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 Texas
Vinson & Elkins
Vinson and Elkins’ lean-team model leads to great training opportunities for associates via hands-on experience, strong partner mentorship, and new challenges. Overall, associates agree that V&E offers a great culture, great compensation, and great work. With its largest office in Texas, V&E’s southern hospitality shines at the firm, and associates don’t shy away from an opportunity to socialize inside and outside the office. Through its market-leading approach, V&E has been tackling some of the most complex legal disputes for more than 100 years.
SCORE 8.179
2024 Ranking
#1
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 7.979
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 7.679
2024 Ranking
#3
Baker Botts L.L.P.
As the oldest BigLaw firm in Texas, Baker Botts gives its 700+ attorneys exposure to a variety of high-caliber legal work. The icing on the cake is that it all happens in a collegial environment that fosters genuine friendships and organic mentorship.
SCORE 7.396
2024 Ranking
#4
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 7.176
2024 Ranking
#6
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 7.013
2024 Ranking
#5
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 6.727
2024 Ranking
#7
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright hires attorneys who fit into its kind, social culture. New leadership has made some recent, well-received changes, including expanded diversity and wellness initiatives, a new training platform, and heightened transparency. With offices in over 50 cities worldwide, Norton Rose Fulbright is a global firm with a diversity of work and a noteworthy presence in the renewable energy sphere.
SCORE 6.709
2024 Ranking
#10
Haynes and Boone, LLP
Headquartered in Dallas, it’s no surprise the culture at Haynes Boone is as supportive and social as its Texas roots. With friendly colleagues and invested partners, associates get top-notch legal experience at a firm where they feel welcome.
SCORE 6.702
2024 Ranking
#9
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 6.702
2024 Ranking
#8
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 6.238
2024 Ranking
#13
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 6.233
2024 Ranking
#11
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 6.150
2024 Ranking
#12
Jackson Walker
Jackson Walker is the largest exclusively-Texas law firm, with over 500 attorneys working from six offices across the state. Associates express high levels of satisfaction with nearly every aspect of firm life, from hours to culture to compensation to D&I. As a full-service firm, virtually all practice areas are represented, and associates enjoy a variety of sophisticated legal work.
SCORE 6.074
2024 Ranking
#15
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.
SCORE 6.068
2024 Ranking
#14
Bracewell
With approximately 350 lawyers across 10 offices—including two international posts—Bracewell LLP is a global firm with a range of practices. But the firm’s Texas roots are still as strong as demonstrated by its impact in the energy sector, four offices within the state, and a friendly, hospitable culture.
SCORE 6.039
2024 Ranking
#17
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 5.985
2024 Ranking
#18
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 5.969
2024 Ranking
#19
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 5.953
2024 Ranking
#16
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 5.871
2024 Ranking
#21
Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Though Hunton Andrews Kurth did not take on its current form until 2018 after a major merger, the foundation of the firm was laid well before—in 1901. From this single office in Richmond, Virginia, the firm has blossomed into a legal giant with 18 offices and over 900 attorneys. It is known for its strength in the energy, financial services, real estate, and retail and consumer product industries.
SCORE 5.762
2024 Ranking
#20
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 5.557
2024 Ranking
#22
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 5.336
2024 Ranking
#28
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 5.253
2024 Ranking
#26
Winstead PC
Headquartered in Dallas, Winstead PC has a strong presence in the Lone Star state—with six offices in Texas—and also has offices in New York and North Carolina. The firm has strong corporate and litigation practices spanning industries from construction to health care to technology. Among its strengths is its real estate practice, which is among the top ranked in Vault's Best Law Firms for Real Estate Law.
SCORE 5.204
2024 Ranking
#24
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 5.173
2024 Ranking
#27
McKool Smith
McKool Smith is a trial firm with a reputation for victory in the courtroom in “bet-the-company” cases and beyond. With seven offices coast to coast, the firm’s experienced trial attorneys represent both plaintiffs and defendants in commercial cases, intellectual property disputes, bankruptcy litigation, securities litigation and white collar defense. McKool Smith takes diversity seriously, and since January 2020 has retained Coston Consulting, a Black-owned business advisory firm, to help further develop and implement diversity initiatives.
SCORE 5.119
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
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 5.095
2024 Ranking
#23
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 5.090
2024 Ranking
#25
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 5.036
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
