Best Law Firms for Diversity
Law students, lawyers, and firm management place increasing value on a diverse working environment. That's why Vault has devoted a special section to associates’ rankings on diversity issues. Vault's 2025 Rankings are derived from Vault's Annual Associate Survey conducted from January 2024 through March 2024.
Explore Related Ranking Categories
2025 Best Law Firms for Individuals with Disabilities
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
A top firm for labor and employment work, Morgan Lewis has an expansive worldwide reach across 30+ offices. The firm attracts those who want to give back via pro bono work—20 hours are required for bonus eligibility—and who are seeking a nonhierarchical culture with ample transparency. Boasting an army of over 2,000 attorneys nationwide and worldwide, Morgan Lewis provides a wealth of opportunities to work on diverse and high-stakes matters in the firm’s core practice areas.
SCORE 9.603
2024 Ranking
#3
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
A top law firm for quality of life every year, a mainstay among the Vault Law 30 firms, and the oldest firm in Los Angeles, O’Melveny is a highly sought-after firm with hundreds of lawyers across 18 offices and eight countries. The firm prioritizes associate development and is a leader in DE&I, pro bono, and employee wellness. Its prominence in California and elsewhere has fostered exceptional opportunities in many areas of law, including entertainment law and technology/emerging companies.
SCORE 9.592
2024 Ranking
#2
Clifford Chance US LLP
As a global force since its merger in 1987, Clifford Chance unsurprisingly seeks candidates with international aspirations and foreign language skills. This Magic Circle firm offers a welcoming culture and interesting work, and it genuinely supports pro bono and diversity efforts. One might assume that it would be easy to get lost in such a massive enterprise, but employee relations and firm transparency are exceptional.
SCORE 9.473
2024 Ranking
#1
BakerHostetler
BakerHostetler’s culture reflects its Midwest roots—professional yet warm and welcoming. Associates are also treated to strong mentorship and transparent leadership. The cutting-edge IncuBaker team is representative of the firm’s commitment to innovation, especially in helping clients navigate the intersection of digital business, emerging technologies, and the law.
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SCORE 9.413
2024 Ranking
#4
Proskauer Rose LLP
Proskauer Rose is an all-around legal powerhouse, including a top-ranked media, entertainment, and sports practice and nationally recognized labor and employment and investment funds practices. Pro bono is part of the firm’s lifeblood, as is a strong commitment to diversity. Amiable go-getters will do well in the firm’s supportive, team environment.
SCORE 9.411
2024 Ranking
#11
Gibbons P.C.
Respected in the mid-Atlantic and beyond, Gibbons is a place for tackling substantive work—and making a mark with pro bono opportunities. The firm handles high-profile corporate transactions but is best known for its litigation department. Gibbons is home to 200 lawyers and a collegial culture that is flourishing at a firm stacked with former clerks.
SCORE 9.400
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
McDermott Will & Emery
Sitting comfortably among the Vault 100 law firms, McDermott is best known for its work in healthcare and tax law—though its practices extend far beyond these. The firm is forward-thinking when it comes to wellness—it was the first to offer lawyers billable credit for participating in 25 wellness hours—and will appeal to those seeking a collegial, supportive environment.
SCORE 9.360
2024 Ranking
#10
Orrick
Innovation is the name of the game at Orrick—from the energy, tech, and finance clients that the firm counsels, to its impactful well-being initiatives and its modern technology tools. Associates who are down-to-earth, collaborative, and forward-thinking will fit right in at this progressive firm. With offices in over 25 markets across the United States, Europe, and Asia, Orrick is a legal powerhouse with dedication to pro bono, diversity, and competitive compensation.
SCORE 9.301
2024 Ranking
#5
Jackson Walker
Jackson Walker is the largest exclusively-Texas law firm, with over 500 attorneys working from six offices across the state. Associates express high levels of satisfaction with nearly every aspect of firm life, from hours to culture to compensation to D&I. As a full-service firm, virtually all practice areas are represented, and associates enjoy a variety of sophisticated legal work.
SCORE 9.283
2024 Ranking
#21
Finnegan
Top-ranked for intellectual property and one of the largest law firms focusing exclusively on this field, Finnegan handles all aspects of IP, including patent, trademark, copyright, trade secrets, false advertising, and licensing law. Notably, Finnegan professionals demonstrate an impressive array of tech experience. The firm takes training seriously, with extensive formal programming and an emphasis on mentoring. Attorneys seeking a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere will feel at home here.
SCORE 9.231
2024 Ranking
#7
Robinson+Cole
In addition to its offices in Connecticut, Robinson+Cole has offices in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and other cities throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, California, and Florida. At more than 260 lawyers strong, the firm serves clients ranging from startups to Fortune 50 companies. Associates here are incredibly happy, which is clear from the firm’s placement in Vault’s quality of life rankings for Firm Culture and Wellness. The firm is also a leader in tech, diversity, and transparency.
SCORE 9.200
2024 Ranking
#14
Loeb & Loeb LLP
The Loeb brothers, more than 100 years ago, bypassed the family business and founded Loeb & Loeb, which has had an immense effect on the development of Los Angeles and, specifically, Hollywood as the center of the entertainment industry. The firm has grown to over 450 lawyers across eight offices in the U.S. and Asia, and has expanded services to include financial services, intellectual property, life sciences, real estate, tax, and trusts and estates.
SCORE 9.182
2024 Ranking
#9
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
Fried Frank associates work on complex legal matters in a top-to-bottom friendly and social environment across five global offices with 750 attorneys. The firm prioritizes its people and communities, with associate perks like generous wellness offerings—including fitness stipends and an associates-only lounge in the New York office—and strong dedication to pro bono work.
SCORE 9.143
2024 Ranking
#13
Sheppard Mullin
Sheppard Mullin—new to the $1 billion-a-year revenue club—has continued to grow since its founding almost 100 years ago in Los Angeles. With 16 offices worldwide and 1,100 attorneys, it has expanded from a firm that primarily represents retailers and banks to one that offers stellar legal services in commercial law, litigation, aerospace and defense, land use and real estate, entertainment law, intellectual property law, and government contracts. Associates wanting pro bono experience will be happy with Sheppard Mullin’s dedicated pro bono partner and project coordinator.
SCORE 9.139
2024 Ranking
#18
Cozen O'Connor
At Cozen O’Connor, attorneys get to tackle exciting legal challenges while maintaining a life outside of work. Associates appreciate the autonomy they are given to do their jobs and the responsibility they are given early in their careers.
SCORE 9.128
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP
One of DC’s finest, the global megafirm Arnold & Porter is home to nearly 1,000 lawyers practicing across dozens of areas—with antitrust being one of the most notable. The firm focuses heavily on mentoring, with mentoring budgets, shadowing opportunities, and multiple formal mentors for junior associates. Pro bono is a big deal at Arnold & Porter, too, as the firm allows up to 200 hours to count toward the annual billable goal and has won numerous awards for its efforts.
SCORE 9.081
2024 Ranking
#25
Constangy Brooks, Smith & Prophete LLP
Constangy is a management-side labor and employment firm, with offices in 16 states across the U.S. Constangy handles a range of employment matters, including employment discrimination, harassment, and retaliation; wage and hour litigation; workplace safety; affirmative action compliance; OSHA; workers’ compensation; and ERISA and employee benefits. The firm also counsels clients on developing workplace policies. Among other positive aspects of working here, associates rave about the firm’s unique marketing mentorship program.
SCORE 9.063
2024 Ranking
#20
McGlinchey Stafford
Many law firms call themselves innovative, but McGlinchey Stafford is one that follows through on its claim. This midsize business firm is always thinking of ways to not only change the legal game, but improve it by focusing on ways to innovate and exceed client expectations, including by delivering services at a greater value for the cost. McGlinchey also keeps its clients and admirers up-to-date on current issues and legal trends impacting businesses with their podcast, “More with McGlinchey.”
SCORE 9.063
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
White & Case
Look up “global law firm” in the thesaurus, and you’ll find White & Case. A leader in cross-border work, the firm works across two dozen practice areas. The firm is home to a truly diverse team of lawyers and boasts a top-down commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace.
SCORE 9.018
2024 Ranking
#22
Linklaters
Linklaters is a Magic Circle firm with a 185-year legacy, including over 50 years in the United States. The firm presents great opportunities for international work and international travel to its 31 worldwide offices. The firm receives high praise for requiring pro bono work as part of its practice. Compensation and partner/associate relations are other highlights for Linklaters associates.
SCORE 9.000
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
McCarter & English, LLP
Founded as a small-town, one-lawyer practice in the Garden State more than 175 years ago, McCarter & English is one of New Jersey’s oldest law firms, and one of its largest. The firm has grown—both organically and strategically—to around 400 lawyers in 10 offices on the East Coast, including offices in Delaware; Massachusetts; New York; Pennsylvania; Connecticut; and Washington, DC. McCarter has been focused on serving innovative clients since it was founded in 1865 by Thomas Nesbitt McCarter.
SCORE 9.000
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Hanson Bridgett LLP
Hanson Bridgett LLP is an AmLaw 200 California firm with more than 200 attorneys across the state. While all of the firm's offices are in California, and the firm lists many California public agencies as clients, it is a member of national and international legal networks that allow the firm to serve its clients anywhere. The firm is the first law firm recognized as a certified B Corp, indicating its commitment to the communities surrounding its offices and their efforts toward pro bono and social impact work.
SCORE 8.952
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Haynes and Boone, LLP
Headquartered in Dallas, it’s no surprise the culture at Haynes Boone is as supportive and social as its Texas roots. With friendly colleagues and invested partners, associates get top-notch legal experience at a firm where they feel welcome.
SCORE 8.902
2024 Ranking
#26
Pillsbury
Pillsbury is composed of genuinely caring people, and associates can commit to interesting work from day one. “Super bonuses” are perks for those who excel. The BOSS Lab represents only one of the firm’s impressive commitments to diversity.
SCORE 8.881
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Benesch Law
Founded in 1938, Benesch is one of Cleveland's most notable law firms, but it has expanded beyond its Midwest roots to provide legal services coast-to-coast, counseling clients in more than 20 industries. The firm's core practices are Corporate & Securities, Commercial Finance & Banking, Healthcare, Information Technology, Intellectual Property, Labor & Employment, Litigation, and Real Estate. The firm takes training seriously, and associates appreciate the transparency into career development at the firm.
SCORE 8.875
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Gibson Dunn
A litigation powerhouse, appellate all-star, and corporate law force, Gibson Dunn is a Vault top 10 firm with impressive practice and client lists across its 21 worldwide offices. Gibson attracts go-getters who will succeed in the firm’s free market system and integrate with the professional, amiable culture. Attorneys who want to engage in pro bono work, with these hours satisfying billable requirements, will find robust, dynamic opportunities at Gibson Dunn. The firm’s flex-time program with pro-rated hours and compensation, is attractive to many.
SCORE 8.845
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC
Baker Donelson has a strong footprint in the southeastern U.S., with 22 offices spanning 11 states and Washington, DC. Over 600 attorneys provide representation to clients in over 30 practice areas, including public policy. Baker Donelson is business focused, with an emphasis on creating and implementing innovative solutions that reduce client cost, build on its Centers of Excellence practice areas, and promote business development opportunities for the firm and its attorneys.
SCORE 8.842
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Fish & Richardson P.C.
Intellectual property is the name of the game at Fish & Richardson, so be prepared to show off your technical or science background during interviews. Founded in 1878 and home to over 360 attorneys, the firm is home to busy associates who are treated to a great culture, top-notch IP work, and high levels of flexibility. Fish & Richardson hires candidates with the expectation that they will climb the ranks, offering a clear path to partnership for anyone willing to put in the work.
SCORE 8.840
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Littler Mendelson P.C.
Labor and employment law is Littler Mendelson’s forte, and it dominates on an international scale. The firm has a massive footprint, with more than 1,500 attorneys across 58 offices nationwide and 36 abroad. Littler exclusively represents management, but its clients come in all sizes and industries, from Fortune 500 corporations to small, single-office businesses. The firm has also received a number of awards for its diversity initiatives and is known for offering its clients innovative solutions.
SCORE 8.840
2024 Ranking
#8
Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Lowenstein Sandler is a full-service law firm, with over 300 attorneys in nearly 50 practice areas. Founded in New Jersey, the firm now has five offices across the U.S. Associates report challenging but satisfying work, and they are overwhelmingly pleased with various aspects of working here, from the culture to the work-life balance. Of particular note is the firm’s real commitment to pro bono work, which associates report is genuine.
SCORE 8.821
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Williams & Connolly LLP
One of the most selective law firms, Williams & Connolly is a litigation standout known for handling complex, high-stakes matters. The firm has a promote-from-within culture with an emphasis on organic mentorship. Associates are given great responsibility early in their careers and appreciate being treated with respect, as shown by their ability to work when, how, and where they wish.
SCORE 8.821
2024 Ranking
#28
