Best Midsize Law Firms to Work For
Associates at midsize law firms assessed their own firms on a range of workplace issues related to career development, job satisfaction, and quality of life. 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 Midsize Law Firms for Diversity
DTO Law
A tech savvy boutique firm that can compete with any BigLaw firm for any project, anywhere in the United States.
SCORE 10.000
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Caldwell
A go-to firm for high-growth startups and early-stage technology companies, Caldwell is renowned for its pioneering work in Life Sciences, Technology, Litigation, and Corporate practices with a mighty roster of accomplished attorneys, patent agents, and technical specialists. The firm works across offices and departments to provide a holistic, multidisciplinary approach that equates to success for their clients. Caldwell is known for its innovative work with Life Sciences and Technology companies.
SCORE 9.857
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Bookoff McAndrews PLLC
Based in Washington, DC, Bookoff McAndrews focuses on patent counseling and prosecution for technology companies. Founded in 2012, this patent boutique has been recognized by Chambers and Forbes, among others, for its stellar work as a top intellectual property firm. BoMc is committed to DEI, celebrates the outside interests of its attorneys, and embraces work-life balance as much as possible in a busy practice; this is evident in its high positions in multiple Best Midsize Law Firms to Work For rankings.
SCORE 9.793
2024 Ranking
#2
Harrity & Harrity LLP
Harrity & Harrity is a patent firm that focuses on electrical and mechanical technologies. The firm services many high-profile clients, including Fortune 500 companies, and it takes pride in serving its clients for the long haul. Harrity’s patent attorneys have experience in a broad range of industries, from aerospace to health care to financial services and more. Associates experience great work-life balance here, as the firm operates on a production-based compensation system rather than the billable hour.
SCORE 9.462
2024 Ranking
#1
Farella Braun + Martel LLP
Founded in the Bay Area in 1962 with three attorneys, Farella Braun + Martel LLP is now a midsize firm and home to over 120 attorneys. It enjoys a solid reputation for corporate transactions and complex commercial litigation, particularly impressive credentials in the renewable energy industry, and—uniquely—a wine industry team in [its] Napa Valley office serving vintners and distributors. The firm has been nationally recognized by The Best Lawyers in America, Chambers, Law360, and Benchmark Litigation.
SCORE 9.316
2024 Ranking
#12
Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP
Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila brings its trial and transactional expertise to clients from coast to coast, with offices in Chicago, San Francisco, New York, Ann Arbor, and Los Angeles/Irvine. Whether for an individual or Fortune 500 client, the firm handily navigates disputes and deals across a variety of industries—including health care and life sciences, financial services and asset management, telecommunications and technology, and many more.
SCORE 9.231
2024 Ranking
#3
Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C.
Adam Leitman Bailey is a top New York real estate firm that is still managed by its founder and is home to approximately two dozen attorneys. The firm is known for the stellar litigation skills of its lawyers and their ability to get a deal done. Clients range from individuals to cooperatives and from condos to developers. A cherished rite of passage for first-year associates is the gift of a new suit when they pass the bar.
SCORE 9.200
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Stotler Hayes Group LLC
Stotler Hayes is a midsized law firm with a national presence. It has an exclusive clientele of healthcare providers, including long-term care providers such as nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and sub-acute hospitals. The firm has a collaborative culture, billing and compensation policies that support work-life balance, and over a decade of experience succeeding as a fully remote attorney team.
SCORE 9.188
2024 Ranking
#4
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 9.056
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
AZA
Based in Houston, Texas, and home to over 50 lawyers, Ahmad, Zavitsanos and Mensing P.C., known as AZA, is a boutique litigation firm that is “talented, tough and courtroom tested.” AZA attorneys participate in substantive trial work from the start, contributing to the firm’s strength in the courtroom. The firm counsels clients of all sizes, from multinational companies to individuals, and is known for its attorneys’ skill in both commercial litigation and intellectual property litigation, as well as other practice areas.
SCORE 9.043
2024 Ranking
#8
Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP
Headquartered in Chicago, Marshall, Gerstein & Borun is an intellectual property firm that works with clients on six continents. The firm has participated in numerous Supreme Court cases related to IP law since its founding in 1955 and has been recognized as a leader in its field by major publications. Firm attorneys hold degrees in science or engineering—in addition to their juris doctorates—to ensure the best possible representation for their clients.
SCORE 8.882
2024 Ranking
#15
Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP
Neal Gerber serves clients from a single office in Chicago, with practices in intlellectual property, litigation, business, and private wealth. The firm has a diverse client base, with a few notable examples including AOL, Beats Electronics, Citigroup, Hyatt, Illinois Tool Works, Match.com, Northern Trust, Polaroid, and United HealthCare. When they aren't working on billable matters, the firm's attorneys are proud to dedicate time to pro bono and community service throughout the Second City.
SCORE 8.833
2024 Ranking
#16
Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox PLLC
DC-based Sterne Kessler Goldstein & Fox is a top IP boutique, home to approximately 150 attorneys focused on the protection, transfer, and enforcement of intellectual property rights. The firm has led the way in litigating cases before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board since PTAB’s 2012 creation. SKGF is also home to an Intellectual Property and Human Rights Pro Bono Practice—the first of its kind—which focuses on the interplay of intellectual property principles and human rights.
SCORE 8.739
2024 Ranking
#10
Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A.
Robinson Bradshaw is a growing firm of more than 170 attorneys, with four offices operating in and around North Carolina. Prospective associates are expected to work primarily from one of the firm’s offices, but those who do have a strong chance of making partner so long as they stick around (and that is what they want for their career). With no billable-hour requirement and with lockstep compensation, it’s no wonder Robinson Bradshaw stands out in career outlook, hours, satisfaction, associate/partner relations, and firm culture.
SCORE 8.737
2024 Ranking
#6
Adler & Stachenfeld LLP
Over 25 years, Adler & Stachenfeld LLP has grown from nothing at all to become one of the top real estate law practices in New York City.
SCORE 8.600
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Wilkinson Stekloff
Wilkinson Stekloff is a leading litigation boutique with offices in Washington, DC and New York City. Since its founding in 2016, the 40-lawyer firm has tried over 20 cases to verdict, stacking up win after win. Small but mighty, the firm focuses on winning high-stakes trials while actively encouraging its attorneys to take on pro bono matters. Notably, Wilkinson Stekloff eschews the traditional billable model, both in terms of client fee arrangements and attorney timekeeping at the firm, which is appreciated by all parties.
SCORE 8.550
2024 Ranking
#9
Lightfoot, Franklin & White LLC
With just over 60 attorneys, Lightfoot, Franklin & White is a litigation boutique with roots in Alabama but a strong reach across the U.S. Over the past 30 years, the firm’s lawyers have spent more than 4,400 days at trial. Lightfoot encourages its attorneys to gain broad experience. Attorneys embrace a specialization, while also gaining broader experience across areas. The firm notes that this approach makes it more “nimble” and better able to serve its clients’ ever-changing needs.
SCORE 8.455
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
McNeill PLLC
McNeill is the ultimate haven for patent attorneys seeking maximum flexibility. The firm is fully remote and allows attorneys to set their own billable-hours goal, which results in associates who are very pleased with their work-life balance. And while the firm prioritizes the needs of attorneys and staff, it certainly isn’t lacking in the quality of work and caliber of clients served. The firm is well regarded for its IP work, even despite its relatively young age.
SCORE 8.429
2024 Ranking
#20
Tonkon Torp LLP
The reach of Oregon-based firm Tonkon Torp extends far beyond its home state. The firm has represented some of the largest and most influential companies in the world, including Portland General Electric, sneaker giant Nike, and real estate mammoth Blackstone. Attorneys at Tonkon Torp cover a full range of practice areas, including bankruptcy, corporate, cannabis, employment, environmental, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, and tax. Best Lawyers in America® named six Tonkon attorneys as 2019 Portland Lawyers of the Year.
SCORE 8.357
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Morrison Cohen LLP
Founded in 1984, Morrison Cohen’s 125-plus lawyers operate out of a single office in midtown Manhattan. Known for their corporate work in particular, Morrison Cohen also has highly respected labor & employment and business litigation practices. Morrison Cohen makes our list of the Best Midsize Firms in New York, Best Midsize Firms for Diversity, and the National Law Journal’s Midsize Hot List.
SCORE 8.346
2024 Ranking
#22
Greenberg Glusker LLP
Greenberg Glusker is a hundred-plus attorney firm operating from a single office in Los Angeles. The firm is particularly known for its work in the entertainment space, with other prominent practices in real estate and environmental law. Associates here praise the firm’s culture and work-life balance. The firm has a unique mentoring program, with the associate mentors nicknamed “big siblings” who work to ensure associates’ professional development.
SCORE 8.167
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Groom Law Group, Chartered
Based in Washington, DC, Groom Law Group is home to more than 85 attorneys. Founded in the wake of the passage of ERISA, Groom Law Group focuses on employee benefits, health, and retirement matters. The firm's client roster has included the NFL Players Association, Campbell Soup Company, CBS, ConocoPhillips, Dow Chemical, CIGNA, ING, UnitedHealth Group, Blue Cross & Blue Shield Association, New York Life Insurance, and many, many others.
SCORE 8.154
2024 Ranking
#24
Caplin & Drysdale
For almost 60 years, Caplin & Drysdale has carved out a niche in tax and tax-related services to companies, organizations, and individuals in the U.S. and around the world. About 65 attorneys across two offices also provide guidance in the areas of bankruptcy, complex litigation, corporate law, employee benefits, political law, and white collar defense.
SCORE 8.100
2024 Ranking
#14
Hooper, Lundy & Bookman PC
Hooper Lundy is the largest firm in the country dedicated exclusively to representing healthcare clients. The firm is well-suited for associates who thrive in a team-oriented culture and want early hands-on experience under the guidance of dedicated mentors. The firm is also a certified provider of continuing legal education and provides in-house legal training on healthcare issues that is not available to the general bar.
SCORE 8.067
2024 Ranking
#17
Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson
With offices in Maine and New Hampshire, Bernstein Shur is home to 120 lawyers and has been a mainstay in New England for more than 100 years. It has expanded from a focus on litigation to expertise in areas such as corporate, energy and environment, labor and employment, real estate, tax, and trusts and estates. And the firm has broadened its scope to a global level as a member of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading network of independent law firms.
SCORE 8.000
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP
From its single office in Delaware, Morris Nichols Arsht & Tunnell represents clients nationwide in corporate, commercial, intellectual property, and bankruptcy matters. The firm remains local to Delaware clients with its practices in bankruptcy; general business; trusts, estate, and tax planning; and real estate. Though its geographic span is small, Morris Nichols has a pro bono practice that runs deep in its local community. The firm supports numerous Delaware organizations including Delaware Volunteer Legal Services, Delaware Special Olympics, and Goodwill of Delaware.
SCORE 8.000
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
