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 Securities/Capital Markets
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
One of the oldest New York-based firms, with premier offices in London, Madrid, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Beijing, and São Paulo, Davis Polk is renowned for its offerings across its corporate, litigation, and tax departments. The firm prides itself on a collegial environment where associates are given the resources and support to learn and excel. Central staffing and lockstep compensation encourage associates to focus on client service and career development over numerical targets.
29.70% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#1
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.
27.54% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#2
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.
23.90% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#3
Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
With an illustrious history dating back to 1819, Cravath remains a leanly staffed, relatively small firm with its headquarters in New York City and offices in London and Washington, DC. The firm’s new NYC office at Two Manhattan West is designed to foster community with common areas, amenity spaces, and barista and beverage bars. Associates have no billable hour requirement, yet the firm is among the top most profitable firms. Often described as having a “sink-or-swim” environment, the firm utilizes a unique work rotation system that lends itself to smaller, cooperative teams, close mentoring, substantial responsibility, and quick learning for associates.
20.30% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#4
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.
20.01% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#5
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
M&A giant and leader in the New York legal market, Wachtell Lipton is one of the most elite law firms in the industry. Known for its high-profile matters and above-market compensation, Wachtell Lipton is home to a passionate group of lawyers who embrace hard work and professionalism. The firm is small by elite, BigLaw standards, which fosters a collegial atmosphere, and it has spurned domestic or international expansion, preferring to maintain a sole office in NYC.
14.78% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#8
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.
14.59% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#6
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
One of the most prestigious law firms, Sullivan & Cromwell adopts 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 mentoring and career advising, as well as providing associates with a positive environment to work on cutting-edge legal matters with talented colleagues.
12.62% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#7
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.
7.05% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#11
Milbank
Leading the charge in compensation, Milbank is among the most elite law firms for corporate law. The firm prioritizes mentoring and training, including its highly regarded Milbank@Harvard program. Hardworking-yet-easygoing candidates will fit well within the firm’s friendly culture.
6.43% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#13
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.
6.19% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#10
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.”
5.81% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#9
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.
4.75% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#12
Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP
If you are a self-starter, Cahill might be the place for you. Associates have no billable hour requirement, which leaves room for pro bono and other non-billable work. Above-market bonuses are certainly perks that associates appreciate. The firm encourages associates to continue their development through Cahill Academy, the firm’s training program that covers a variety of topics relevant to everyday practice. Cahill allows associates control over their matters and workload, which instills a feeling of independence over their careers.
3.84% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#17
Weil
A leader in bankruptcy and restructuring, Weil is an all-around legal superstar with a name that will shine on any resume. The firm is a good fit for team players who enjoy socializing and aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and work hard.
3.74% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#14
Ropes & Gray
A V20 law firm, Ropes & Gray has a seat at the table with the most elite law firms. The firm is known for its private equity chops and overall strength across legal practice areas. Training and mentoring are key to the firm’s collaborative culture, which has no room for egos. Ropes & Gray is committed to providing high-level representation for all its clients and cultivating a culture of friendly, collaborative attorneys.
3.22% 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.
3.17% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#20
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.
3.07% 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.
3.07% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#21
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.
3.07% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#19
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.
3.07% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#24
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.
2.88% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#23
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.
2.83% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#16
King & Spalding LLP
After almost 140 years in Atlanta, King & Spalding is now a global firm with 23 offices in 10 countries and more than 1,300 attorneys. The firm counsels clients in many industries, including transportation, energy, financial services, food and beverage, higher education, technology, and life sciences and healthcare. Focusing on trial, regulatory, and transactional work, King & Spalding balances BigLaw with a social, congenial, and family-friendly culture.
2.30% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
Nine hundred lawyers strong with a long list of lauded practice areas, Akin excels at almost everything. Transparent? Check. Making strides in diversity? You bet. Walking the wellness walk? Absolutely. Social types who are down-to-earth will fit in well at the firm. Akin is a leader in lending a helping hand, with attorneys devoting an average of more than 100 hours to pro bono clients per year and over 70% of attorneys participating in pro bono work.
2.26% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#28
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.
2.26% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
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.
2.16% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#28
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.
2.11% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
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.”
2.06% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
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.
2.02% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#30
