Best Law Firms by Practice Area
These firms were voted strongest in each practice area by associates working in that area at peer firms. Vault's 2025 Rankings are derived from Vault's Annual Associate Survey conducted between January 2024 through March 2024.
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2025 Best Law Firms for Privacy & Data Security
Cooley
The go-to firm for startups and early-stage companies, Cooley is ideal for those seeking cutting-edge work with innovative clients. The firm is also known for its work with life science and technology companies. Cooley has a highly social culture in 19 worldwide offices that will no doubt appeal to affable personalities, and boasts a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
33.98% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#1
Hogan Lovells
Hogan Lovells is home to over 2,800 lawyers working across more than 45 offices. The firm focuses on three major practices: corporate and finance; litigation, arbitration and employment; and global regulatory and intellectual property. It is particularly well-known for its privacy work and its high-profile pro bono matters. Lawyers who enjoy a collegial, collaborative culture and have a strong desire to give back through pro bono fit well into the firm.
25.57% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#4
Perkins Coie LLP
Perkins Coie cultivates collegiality through a holistic hiring process, social retreats, resource groups, wellness programs, and more. Whether they hope to make partner or move in-house, associates here are in a good position. Providing legal services to some of the world’s most innovative companies, Perkins Coie lawyers take pride in performing substantive, meaningful work. Although its history is rooted in aerospace and transportation, Perkins Coie has stretched its services across its domestic and international offices.
19.09% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#3
Wilson Sonsini
A leader in venture capital work and highly regarded for its intellectual property, Wilson Sonsini is a go-to firm for tech industry clients. Lawyers at the firm have an entrepreneurial mindset and strike the right balance between being hardworking and affable. With its history deeply rooted in the evolution of Silicon Valley, Wilson Sonsini values innovation and improvement and is the chief provider of legal services to technology and life sciences clients. The West Coast firm culture is “chill.”
18.12% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#5
Morrison Foerster
Exemplary work is standard at MoFo, but as its nickname suggests, the firm and its lawyers don’t take themselves too seriously. Morrison & Foerster LLP, with 18 global offices and more than 1,000 attorneys, excels in many practice areas, including intellectual property and privacy, and is a standout in the pro bono area, assisting in a wide range of matters. Diversity and related initiatives are key at MoFo, with DEI activities counting toward legal service hours.
17.80% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#2
Covington & Burling
Known for its white collar, antitrust, and corporate work—among other practices—Covington is a mainstay in the top 20 of the Vault Law 100. The firm attracts intellectuals who lean progressive and thrive on collaboration, hard work, and giving back via pro bono matters.
16.18% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#5
Latham & Watkins
You know you’ve made it in the legal industry when you’ve landed a spot at Latham. The firm is a global leader across dozens of practice areas, with over 3,000 lawyers in 14 countries, and recruits the best of the best. This globalization allows Latham to service clients with the finest legal resources, regardless of location. Those seeking autonomy to shape their practice and wanting extensive training and support will be pleased with their opportunities at this legal giant.
13.59% of Votes
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.
12.95% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#7
DLA Piper
Get your passport ready—DLA Piper has more than 90 offices (including relationship firms) around the world and is home to more than 4,000 lawyers. These lawyers work across dozens of practices, and the firm is lauded for its Data Protection, Privacy, and Security practices. Collaboration and professionalism are key to this firm’s collegial culture. Associates enjoy working with collaborative, intelligent colleagues in a flexible environment.
11.00% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#9
ZwillGen PLLC
A leading firm on Internet law, boutique firm ZwillGen has investigated, litigated, and counseled clients on everything from cybercrime and privacy/data security to online marketing and internet gambling—and more. The firm has a laid-back atmosphere where jeans are common and hierarchy is nonexistent, and its lawyers have investigated, litigated, and counseled clients on a wide range of issues including cybercrime, privacy and data security, online marketing, internet gambling, and more.
9.71% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#8
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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9.39% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#11
Sidley Austin LLP
With an impressive global footprint of over 2,300 lawyers across 21 offices and a roster of top-notch clients across the energy, financial services, healthcare, insurance, life sciences, sports and media, and technology industries, Sidley is the cream of the crop when it comes to law firms. Come for the sophisticated work and stay for the polite, amiable Midwestern vibes as well as the sincere commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.
8.74% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#16
Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Though Hunton Andrews Kurth did not take on its current form until 2018 after a major merger, the foundation of the firm was laid well before—in 1901. From this single office in Richmond, Virginia, the firm has blossomed into a legal giant with 18 offices and over 900 attorneys. It is known for its strength in the energy, financial services, real estate, and retail and consumer product industries.
8.41% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#12
WilmerHale
Handling cases that often make front page headlines, WilmerHale is a litigation superstar with particular strength in intellectual property. The firm boasts a respectful culture where associates feel supported by partners and have the resources they need to succeed on high-level matters. The firm has a deeply rooted commitment to pro bono, and opportunities to dive headfirst into meaningful projects are abundant. WilmerHale associates value the people they work with and the firm’s culture and efforts to promote work-life balance.
5.83% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#13
Baker McKenzie
As one of the world’s largest law firms, with 69 international offices and over 6,000 lawyers, Baker McKenzie is known for its cross-border work. The firm often recruits candidates with global experience or, at least, a genuine interest in international matters. The firm offers associates satisfying work experiences, genuinely friendly colleagues, and autonomy with their caseloads.
5.18% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#14
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
One of the elite New York firms, Debevoise is a leader in the private equity and M&A spaces and is also a go-to firm for white collar matters. The firm has a reputation for being intellectual and respectful and for providing ample support to its associates—from extensive mentoring to career coaching. Associates wanting extensive pro bono opportunities will find Debevoise a great place to land, as helping underserved communities has been an area of focus since the firm’s founding in 1931.
5.18% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#18
Goodwin
With more than 1,800 lawyers across 16 offices, Goodwin has established itself as a global legal name. The firm boasts particular strength in corporate law and real estate, among other areas. Candidates seeking a highly transparent firm that prioritizes associate development will likely feel at home at Goodwin.
4.53% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#17
Mayer Brown LLP
Among the largest law firms in the world, Mayer Brown does it all. Among its standout practice is appellate litigation—through which the firm has argued more than 250 cases before the Supreme Court. The firm has a professional atmosphere where lawyers take control of their workload via the free market system. Pro bono work is a hallmark of Mayer Brown, as it was the first major law firm to develop and implement a pro bono strategic plan.
4.21% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Alston & Bird
Alston & Bird is home to more than 800 attorneys working in eight major practice areas, including in areas for which the firm is recognized, namely, healthcare, privacy & data security, real estate, and tax. The culture is friendly and mentorship is strong across the board. Pro bono work is a source of pride for associates, encouraged by firm leadership, and supported through high billable credit.
3.88% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#18
Jones Day
With a Midwestern culture of collegiality and teamwork, Jones Day is among the best of the best in the legal industry. Home to more than 2,400 attorneys in dozens of worldwide offices, clients can call upon its vast resources and exceptional legal talent across jurisdictions and practice areas. Associates love the interesting work, friendly culture, and commitment to pro bono service.
3.56% of Votes
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.
3.56% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#15
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.
3.56% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
