. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz

Watchell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz started operation in 1965 and currently has over 1,000 employees. With a revenue of approximately $1.1 billion, the firm specializes in multiple practice areas, including high-stakes mergers and acquisitions. 

6. WilmerHale

Founded in 1918, WilmerHale has a revenue of approximately $1.3 billion and over 1,000 lawyers across 13 offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The firm is well-regarded for its expertise in Litigation, Intellectual Property, Securities, Antitrust, and Regulatory matters. It serves a diverse client base, including government contracts/entities, corporations, and financial institutions.

7. Debevoise & Plimpton

Established in 1931, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is one of the most prestigious law firms with around 5,000 employees, as per LinkedIn, and a revenue of approximately $1.3 billion. With headquarters in New York and offices across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, the firm specializes in Private Equity, Mergers & Acquisitions, Litigation, and White-Collar Defense. It is known for its strong financial and regulatory practices.

8. Sidley Austin LLP

Founded in 1866, Sidley Austin LLP is one of the major law firms in the U.S. It generates approximately $3.4 billion in revenue and has a workforce of over 2,300 lawyers across 21 offices worldwide. The firm is known for its work in Corporate/Transactional Law, Securities, Litigation, and Regulatory Compliance. Sidley also serves major multinational corporations, investment firms, and government entities.

9. Dentons

Dentons, established in 2013 through multiple firm mergers, is the world’s largest law firm by number of employees, with over 10,000 top lawyers operating in more than 80 countries. Its revenue stands at around $2.9 billion. Dentons specializes in Corporate Law, Real Estate, Banking & Finance, and Litigation matters, serving global businesses across diverse industries.

10. Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie was created in 1949 and has since been a global legal powerhouse. It currently has over 10,000 employees in more than 30 countries and a revenue of approximately $3.3 billion. Baker McKenzie is also known for its work in Corporate Law, Tax, Employment, and Intellectual Property. 

11. DLA Piper

Established in 2005 following multiple partnerships, DLA Piper operates in over 40 countries and has over 10,000 employees. It has a revenue of approximately $3.8 billion and is a leader in Corporate Law, Real Estate, Intellectual Property, and Litigation. The firm represents Fortune 500 companies, startups, and public institutions.

12. White & Case

White & Case LLP is a New York-based law firm founded in 1901 and has since grown into a major international law firm with more than 2,000 employees across 30+ offices and countries. The firm currently records an annual revenue of $2.9 billion, specializing in “white-collar” law, such as Banking & Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions, International Arbitration, Intellectual Property, and Antitrust.

13. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Established in 1890, Gibson Dunn has over 2,000 lawyers working in 21 offices worldwide, and a revenue of approximately $3 billion. The firm is known for its strength in different practice areas, such as Litigation, Antitrust, Real Estate, and Corporate Transactions. 

14. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates

Skadden, founded in 1948, is one of the most prestigious law firms in the U.S., with over 1,500 lawyers and a revenue of approximately $3.2 billion. It specializes in Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity, Corporate Finance, Corporate Governance, Litigation/Controversy, and Pro Bono, representing leading corporations worldwide.

15. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

Established in 1875, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP has a strong reputation in Litigation, White-Collar Defense, and Mergers & Acquisitions. It employs over 1,000 lawyers, has a revenue of about $2 billion, and serves major financial institutions and corporations. 

16. Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

Founded in 1931, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has over 1,200 lawyers in offices on three continents and a revenue exceeding $1.9 billion. The firm’s four departments, Corporate, Litigation, Restructuring, and Tax, Executive Compensation & Benefits, and over two dozen practice groups, are consistently recognized as leaders in their respective fields.

17. Jones Day

Founded in 1893, Jones Day has more than 2,400 lawyers in 40 offices located in major centers of business and finance across five continents. The firm has a revenue of approximately $2.5 billion and is known for its expertise in Corporate Law, Antitrust, Litigation, and Government Regulation (government affairs).

18. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

Established in 1849, Davis Polk is a global law firm highly regarded for its work in Capital Markets, Mergers & Acquisitions, Banking & Finance, and Litigation. It has about 1,000 lawyers and a revenue of approximately $2 billion. The firm primarily serves top-tier financial institutions and multinational corporations.

19. Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright is one of the youngest law firms, founded in 2013. It currently has more than 3,500 lawyers across over 50 locations worldwide and revenue of approximately $2 billion. The firm specializes in Energy, Infrastructure, Banking & Finance, and Litigation across multiple jurisdictions.

5 Emerging Law Firms of 2025

As the legal industry evolves, several smaller or niche law firms are making a name for themselves by specializing in cutting-edge areas like AI, cryptocurrency, and environmental law. Some of these major law firms include:

1. ZwillGen

Established in 2010, ZwillGen is a mid-size boutique law firm that focuses on emerging technologies and privacy law. In January 2025, they expanded their expertise by acquiring Luminos, a firm specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) bias and cybersecurity testing. This strategic move positions ZwillGen at the forefront of AI-related legal services, addressing the growing demand for regulatory compliance and risk management in the AI sector.

2. Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP

Founded in 1919, Cahill Gordon & Reindel has a longstanding reputation in corporate finance and litigation. The firm has amassed over $400 million in revenue. It promotes emerging technologies via its CahillNXT division, focusing on digital assets, Web3, blockchain, and cryptocurrency. This initiative demonstrates the firm’s commitment to addressing the legal complexities of the evolving digital banking landscape.

3. Perkins Coie LLP

With roots dating back to 1912 and a revenue of approximately $1 billion, Perkins Coie has evolved into a leader in technology law among other law firms. The firm provides comprehensive legal services to startups and established companies focused on cloud computing, artificial intelligence, automation, and connected devices and equipment while managing risks like data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance.

4. Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

Established in 1986, Quinn Emanuel is renowned for its litigation prowess. The firm has a revenue of approximately $2 billion and practice areas dedicated to artificial intelligence, internet litigation, and blockchain and digital assets.

Staying Top of the Legal Ladder as a Global Law Firm

To remain at the top, law firms must continuously invest in cutting-edge legal tech to fit into the progressive legal market where speed and accuracy matter. Embracing technology is no longer optional—AI-powered legal research, automation tools, and cybersecurity measures can simplify operations and boost efficiency.

Beyond technology, fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion is essential. A firm that values diverse perspectives drives better decision-making and client trust. This goes hand in hand with prioritizing top talent retention and providing professional development and leadership opportunities to ensure that employees stay engaged in their legal careers and remain committed to the firm’s long-term success.

Additionally, staying proactive in regulatory compliance and global policy shifts will ensure law firms navigate legal complexities with confidence. Finally, strong law firm management and branding play a critical role in maintaining authority. A well-structured firm with a clear vision, strong leadership, and a consistent brand presence will not only attract high-profile clients but also retain its position as an industry leader and boost global reach.

If your firm wants to strengthen its position in the legal market and improve visibility, reach out to us for expert guidance.