Top 15 Most Prestigious Law Firms In The U.S Today (by Vault)
 Top 15 Most Prestigious Law Firms In The World |
 Top 15 Largest Law Firms In The World by Number of Attorneys & Offices |
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The Top 15 Most Prestigious Law Firms in the US have been compiled by KnowInsiders.com based on rankings from Vault 100, US News, and Lawyers Bay. Based on their rankings and recognition, we assessed the law firms.
According to US News, a firm must have at least one lawyer in a practice area or metro area that is ranked among the "Best Law Firms" by Best Lawyers. The law firms were ranked by regions and practice areas by US News. The most customer votes and participating firms ever used to determine the rankings for 2023. To be eligible for a ranking, a firm must have at least one attorney listed in The Best Lawyers in America, a publication that honors the top 5% of active lawyers in the country.
The rankings for this year are based on 12.2 million evaluations of more than 115,00 top attorneys from more than 22,000 firms.
Based on the opinions of attorneys at peer firms, Vault Law 100 compiles a national ranking of the most prestigious law firms. This year, more than 20,000 employees evaluated the reputations of other firms besides their own. Based on the findings of the annual associate survey, which was conducted by Vault from January to March 2022, came the rankings for 2023.
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Top 15 Most Prestigious Law Firms In The US Today
1. Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
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Address: Worldwide Plaza 825 Eighth Avenue, New York
Phone number: (212) 474-1000
Website: cravath.com
Overview: Despite its well-known history dating back to 1819, Cravath is still a small, sparsely staffed company with its headquarters in New York City and just one other small office in London. (with a goal to construct a Washington office by the fall of 2022). (and intends to establish a DC office in the autumn of 2022). Although associates are not required to bill by the hour, they are among the top firms' billers in terms of hours. The company uses a novel work rotation strategy that enables smaller, collaborative teams, close mentoring, significant responsibility, and quick employee learning.
Rankings by US News:
National Rankings
Tier 1 in Antitrust Law
Tier 1 in Appellate Practice
Tier 1 in Banking and Finance Law
Tier 1 in Commercial Litigation
Regional Rankings-New York City
Tier 1 in Antitrust Law
Tier 1 in Appellate Practice
Tier 1 in Banking and Finance Law
Tier 1 in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
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2. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
Address: 51 West 52nd St. New York
Website: wlrk.com
Overview: In the New York City area, Wachtell Lipton is the go-to legal firm for mergers and acquisitions. At Wachtell Lipton, you'll find a dedicated team of attorneys who place a premium on hard work and professionalism, and who are rewarded handsomely for their efforts in high-profile cases. The firm is very small compared to other prominent BigLaw firms, which helps maintain a positive work environment, and it has refused to open any further offices outside of New York.
Rankings and awards:
Vault Law 100: Best Law Firms for Mergers & Acquisitions;Most Selective Law Firms
American Lawyer Dealmakers of the Year, 2022 – Steven Rosenblum, Elina Tetelbaum, Raaj Narayan.
Benchmark Litigation Bill Savitt inducted into Benchmark Litigation’s Hall of Fame.
Bloomberg Law – They’ve got Next: Antitrust Fresh Face – Christina Ma.
Bloomberg Law – They’ve Got Next 40 Under 40 – Ryan McLeod.
3. Skadden
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Address: One Manhattan West New York
Website: skadden.com
Phone number: (212) 735-3000
Overview: While looking for new employees, Skadden places a premium on those who have excelled academically and have personalities that mesh well with the firm's dynamic culture. Partners and associates enjoy a friendly and open relationship that extends beyond the workplace. Associates appreciate the many exit alternatives afforded by Skadden through the alumni network, notwithstanding the firm's questionable partnership prospects. Although they want for more openness and communication from the company on internal promotions, associates are appreciative of the partners' dedication to their professional growth. New associates at Skadden are given senior associate and partner mentors to help them through their first year.
Rankings and awards:
Vault Law 100: Best Law Firms for Securities Litigation; Best Law Firms for Tax Law
US News: "Law Firm of the Year" Awards
No 1 in Antitrust Law
No 1 in Banking and Finance Law
No1 in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
4. Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
Address: 125 Broad Street New York
Phone number: (212) 558-4000
Website: sullcrom.com
Overview: One of the most prestigious law firms, Sullivan & Cromwell subscribes to a generalist approach, allowing lawyers to work across industries and subgroups. Sullivan & Cromwell boasts an army of over 800 attorneys across eight countries. The firm prides itself on its mentoring and career advising, as well as its commitment to being a unified global practice by only staffing its offices with lawyers who have built their careers at S&C.
Rankings and awards:
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is nationally ranked in 37 practice areas and regionally ranked in 59 practice areas. The U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process.
No 1 in Antitrust Law
No 1 in Banking and Finance Law
No 1 in Commercial Litigation
No 1 in Corporate Law
5. Latham & Watkins
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Address: 1271 Avenue of the Americas New York
Phone number: (212) 906-1200
Website: lw.com
Overview: You know you've made it in the legal industry when you're offered a position with Latham & Watkins. The company attracts the brightest and most accomplished individuals to join its ranks as a global leader in dozens of practice areas.
Famous cases:
Latham's global reach and industry acumen are exemplified by three technology-focused M&A transactions: Advanced Micro Devices' $35 billion acquisition of Xilinx, Salesforce's $27.7 billion acquisition of Slack, and Intuit's $12 billion acquisition of Mailchimp.
Rankings and awards:
Latham & Watkins LLP is nationally ranked in 36 practice areas and regionally ranked in 95 practice areas.
No 1 in Antitrust Law
No 1 in Appellate Practice
No 1 in Banking and Finance Law
No 1 in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
6. Kirkland & Ellis
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Address: 300 North LaSalle Chicago
Website: kirkland.com
Phone number: (312) 862-2000
Overview: Kirkland is a legal behemoth in terms of size and reputation, and it is the ideal firm for self-starters eager to take control of their legal careers. Associates at the firm agree that their futures are bright because of the firm's extensive training and the fact that the firm's name appears on their resumes.
Famous cases:
Kirkland represented students and alumni from Maryland's four historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in a pro bono lawsuit against the state for failing to dismantle the state's former segregated higher education system. The case culminated in a $577 million legislative settlement in March 2021, after 12 years, two trials, five mediations, a Fourth Circuit appeal, and three legislative hearings — one of the largest pro bono settlements in history. Kirkland donated $12.5 million in attorney fees to seven historically black colleges and universities and civil rights organizations.
Rankings and awards:
Vault Law 100: Best Law Firms for Bankruptcy/Restructuring; Best Law Firms for Private Equity
Top 10 Most Prestigious Firms, Vault 2022
Named one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality, Human Rights Campaign, 2008-2021
Named one of Working Mother’s Best Law Firms for Women, 2012-2021
7. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
Address: 450 Lexington Avenue New York
Website: davispolk.com
Phone number: (212) 450-4000
Overview: Davis Polk is a corporate law behemoth and a securities litigation powerhouse that ranks among the world's most elite law firms. The fact that the firm is staffed by attorneys with good work ethics who are committed to supporting and mentoring one another is a mark of its professionalism. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP has one of the country's strongest and most comprehensive corporate departments, with exceptional teams in capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, finance, restructuring, and tax.
Rankings and awards:
Vault Law 100: Best Law Firms for Banking & Financial Services; Best Law Firms for Securities/Capital Markets
Gold Standard Firm, 2020—Women in Law Empowerment Forum
Capital Markets Team of the Year, 2020—IFLR1000United States Awards
Restructuring Firm of the Year, 2020—The Deal
8. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
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Address: 425 Lexington Avenue New York
Phone number: (212) 455-2000
Website: stblaw.com
Overview: One of the most elite corporate law firms, Simpson Thacher is a dream firm for anyone pursuing a career in transactional law. The firm has a supportive environment that places a high value on training (including through its robust training program STB Ready) and mentoring, which is encouraged from the top.
Famous cases:
Three of the significant merger and acquisition agreements to be announced were represented by Simpson Thacher as counsel throughout the first half of 2022. The boards of directors of Twitter ($44 billion sale to Elon Musk), Microsoft ($75 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard), and Silver Lake ($61 billion sale of VMWare to Broadcom) are all represented by this company.
Four of the ten largest private equity funds that Private Equity International advised on that year are listed as Hellman & Friedman Capital Partners X ($24.4 billion), Silver Lake Partners VI ($20 billion), and EQT IX ($18.5 billion).
Rankings and awards:
Vault Law 100: Best Law Firms for Private Equity; Best Law Firms for Banking & Financial Services
9. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
Address: 1285 Avenue of the Americas New York
Phone number: (212) 373-3000
Website: paulweiss.com
Overview: Paul Weiss, known for its civil rights and social justice advocacy, attracts progressive types who value the firm's high-profile pro bono work as well as its internal commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives. The law firm is a litigation powerhouse with a thriving corporate practice to its name. Furthermore, the firm is well-known for its expertise in telecommunications and entertainment law.
Rankings:
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is nationally ranked in 31 practice areas and regionally ranked in 42 practice areas.
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10. Gibson Dunn
Address: 333 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles
Phone number: (213) 229-7000
Website: gibsondunn.com.
Overview: Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, a leading international law firm, is consistently ranked among the top law firms in the world in industry surveys and major publications. With over 1,800 lawyers and 20 offices, the firm is uniquely positioned in today's global marketplace.
Famous cases:
Won historic marriage equality victory before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Represented CNN/Jim Acosta in getting Mr. Acosta’s White House “hard pass” reinstated on an emergency basis. Gibson Dunn persuaded the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia that revocation of the press pass infringed on significant First Amendment liberty interests and violated the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment.
Rankings:
Vault Law 100: Best Law Firms for Appellate Litigation; Best Law Firms in the Mountain States
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is nationally ranked in 41 practice areas and regionally ranked in 138 practice areas. The U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process.
11. Sidley Austin LLP
Address: One South Dearborn Chicago
Phone number: (312) 853-7000
Website: sidley.com
Overview: When it comes to law firms, Sidley is at the top of the heap thanks to its impressive global reach and client list of well-known individuals. Come for the sophisticated work; stay for the polite, welcoming Midwestern atmosphere; and a sincere dedication to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.
Rankings:
Sidley Austin LLP is nationally ranked in 53 practice areas and regionally ranked in 166 practice areas.
Vault Law 100: Best Law Firms in Chicago; Best Law Firms in Texas
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12. Weil
Address: 767 Fifth Avenue New York
Phone number: (212) 310-8000
Website: weil.com
Overview: Weil is a legal titan renowned for his proficiency in insolvency and restructuring. His name is unique and will be noticeable on any resume. Team players who enjoy mingling but aren't afraid to roll up their sleeves and put in the necessary effort are a great fit for the company. In a number of important legal fields, such as corporate law, private equity, bankruptcy, and restructuring, the firm has established the bar.
Rankings and awards:
Weil Named Among 2021 Law360 Firms of the Year, Wins Five Practice Group of the Year Awards — February 04, 2022
Weil Named a 2022 Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality by Human Rights Campaign Foundation — January 31, 2022
Weil Ranked Among Most Innovative North American Law Firms in 2021 by Financial Times — December 10, 2021
Weil Named to 2021 A-List by The American Lawyer — August 05, 2021
13. Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP
Address: 865 South Figueroa Street 10th Floor Los Angeles
Phone No: 1(312)705-7400.
Website: quinnemanuel.com
Overview: Quinn Emanuel is the polar opposite of a stuffy BigLaw firm, with a distinct blend of informality and ambition. Lawyers at this prestigious litigation firm are self-directed and highly motivated, with the freedom to direct their own workloads and the determination to work long hours on difficult cases while wearing jeans and flip flops casually (if they so choose). Quinn Emanuel has extensive litigation experience, as evidenced by its ranking as the top firm in Vault's General Commercial Litigation category.
Rankings:
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan is nationally ranked in 15 practice areas and regionally ranked in 53 practice areas. The U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process.
Vault Law 100: Best Law Firms for General Commercial Litigation; Best Law Firms for Products Liability
14. Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
Address: One Liberty Plaza New York
Phone number: (212) 225-2000
Website: clearygottlieb.com
Overview: When it comes to representing national governments, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP is a formidable opponent. Curiosity about the world and a can-do attitude will help you fit in with the unique "Cleary Culture" at the company. With offices on four continents and a stellar reputation for innovation, Cleary is the preeminent international law practice.
Rankings:
Vault Law 100: Best Law Firms for Antitrust; Best Law Firms for International Practice
No 1 Best Law Firms for Antitrust
No 4 Best Law Firms for International Practice
15. Covington & Burling
Address: One CityCenter 850 Tenth Street, NW Washington
Phone number: (202) 662-6000
Website: cov.com
Overview: Covington & Burling consistently ranks in the top 20 of the Vault Law 100, and their practice areas include white collar crime, antitrust, and corporate law. The organization is looking for bright, future-focused people who value group problem-solving, personal development, and social responsibility.
Rankings:
Covington & Burling LLP is nationally ranked in 42 practice areas and regionally ranked in 90 practice areas.
National Rankings
No 1 in Antitrust Law
No 1 in Appellate Practice
No 1 in Banking and Finance Law
No 1 in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Conclusion
You have just learned about 15 law firms that are regarded as being among the most prestigious in the United States at the present time. These firms have garnered their reputations over the course of several decades by successfully representing notable clients in high-profile cases.
It is important to keep in mind that the most prestigious law firms are not necessarily the ones that have the largest number of employees. However, it is a well-known fact that the fees charged by the most reputable attorneys or law firms are typically quite expensive for their clients to pay.
Everyone has a unique perspective, particularly those who have worked in the legal system at some point in their lives. Please share your additional thoughts with us in the comments section if you have any.
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