Best Law Firms by Region
Associates rate the reputations of peer firms in their own regions. These rankings reveal the most prestigious law firms by region across the U.S. 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 in Boston
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.
SCORE 8.590
2024 Ranking
#1
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.
SCORE 8.000
2024 Ranking
#3
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.
SCORE 7.981
2024 Ranking
#2
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.
SCORE 7.322
2024 Ranking
#5
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.
SCORE 7.303
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.
SCORE 7.265
2024 Ranking
#4
Choate, Hall & Stewart
One of Boston's top firms, Choate operates out of one office in Beantown—though its practice extends across the nation with clients such as BioNTech, Wells Fargo, and Summit Partners. The firm specializes in five main areas: complex litigation and investigations; finance and restructuring; life sciences and technology; middle-market private equity/M&A; and wealth management. The firm provides associates with ample hands-on experience and prioritizes associate feedback.
SCORE 7.254
2024 Ranking
#7
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.
SCORE 6.788
2024 Ranking
#9
Mintz
At Boston-based Mintz, associates feel they are truly part of a team. They appreciate leadership that is open to ideas, feedback, and questions. And they receive great training and mentorship, some of it through prolific pro bono work. Its Healthcare and Life Sciences practices are the firm’s bread and butter, offering its associates many opportunities to work on a variety of fascinating and cutting-edge matters.
SCORE 6.761
2024 Ranking
#8
Foley Hoag LLP
With headquarters in Boston, Foley Hoag is home to more than 300 lawyers who focus on multiple practice areas. Low on hierarchy and high on transparency, the firm attracts lawyers who are collaborative and respectful. Small teams enable attorneys to spearhead their own work, whether tackling public international law issues or committing to civic engagement.
SCORE 6.387
2024 Ranking
#11
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 6.353
2024 Ranking
#10
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 6.065
2024 Ranking
#12
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.
SCORE 5.840
2024 Ranking
#15
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.
SCORE 5.714
2024 Ranking
#13
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.
SCORE 5.709
2024 Ranking
#14
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.
SCORE 5.613
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.
SCORE 5.550
2024 Ranking
#17
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.
SCORE 5.417
2024 Ranking
#16
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 5.415
2024 Ranking
#20
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.
SCORE 5.405
2024 Ranking
#19
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.
SCORE 5.372
2024 Ranking
#24
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 5.278
2024 Ranking
#21
K&L Gates LLP
At K&L Gates, the firm’s nearly 2,000 attorneys tackle sophisticated issues for high-caliber clients in a supportive environment. A free market assignment system allows associates to exercise control over their workload, and more-senior attorneys serve as willing mentors.
SCORE 5.263
2024 Ranking
#22
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.
SCORE 5.194
2024 Ranking
#26
Foley & Lardner LLP
Talk about history—Foley & Lardner was founded in Wisconsin when it was still a territory and not yet a state. From humble beginnings in Milwaukee in 1842 to substantial growth in the past 50 years, Foley has become a 26-office , 1,100-attorney force in the legal world. The firm is known for work in intellectual property, corporate law, and litigation—especially as these matters relate to the energy, healthcare, life science, innovative technology, and manufacturing sectors.
SCORE 5.186
2024 Ranking
#27
Nixon Peabody LLP
Nixon Peabody’s history dates to the 1850s in Boston. Since its founding, the firm headcount has grown to more than 600 attorneys working in 15 offices across the United States, Europe, and Asia. In this full-service law firm, attorneys do noteworthy work in Corporate, Real Estate, Government Investigations and White-Collar Defense, Healthcare, Intellectual Property, and several other practices.
SCORE 5.134
2024 Ranking
#25
Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian, LLP
Founded in 1995 in Silicon Valley, Gunderson Dettmer has grown to 11 offices with 400 attorneys and is the leading international law firm focusing solely on the innovation economy. It is the world leader in providing legal services to venture-backed and public technology and life science companies, as well as to venture capital investors. Sophisticated work, amazing tutelage from partners, and the office culture are highlights for associates.
SCORE 4.992
2024 Ranking
#28
Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP
Operating out of two offices in Massachusetts, Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP is a northeast staple. A full-service, midsize firm, Nutter has around 150 lawyers working across a dozen industries. Lawyers at Nutter bring a host of experience in such areas as corporate, IP, labor and employment, litigation, privacy and data security, private client, public policy, real estate, and tax. The firm’s catch phrase is enough to set it apart from the competition: “uncommon law.”
SCORE 4.987
2024 Ranking
#23
Sullivan & Worcester LLP
Sullivan & Worcester advises clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to emerging businesses. With more than 175 lawyers in Boston, London, New York, Tel Aviv, and Washington, DC, the firm offers services in a wide range of areas, including corporate finance, banking, trade finance, securities and mutual funds, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, tax, real estate and REITs, private equity and venture capital, bankruptcy, regulatory law, and employment and benefits. Many of the firm’s client relationships span more than 30 years across multiple generations.
SCORE 4.835
2024 Ranking
#29
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.
SCORE 4.760
2024 Ranking
#30
