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 White Collar Defense & Internal Investigations
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.
18.56% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#3
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.
16.39% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#1
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.
15.31% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#2
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.
13.86% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#4
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.
13.50% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#6
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.
12.64% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#5
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP
In contrast to a stuffy BigLaw firm, Quinn Emanuel offers a unique combination of casual and ambitious. Lawyers who work at this top litigation shop are motivated and have the autonomy to manage their workloads and the drive to tackle intense complex matters for hours—all while wearing jeans and flip flops (if they so choose). Quinn Emanuel attorneys are treated to a fully remote, work-from-anywhere policy and have significant opportunities to work in any of their international offices.
11.12% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#12
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.
10.04% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#8
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.
9.75% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#13
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.
9.46% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#7
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.
9.24% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#10
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.
8.88% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#9
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.
8.74% 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.
8.01% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#11
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.
6.79% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#17
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
#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.
6.43% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#16
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.”
5.70% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#19
Morvillo Abramowitz Grand Iason & Anello P.C.
Since 1973, Morvillo Abramowitz has established itself as a respected litigation boutique. With about 50 attorneys in its New York City office, Morvillo Abramowitz is small and flexible enough to be able to move the right talent to where specific expertise is needed in representing individual and institutional clients, yet large enough to commit whatever resources a client may need. Specialties within the firm’s litigation umbrella include white collar criminal defense, regulatory enforcement, commercial disputes, and securities litigation.
4.77% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#18
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.
4.26% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#20
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.
4.26% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#21
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.
3.97% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#23
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.
3.47% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#24
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.
3.39% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#22
Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
Munger Tolles is incredibly selective, but if you’re hired, you join a top-notch, tight-knit firm where associates participate in major firm decisions. With strong mentorship, which is critical for maintaining the firm’s commitment to maintaining a low partner-to-associate ratio and only 200 attorneys in three U.S. offices—new associates tackle exciting work from day one. Munger Tolles associates can expect meaningful pro bono opportunities, for which the firm has been recognized.
3.18% of Votes
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
