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 Real Estate Law
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.
33.15% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#2
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.
32.75% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#1
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
At Greenberg Traurig, attorneys receive cutting-edge work with colleagues they enjoy spending time with. Pro bono is highly emphasized, and the firm strives to hire, retain, and promote diverse attorneys. Many attorneys at Greenberg have an entrepreneurial mindset and take responsibility for sophisticated matters with the support of brilliant mentors. Greenberg Traurig looks outside the traditional legal model to provide enhanced services to clients via innovation.
23.14% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#3
Kirkland & Ellis
A legal giant—both in size and reputation—Kirkland is known for its private equity, M&A and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and alternative asset management; restructurings; high-stakes commercial and intellectual property litigation; and government, regulatory, and internal investigations work, with lawyers working across more than 60 practice areas for high-profile clients. With over 3,500 attorneys across 20 offices and a commitment to ‘innovative and comprehensive legal education and development,’ Kirkland is the perfect firm for driven individuals who are ready to take control of their legal careers.
20.30% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#4
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.
11.91% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#5
Simpson Thacher
One of the most elite corporate law firms, Simpson Thacher is a dream firm for anyone pursuing a career in corporate law. The firm boasts a supportive environment that highly values professional development—as indicated by its robust training program, STB Ready, and mentoring, which is fostered by those at the top.
11.10% 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.
9.07% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#6
Holland & Knight LLP
Associates at Holland & Knight enjoy their work and appreciate their colleagues. The firm is a true pro bono leader, especially when it comes to its work supporting veterans. For those hoping to make partner, the firm provides a realistic pathway. The firm crosses state and national borders with approximately 2,200 attorneys spread across 34 locations. Holland & Knight has a laid-back culture but takes service to the community seriously.
8.53% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#10
Skadden
With practices from M&A to tax, Skadden is a legal powerhouse and mainstay among the most prestigious firms in Vault’s Top 100 ranking. Skadden lawyers are a social bunch who value teamwork and mentorship, and they dive headfirst into complex matters. From New York to Hong Kong, the Skadden name is known worldwide, with nearly 1,700 attorneys across eight U.S. offices and 13 international offices. Exit opportunities are endless for Skadden attorneys due to the firm’s strong alumni network and prestigious name. Attorneys are committed to pro bono work and are encouraged from day one to find a pro bono matter that sparks their interest to benefit the community.
7.98% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#8
Paul Hastings LLP
Consistently among the top law firms for associate quality of life, Paul Hastings prioritizes mentorship, training, and long-term career development. Lawyers seeking an amiable, collaborative atmosphere where hard work and client service are valued will likely be a good fit at the firm. Attorneys enjoy significant substantive experience early in their careers at Paul Hastings and feel supported and mentored by the firm’s leaders. Commitment to diversity efforts is also among the many perks of working at the firm.
7.85% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#9
Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis LLP
Practicing out of multiple offices across California, Allen Matkins has established itself in the Golden State. The firm is lauded for its top Real Estate practice, frequently recognized by both regional and national publications.
6.63% 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.
6.50% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#12
Dechert
Dechert is a global firm, but its collegial culture seems to create a sense of close community. The firm encourages attorneys to participate in firm citizenship in addition to billable work, offering a STARS award, which includes a bonus, for contributions related to teaching, diversity, and innovation. Dechert is recognized as one of the best law firms for pro bono work, with many hours contributed every year and for which accolades have been conferred.
5.82% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#14
Goulston & Storrs PC
Goulston & Storrs is an AmLaw 200 firm with services across four main departments—corporate, litigation, private clients, and real estate—though it is most renowned for its real estate work. The firm emphasizes work-life balance, and while COVID has somewhat challenged the execution of that promise, the firm’s robust wellness offerings and lack of a billable-hours requirement speak to its commitment. Sometimes the stress gets higher than attorneys would like, but all in all, associates at Goulston & Storrs are very satisfied in their careers.
5.55% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#21
Winstead PC
Headquartered in Dallas, Winstead PC has a strong presence in the Lone Star state—with six offices in Texas—and also has offices in New York and North Carolina. The firm has strong corporate and litigation practices spanning industries from construction to health care to technology. Among its strengths is its real estate practice, which is among the top ranked in Vault's Best Law Firms for Real Estate Law.
5.55% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#16
Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP
Cadwalader has traditionally been a place for talented associates to launch their careers. The firm offers early hands-on experience, access to elite clients, and endless career paths within and outside the firm. Associates appreciate the friendly, social culture, and the mentoring opportunities available while working at the firm.
5.41% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#16
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.
4.33% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#12
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.
4.20% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Dentons
As a global giant, Dentons provides a plethora of opportunities for associates to develop their legal careers. Meaningful mentorship complements early responsibility, and many associates envision long-term careers at the firm. The Dentons culture is supportive and social, and associates work hard but feel that their life outside the firm is respected.
4.06% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#23
Kramer Levin
With about 300 attorneys, Kramer Levin embraces a diversified practice model, with particular strengths in bankruptcy, immigration, litigation, M&A, real estate, and white collar. Matters are staffed leanly, giving lawyers early and frequent opportunities for partner contact and sophisticated work.
3.65% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#14
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
With 16 offices in financial centers across four continents and lawyers from more than 50 countries, Cleary is an established worldwide law firm with a global reach. Known for its cross-border work, including its representation of national governments, Cleary is one of the most prestigious firms. Good global citizenship takes on a distinct meaning in light of the firm’s many pro bono efforts. Intellectual curiosity and an amiable personality will go far in fitting in with the firm’s unique “Cleary Culture.”
3.38% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#16
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.
3.38% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Akerman
Akerman is home to more than 700 attorneys across 25 offices and is known for handling middle-market M&A and complex disputes. It also has a strong international practice with attorneys particularly knowledgeable about the Cuban market.
3.25% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
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.
3.11% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#23
Paul, Weiss
Since its founding in 1875, Paul, Weiss has grown to 10 offices—five domestic and five international—with more than 1,000 attorneys. The firm attracts associates from a broad range of backgrounds who want to engage in sophisticated, complex legal matters. In addition to general litigation and corporate law, Paul, Weiss attorneys excel in the areas of public M&A, private equity, white collar and regulatory defense, restructuring, and capital markets. Associates work hard and appreciate that the firm provides meaningful opportunities to work on social justice issues and provides substantial support for well-being.
2.84% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#20
Seyfarth
Known best for its extensive experience in labor and employment, Seyfarth Shaw is a big firm that offers its lawyers tremendous opportunities to take the reins. Friendly colleagues and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge matters create a team-oriented atmosphere and a supportive environment for attorneys to develop their careers. Attorneys seeking a firm that offers a unique combination of autonomy and collaboration will fit in well here.
2.84% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
