With an impressive global presence and a world-class client list, Sidley is the crème de la crème when it comes to law firms. Come for the demanding work and stay for the polite and friendly atmosphere of the Midwest – as well as a genuine commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Sidley is a global leader with approximately 2,000 lawyers in 20 offices. The company has a long list of clients in a number of industries, including banking, energy, healthcare, insurance, life sciences and technology. The firm`s work in complex transactions and litigation is supported by exceptional regulatory experience, and the firm includes many former public servants in Europe, the United States and China. The only notable changes in the top ten were Sullivan & Cromwell, which were no. 3rd from Skadden. How does Vault make its list of the top 100 companies in the country? The first step is to compile a list of the most reputable law firms by reviewing feedback from previous surveys, looking at our previous lists, sifting through legal publications, talking with lawyers in the field, and reviewing other published rankings. We then asked these large companies to distribute a password-protected online survey to their employees. This year, more than 20,000 employees across the country returned anonymous surveys to Vault. We heard from lawyers in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, Palo Alto, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco and Seattle – among many other places.
In the online survey, lawyers were asked to rate each of the law firms on a scale of 1 to 10, based on the prestige of working for the firm. Employees were asked to ignore any company they did not know about and they were not allowed to evaluate their own business. SRZ attracts social and hard-working employees, and the company is ideal for those interested in the financial services industry. The firm is used to dealing with high-profile pro bono cases and has not wavered in this commitment. Today, Schulte Roth & Zabel mainly advises clients in the financial services sector, in particular on the representation of capital management companies. SRZ is relatively narrow in practice according to BigLaw standards, focusing on investment management, corporate and transaction matters, and securities litigation. Fenwick is looking for types of technology-driven entrepreneurs who have the autonomy and flexibility to work with its innovative client base. Employees who go above and beyond are rewarded here – the company is known for making trips to the tropics. Known for its innovative collaborations with technology and life sciences companies, Fenwick has nearly 500 lawyers in seven offices. The firm has grown beyond its Silicon Valley roots, with three thriving offices in California, an established office in Seattle, a fast-growing office in New York, an international office in China and a newly opened office in Washington, DC.
Shearman & Sterling provides high-level legal work coupled with teammate support and strong mentorship. For those looking for international experience, the firm`s global presence means exciting cross-border work and travel opportunities. Shearman & Sterling is one of the world`s leading law firms, serving the domestic and cross-border needs of an impressive list of clients. With approximately 850 lawyers in 25 offices across North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, the firm has an enviable blend of prestige, expertise and reach. There is no better way for litigators than for Susman Godfrey. Junior partners are given direct responsibilities and are treated as future partners. And despite long hours, the company is very social and the retreats organized by the company are a notable favorite. Since its founding in 1980, Susman Godfrey has established itself as the country`s leading litigation firm. Susman Godfrey has more than 130 partners and employees in four offices – its original location in Houston and offices in Los Angeles, New York and Seattle. The firm handles major cases across the country for plaintiffs and defendants.
Arnold & PorterBracewellCooleyDLA PiperGoodwinK&L GatesOrrickPaul HastingsProskauerRopes & GrayWillkie FarrWinston & Strawn Sullivan & Cromwell is one of the most renowned law firms and takes a generalist approach that allows lawyers to work across all sectors and groups. With a strong focus on mentorship and career guidance, S&C is committed to helping its lawyers prepare for their future. As a legal giant, Sullivan & Cromwell has continued – if not created – the model of legal success: it has grown internationally and in response to the growing demands for cross-border mergers and acquisitions, restructuring and financial transactions of the world`s largest corporate clients. Each year, Vault invites eligible law firms to participate in our annual law survey. Please contact us if you would like your company to be considered for inclusion. Skadden – as the company is commonly known – was founded in 1948. Headquartered in New York City, Skadden has 22 offices worldwide with more than 1,700 lawyers and more than 50 practice areas. As an elite company, Willkie looks for the best talent, but the company is careful to hire only those who make a positive contribution to the culture. Employees rave about many aspects of the business, but good compensation is clearly a forerunner when it comes to benefits. Willkie, one of New York`s elites, is home to more than 750 lawyers. In addition to its headquarters in the Big Apple, the company has offices in Chicago, DC, Houston, Palo Alto and San Francisco, as well as six locations across Europe.
The firm is known for its work in the areas of antitrust, insurance, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, restructuring and securities litigation. Davis Wright Tremaine is a Pacific Northwest power known for its media and entertainment law skills. The firm has early career development, which is reflected in the fact that about half of the firm`s practice chairs are between the ages of 30 and 40. Founded in 1908, Davis Wright Tremaine has worked with small clients and Fortune 500 companies, focusing on litigation, entertainment, environmental, intellectual property and employment law. Today, the firm has more than 500 lawyers in eight national offices. You know you`ve been successful in the legal industry if you got a spot at Latham. The firm is a global leader in dozens of practice areas and recruits the best of the best. Those seeking autonomy in developing their practice, as well as extensive training and support, will rejoice in this legal giant.