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.
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2025 Best Law Firms in Chicago
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 9.044
2024 Ranking
#1
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.
SCORE 8.754
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 8.562
2024 Ranking
#3
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 8.281
2024 Ranking
#4
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.
SCORE 7.682
2024 Ranking
#5
Winston & Strawn LLP
Winston’s Midwestern roots are reflected in its top-to-bottom friendly culture despite its expansion to 10 domestic and 5 international offices. The firm is known for its work in middle-market private equity, intellectual property, labor and employment, renewable energy, sports law, and white collar expertise. Strong mentorship allows junior associates to develop skills on high-profile matters quickly, and robust wellness, diversity, and pro bono programs contribute to the overall Winston experience.
SCORE 7.616
2024 Ranking
#6
Jenner & Block
Jenner & Block, home to 500 attorneys in seven offices, is known for its friendly, down-to-earth culture and commitment to public service and pro bono. Top-notch attorneys come here not only because they want to do good work but because they also want to do good. Associate development is a priority at the firm, and mentorship opportunities abound. Boasting several excellent practices, Jenner & Block is a place where driven attorneys tackle complex legal work.
SCORE 7.415
2024 Ranking
#7
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 7.119
2024 Ranking
#8
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 7.019
2024 Ranking
#9
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
Don’t assume that Katten’s casual, friendly culture indicates a lack of challenging, interesting work for the firm’s nearly 700 attorneys. Associates across more than a dozen offices around the globe have plenty of opportunities for early hands-on experience. Associates value the firm’s strong support of pro bono work, as well as other perks.
SCORE 6.644
2024 Ranking
#10
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.
SCORE 6.620
2024 Ranking
#11
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 6.345
2024 Ranking
#12
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.
SCORE 6.218
2024 Ranking
#15
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 6.023
2024 Ranking
#14
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.
SCORE 5.988
2024 Ranking
#17
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 5.916
2024 Ranking
#16
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.
SCORE 5.900
2024 Ranking
#13
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 5.862
2024 Ranking
#18
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 5.822
2024 Ranking
#19
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 5.726
2024 Ranking
#21
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 5.671
2024 Ranking
#25
McGuireWoods
McGuireWoods, home to over 1,000 attorneys in 21 offices worldwide, is a full-service firm that provides legal and public affairs solutions to corporate, individual, and nonprofit clients across a range of industries, including the banking and financial services, energy, healthcare, and private equity sectors. The firm is regularly recognized by BTI Consulting for client service and by The Financial Times for innovation. Associates have reported that McGuireWoods offers a welcoming environment where they are treated with respect by partners.
SCORE 5.662
2024 Ranking
#22
Locke Lord LLP
Locke Lord offers top-tier legal work in a laid-back, cordial environment. Lean staffing means early responsibility and experience for associates. With a number of women in leadership roles, the firm’s commitment to diversity shows in practice. Communication is key at this collaborative firm, and the social culture transcends the walls of the office. Those seeking to gain quality experience, project leadership, and the ability to move up the ranks should look no further than Locke Lord.
SCORE 5.607
2024 Ranking
#20
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
As an elite firm with 13 global offices and approximately 1,200 attorneys, Willkie seeks top talent—but the firm is careful to hire only those who will contribute positively to the culture. Associates get to work on high quality projects without the pressure of meeting billable hour targets, all while being paid exceptionally well and treated with respect from the top down.
SCORE 5.499
2024 Ranking
#27
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.
SCORE 5.497
2024 Ranking
#24
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 5.464
2024 Ranking
#26
Reed Smith LLP
Reed Smith LLP is the perfect fit for associates who want to take on challenging legal work in a laid-back, welcoming environment. Partners are active mentors, and on-the-job training is supplemented with courses through the firm’s learning and development programs. The social sphere encompasses all 13 international offices and 18 domestic offices, and attorneys work side-by-side regardless of their locations. Reed Smith takes the responsibility of advising some of the largest companies in the world.
SCORE 5.386
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
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.
SCORE 5.350
2024 Ranking
#23
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 5.258
2024 Ranking
#30
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.
SCORE 5.134
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
