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 Southern California
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 8.309
2024 Ranking
#1
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.
SCORE 8.087
2024 Ranking
#2
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 7.571
2024 Ranking
#4
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.
SCORE 7.484
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 7.474
2024 Ranking
#5
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.
SCORE 7.271
2024 Ranking
#6
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 7.070
2024 Ranking
#7
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 6.870
2024 Ranking
#8
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 6.642
2024 Ranking
#10
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 6.588
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.
SCORE 6.566
2024 Ranking
#11
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.
SCORE 6.513
2024 Ranking
#12
Irell & Manella LLP
Irell & Manella has been around since 1941 and has resisted any temptation to engage in outrageous expansion efforts, so that it has maintained a small to midsize firm feel. The firm has only three offices—two in Southern California and one in Washington, D.C.—and only 70 attorneys, and does exemplary work in the areas of intellectual property litigation and general business litigation.
SCORE 6.264
2024 Ranking
#13
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.
SCORE 6.103
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 6.011
2024 Ranking
#14
Sheppard Mullin
Sheppard Mullin—new to the $1 billion-a-year revenue club—has continued to grow since its founding almost 100 years ago in Los Angeles. With 16 offices worldwide and 1,100 attorneys, it has expanded from a firm that primarily represents retailers and banks to one that offers stellar legal services in commercial law, litigation, aerospace and defense, land use and real estate, entertainment law, intellectual property law, and government contracts. Associates wanting pro bono experience will be happy with Sheppard Mullin’s dedicated pro bono partner and project coordinator.
SCORE 5.902
2024 Ranking
#16
Orrick
Innovation is the name of the game at Orrick—from the energy, tech, and finance clients that the firm counsels, to its impactful well-being initiatives and its modern technology tools. Associates who are down-to-earth, collaborative, and forward-thinking will fit right in at this progressive firm. With offices in over 25 markets across the United States, Europe, and Asia, Orrick is a legal powerhouse with dedication to pro bono, diversity, and competitive compensation.
SCORE 5.864
2024 Ranking
#15
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 5.781
2024 Ranking
#19
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.”
SCORE 5.752
2024 Ranking
#17
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 5.672
2024 Ranking
#21
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 5.611
2024 Ranking
#20
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 5.398
2024 Ranking
#22
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 5.298
2024 Ranking
#24
Susman Godfrey
It doesn’t get better for litigators than working at Susman Godfrey, an elite litigation boutique with four offices and only approximately150 partners and associates. Junior associates are given immediate responsibility and treated like future partners. Susman is known for innovation, including contingency fee arrangements when representing both plaintiffs and defendants. Despite long hours and intense work, the firm is social and rewards its associates with high compensation and bonuses. Firm-hosted retreats are notable perks.
SCORE 5.162
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
Manatt boasts a fully integrated consulting and legal professional services model that includes attorneys, consultants, technologists, and other professionals who bring legal, strategy, analytics, and execution into one place for the firm’s clients in the health care, digital & technology, entertainment & media, energy & environmental, financial services, and real estate industries. In addition to its diverse practices and consulting experience, Manatt has an affiliated venture capital fund, the Manatt Venture Fund, which holds investments in more than 120 companies.
SCORE 5.156
2024 Ranking
#23
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 5.045
2024 Ranking
#25
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 5.004
2024 Ranking
#30
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 4.982
2024 Ranking
#28
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.
SCORE 4.938
2024 Ranking
#27
Pillsbury
Pillsbury is composed of genuinely caring people, and associates can commit to interesting work from day one. “Super bonuses” are perks for those who excel. The BOSS Lab represents only one of the firm’s impressive commitments to diversity.
SCORE 4.794
2024 Ranking
#29
