Signing a billion-dollar merger or protecting your intellectual property is no small feat. The stakes are high, but the real question is: which law firm can you trust to carry that weight?
In today’s legal space, the wrong choice of firm doesn’t just risk losing a case; it can cost millions, derail business growth, and damage reputations built over decades. That’s why understanding the leading players in the U.S. legal market is critical.
This article highlights the Top 20 Law Firms in the USA, ranked by reputation, revenue, expertise, and impact. Whether you’re a business owner preparing for litigation, an individual seeking trusted representation, or simply researching industry leaders, this article will give you clarity and direction.
And if you’re a legal professional or managing a growing firm, strong digital marketing strategies, like those offered by Socialander, can help position your firm to attract clients.
Top 20 Law Firms (Tabular Representation)
Below is a tabular presentation of the top 20 law firms in the United States, ranked by their reputation, expertise, and industry impact. Each firm has unique specialties that make it a trusted partner in legal matters for you.
| S/N | Law Firm Name | Headquarters | Specialty/Practice Focus | Revenue (2024 est.) |
| 1 | Kirkland & Ellis LLP | Chicago, IL | Private Equity, M&A, Litigation | $7B+ |
| 2 | Latham & Watkins LLP | Los Angeles, CA | Corporate, M&A, Finance | $6B+ |
| 3 | DLA Piper LLP | Chicago, IL | Corporate Law, Real Estate | $5B+ |
| 4 | Baker McKenzie | Chicago, IL | International Law, Tax, Cross-Border Deals | $4.5B+ |
| 5 | Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP | New York, NY | Corporate Restructuring, M&A | $3.5B+ |
| 6 | Sidley Austin LLP | Chicago, IL | Regulatory, Litigation | $3B+ |
| 7 | Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP | Philadelphia, PA | Labor & Employment, Litigation | $2.9B+ |
| 8 | White & Case LLP | New York, NY | International Arbitration, Project Finance | $2.8B+ |
| 9 | Hogan Lovells | Washington, D.C. | Regulatory, Compliance, Corporate | $2.7B+ |
| 10 | Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP | Los Angeles, CA | Appellate, Litigation | $2.6B+ |
| 11 | Jones Day | Cleveland, OH | Litigation, Political Law | $2.5B+ |
| 12 | Ropes & Gray LLP | Boston, MA | Private Equity, Healthcare | $2.4B+ |
| 13 | Greenberg Traurig LLP | Miami, FL | Real Estate, Corporate | $2.3B+ |
| 14 | Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP | New York, NY | Litigation, Social Justice | $2.2B+ |
| 15 | Winston & Strawn LLP | Chicago, IL | Litigation, Sports Law | $1.8B+ |
| 16 | Mayer Brown LLP | Chicago, IL | Banking, Finance Law | $1.7B+ |
| 17 | Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP | San Francisco, CA | Tech, Startups, Energy | $1.6B+ |
| 18 | Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP (WilmerHale) | Washington, D.C. | Supreme Court, Appellate | $1.5B+ |
| 19 | Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP | New York, NY | Antitrust, Financial Regulation | $1.4B+ |
| 20 | Sullivan & Cromwell LLP | New York, NY | M&A, Securities Law | $1.3B+ |
Top Law Firms in USA
The legal industry in the United States is home to some of the most powerful, trusted, and globally recognized law firms in the world. Choosing the right law firm is not just about reputation; specialization, industry knowledge, and proven success also matter. The firms on this list represent leaders in different sectors. Whether you’re a Fortune 500 company, a fast-growing startup, or an individual with legal needs, these firms are at the forefront of delivering results.
1. Kirkland & Ellis LLP – Private Equity and Litigation
Kirkland & Ellis consistently tops global rankings as the highest-grossing law firm in the world, with revenue of $8.8 billion in 2024, according to the Financial Times. Its average equity partner earns over $9 million, a testament to its financial strength and dominance. The firm is renowned for private equity, M&A, and litigation, advising on more than $431 billion in global M&A transactions in 2024. If your business involves high-stakes deals, complex buyouts, substantial corporate restructuring, or high-stakes litigation defense, Kirkland is often the first name on the shortlist.
2. Latham & Watkins LLP – Corporate and M&A
Latham & Watkins is a global giant in corporate transactions and M&A. In the 2025 Chambers USA guide, they earned 90 Band 1 practice rankings and 96 Band 1 lawyer distinctions, the most of any firm, spanning M&A, AI, antitrust, projects, life sciences, and more. The firm advised on $277.5 billion in global M&A deals in the first half of 2025 alone, making it one of the world’s most trusted advisers for multinationals and investors, according to Global Legal Post. Meanwhile, Legal 500 US 2025 ranked them Tier 1 in everything from Private Credit and Capital Markets to M&A, corporate governance, and tech. If you’re raising capital, pursuing acquisitions, or navigating corporate finance, Latham’s track record speaks volumes.
3. DLA Piper LLP – Global Corporate Law
DLA Piper is built for complexity. Operating across 40+ countries as a global firm, making it one of the most geographically diverse law firms. Its revenue reached $3.68 billion in 2024, ranking among the world’s top 10 firms according to the BCG Search 2025 report. Known for real estate, corporate law, and IP, DLA Piper is ideal for businesses with cross-border legal needs. For companies expanding into multiple jurisdictions, and if your enterprise must manage legal exposure across shifting geopolitical landscapes, DLA can be your legal partner.
4. Baker McKenzie – Cross-Border Specialists
Baker McKenzie is often called the “first truly global law firm,” with 4,700 lawyers across 70+ countries. Its revenue in 2024 was estimated at $4.2 billion by the BCG Search. The firm is recognized for cross-border M&A, tax, international arbitration, and regulatory counsel. Their consistent leadership in Chambers Global rankings for multiple departments reaffirms how their local-global blend translates into real-world client value. For multinational corporations dealing with regulatory compliance across borders, Baker McKenzie brings the global expertise you need.
5. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LL – Restructuring Experts
Skadden has a reputation for handling the world’s most complex restructurings and M&A transactions. The firm posted $3.5 billion in 2024 revenue with about 1,700 attorneys, according to the BCG Search 2025 report. It’s especially trusted in corporate governance, securities law, and litigation. For firms navigating financial distress, complex reorganizations, or businesses facing restructuring or needing counsel on major corporate deals, Skadden is one of the most reliable names.
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6. Sidley Austin LLP – Litigation and Regulatory Authority
They are highly regarded for litigation, healthcare law, and regulatory matters. Sidley is particularly attractive to clients in financial services, life sciences, and energy sectors who face heavy regulatory scrutiny. Businesses under regulatory microscope or confronting securities or policy disputes will benefit from Sidley’s reputation and tactical edge.
7. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP – Labor and Employment
Morgan Lewis is a go-to firm for labor, employment, and workplace law. It also has deep expertise in litigation and energy law. Clients seeking skilled handling of employment regulation and labor disputes, and a partner aligned with ethical and social values Morgan Lewis offers specialized support.
8. White & Case LLP – International Arbitration
White & Case strength lies in international arbitration, debt finance, and cross-border litigation. They’ve earned 63 Band 1 practice rankings across 25 jurisdictions in the 2025 Chambers Global guide. Also, including top-tier credentials in International Arbitration, Banking & Finance, Projects & Energy, and Capital Markets across multiple regions. Global corporations facing complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes, especially in regulated sectors turn to White & Case for a networked, strategic approach to global conflict resolution.
9. Hogan Lovells – Compliance and Regulatory Champions
Hogan Lovells firm is trusted for regulatory, compliance, and corporate law, especially in industries like healthcare, life sciences, and technology, where government oversight is strict. The firm consistently shows in top global firm rankings for broad corporate, financial, and regulatory capabilities (Cinco Días, Chambers), a clear indicator for businesses in fast-paced sectors where regulation shifts rapidly and strategic foresight is essential
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10. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP– High-Stakes Litigation
Gibson Dunn is known for its litigation and appellate practice, including appearances before the U.S. Supreme Court. Benchmark Litigation ranked them Tier 1 nationally across seven major litigation categories, including Appellate, Commercial, Antitrust, IP, Labor & Employment, Securities, and White-Collar crime. Also, recognized 92 partners as Litigation Stars or Future Stars. Additionally, Best Lawyers® US named Gibson Dunn “Law Firm of the Year” for 2025 in both Antitrust and Securities/Capital Markets Law, and rated them Tier 1 in 160 practice areas. The firm is often retained by Fortune 500 companies when facing regulatory investigations, securities complexities, or high-stakes lawsuits.
11. Jones Day – Global Full-Service Litigation & Corporate
Jones Day is known for serving over half of the Fortune 500, including clients like Goldman Sachs and GM, backed by a strong tradition of public service through alumni in high judicial and government roles. Their Global Disputes team offers an integrated, responsive global structure, handling cross-border litigation, arbitration, sovereign acts, and complex enforcement strategies. If your organization is a global enterprise seeking consistency and coordination across corporate, litigation, or regulatory counsel, Jones Day delivers.
12. Ropes & Gray LLP – Private Equity, Healthcare, and Innovation Leader
Ropes & Gray was named Law Firm of the Year by The American Lawyer in 2022. It’s known for excellence in private equity, healthcare, life sciences, and alternative asset transactions, repeatedly recognized for innovation, pro bono, and diversity. The firm also excelled in innovation, earning Private Equity Practice Group of the Year from Law360, while industry awards from FT and others highlighted their cutting-edge approach in private capital and life sciences sectors.
For businesses navigating fund formation, high-stakes PE deals, healthcare transactions, or pursuing complex institutional investments particularly, Ropes & Gray offers a combination of intellectual rigor and creative problem-solving.
13. Greenberg Traurig LLP – Agile, Entrepreneurial, & Client
The Greenberg Traurig firm has celebrated a milestone of 10 consecutive years of record revenue, powered by an expansive list of practice areas from real estate to cybersecurity. Its entrepreneurial culture and nimble execution make it a smart choice for businesses looking for innovation, responsiveness, and broad coverage across industries. If you value flexibility, innovation, and stability, Greenberg Traurig remains a standout.
14. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP – Litigation Meets Strategy
Paul Weiss excels in litigation, principled resilience, and social leadership. In 2025, amid political challenges, they secured a $40 million pro bono settlement to preserve civil rights access, underscoring their commitment to social justice under pressure, according to a report by The New Yorker. Organizations seeking not only legal success but also firms aligned with values and societal impact will value Paul Weiss’s legal prowess and steadfast reputation.
15. Winston & Strawn LLP – Litigation & Complex Disputes
This firm remains a strong presence in litigation, sports law, and financial regulatory matters. Winston & Strawn earned recognition in Benchmark Litigation’s 2025 report across multiple categories: Commercial, IP, Labor & Employment, Antitrust, Insurance, and White-Collar Crime. The firm ranks among the Top 20 Trial Law Firms in the U.S., with 59 attorneys individually recognized for excellence in dispute resolution in key states like New York, Illinois, Florida, and California. If your situation demands rigorous trial performance, be it intellectual property fights, regulatory challenges, or labor disputes, Winston& Strawn can be your partner.
16. Mayer Brown LLP – Finance, Energy, and Data Privacy
Mayer Brown handles big-ticket matters across finance and capital markets. The firm earned a top 5 ranking in the Living Ratings 2025 for digital engagement. They are praised for elegant, navigable content, clear client stories, and well-crafted lawyer biographies. Additionally, in 2025, both Vault and Chambers recognized Mayer Brown as one of the best firms for associate satisfaction, highlighting their training, mentorship, wellness initiatives, and inclusive culture. Businesses in heavily regulated sectors or those pursuing large-scale financing will find Mayer Brown’s institutional experience both reassuring and valuable.
17. Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP – Tech, Infrastructure & Life Sciences
Orrick is a go-to for technology, energy, infrastructure, finance, and life sciences clients. In Q1 2025, they were the #1 most active law firm for venture capital in Europe and #4 globally, helping raise over $9 billion across 220+ deals, a third of which involved AI companies (more information on their website). The firm also opened a Miami office in 2025 to tap into the growing tech and finance hub serving Latin America. If you’re a startup, energy provider, or innovator, Orrick consistently leads with creative legal solutions.
18. Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP (WilmerHale)– Government, Appellate & Investigations
WilmerHale, often called upon for high-stakes appellate work and government investigations. Their resolve in defending professional integrity underscores WilmerHale’s capacity for bold advocacy, especially in cases involving government investigations, white-collar defense, and regulatory confrontations. If your case involves navigating complex government scrutiny or Supreme Court challenges, WilmerHale signals both courage and capability.
19. Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP – High-End Global Capital Markets
Cleary Gottlieb reported over $1.4 billion in revenue in 2023, while recently announcing a new tier of non-equity partner roles to foster talent and maintain agile governance. The firm is known for elite work in antitrust, financial regulation, and international capital markets, prized by global companies and entities for its technical acumen and unified partnership model. For clients facing regulatory scrutiny, global competition issues, or high-risk transactions, Cleary is often a good choice.
20. Sullivan & Cromwell LLP – Wall Street M & A & Securities
Sullivan & Cromwell is a titan of M&A, securities law, and financial services, with a reputation built over decades advising on landmark corporate transactions. Their long legacy in corporate and financial law, from advising on U.S. Steel’s formation to modern mega-mergers, makes them a go-to for clients undertaking sophisticated, high-stakes M&A and financial transactions.
How to Choose the Right Law Firm for Your Needs
Choosing the right law firm is not a one-size-fits-all decision. A startup raising its first round of capital has very different legal needs from a Fortune 500 company defending itself against antitrust litigation. Picking the wrong firm could mean paying for expertise you don’t need or worse, lacking the specialized support required for your unique case.
Here are some practical tips to guide your decision:
1. Check the Firm’s Specialization
Law is vast; some excel at corporate transactions, others dominate in litigation, while a few carve niches in sectors like healthcare, energy, or tech. Always look for a firm with proven experience in the exact area your case or business requires.
2. Review Track Record and Client Testimonials
Don’t just take the firm’s word for it; dig into their history. Who have they represented in the past? What kinds of cases have they won? Client testimonials and case studies often reveal whether a firm consistently delivers results or just has a big name.
3. Consider the Budget and Billing Model
Top-tier firms charge premium fees, often billing by the hour. But not every situation demands “big law” budgets. Smaller or mid-size firms can provide excellent service at more flexible rates, sometimes offering flat fees or blended billing models. Align your choice with what you can realistically sustain without sacrificing quality.
4. Look at Accessibility (Regional vs. Global)
If your business is expanding internationally, a firm with a global footprint like Baker McKenzie or DLA Piper might be a better choice. On the other hand, if your legal issues are more local, a strong regional firm could provide the same expertise with better accessibility and cost-effectiveness. The “best” law firm for you is the one whose specialization, track record, pricing, and accessibility fit your unique needs.
Conclusion
The USA is home to firms that shape industries and courtrooms. Whether you’re seeking representation or benchmarking as a legal professional, knowing the leaders helps you make informed choices. And if your firm aspires to join these ranks, Socialander can help you gain the online visibility, reputation, and digital presence today’s clients expect. Because in today’s world, being the best isn’t enough, being found is what counts.
