Best Law Firms to Work For
Associates assess 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 Law Firms to Work For
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 9.498
2024 Ranking
#2
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 9.343
2024 Ranking
#3
Clifford Chance US LLP
As a global force since its merger in 1987, Clifford Chance unsurprisingly seeks candidates with international aspirations and foreign language skills. This Magic Circle firm offers a welcoming culture and interesting work, and it genuinely supports pro bono and diversity efforts. One might assume that it would be easy to get lost in such a massive enterprise, but employee relations and firm transparency are exceptional.
SCORE 9.327
2024 Ranking
#1
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 9.178
2024 Ranking
#3
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 9.138
2024 Ranking
#8
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
Fried Frank associates work on complex legal matters in a top-to-bottom friendly and social environment across five global offices with 750 attorneys. The firm prioritizes its people and communities, with associate perks like generous wellness offerings—including fitness stipends and an associates-only lounge in the New York office—and strong dedication to pro bono work.
SCORE 9.061
2024 Ranking
#7
Linklaters
Linklaters is a Magic Circle firm with a 185-year legacy, including over 50 years in the United States. The firm presents great opportunities for international work and international travel to its 31 worldwide offices. The firm receives high praise for requiring pro bono work as part of its practice. Compensation and partner/associate relations are other highlights for Linklaters associates.
SCORE 9.058
2024 Ranking
#21
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
With over 230 attorneys across more than 50 practice areas, Michigan-based Warner Norcross + Judd LLP serves clients worldwide across a full range of practice areas, including litigation, corporate transactions, regulatory and intellectual property matters, and estate planning. The firm represents clients from startups to family-owned businesses and Fortune 500 companies. There’s a lot for associates to like at Warner, including the firm’s core values of client service and teamwork.
SCORE 8.979
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
BakerHostetler
BakerHostetler’s culture reflects its Midwest roots—professional yet warm and welcoming. Associates are also treated to strong mentorship and transparent leadership. The cutting-edge IncuBaker team is representative of the firm’s commitment to innovation, especially in helping clients navigate the intersection of digital business, emerging technologies, and the law.
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SCORE 8.960
2024 Ranking
#5
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 8.910
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
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 8.891
2024 Ranking
#15
Gunster
At nearly 100 years old, Gunster has been a part of Florida since it was mostly orange groves and mangroves. The firm helps mid to large business in a range of market segments navigate the particulars of Florida’s legal landscape. Approximately 300 lawyers work out of 11 Florida offices from Jacksonville in the north all the way to Miami. Gunster does it all for Florida businesses: corporate deals, litigation, real estate transactions, and tax planning.
SCORE 8.873
2024 Ranking
#50
Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP
Eversheds Sutherland is a legal behemoth with thousands of lawyers practicing across areas such as corporate, energy, financial services, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, and tax. Its top practice areas include tax law, in which the firm is active in every respect, from planning the most complex corporate tax transactions to representing taxpayers in administrative and judicial tax controversies. The firm also ranks high for associate quality of life, earning recognition for its training and mentorship programs.
SCORE 8.866
2024 Ranking
#23
Williams & Connolly LLP
One of the most selective law firms, Williams & Connolly is a litigation standout known for handling complex, high-stakes matters. The firm has a promote-from-within culture with an emphasis on organic mentorship. Associates are given great responsibility early in their careers and appreciate being treated with respect, as shown by their ability to work when, how, and where they wish.
SCORE 8.790
2024 Ranking
#20
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 8.788
2024 Ranking
#11
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 8.777
2024 Ranking
#10
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 8.763
2024 Ranking
#40
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 8.762
2024 Ranking
#23
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 8.744
2024 Ranking
#6
WilmerHale
Handling cases that often make front page headlines, WilmerHale is a litigation superstar with particular strength in intellectual property. The firm boasts a respectful culture where associates feel supported by partners and have the resources they need to succeed on high-level matters. The firm has a deeply rooted commitment to pro bono, and opportunities to dive headfirst into meaningful projects are abundant. WilmerHale associates value the people they work with and the firm’s culture and efforts to promote work-life balance.
SCORE 8.649
2024 Ranking
#12
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 8.627
2024 Ranking
#36
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 8.618
2024 Ranking
#43
Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP
If you are a self-starter, Cahill might be the place for you. Associates have no billable hour requirement, which leaves room for pro bono and other non-billable work. Above-market bonuses are certainly perks that associates appreciate. The firm encourages associates to continue their development through Cahill Academy, the firm’s training program that covers a variety of topics relevant to everyday practice. Cahill allows associates control over their matters and workload, which instills a feeling of independence over their careers.
SCORE 8.605
2024 Ranking
#22
Dechert
Dechert is a global firm, but its collegial culture seems to create a sense of close community. The firm encourages attorneys to participate in firm citizenship in addition to billable work, offering a STARS award, which includes a bonus, for contributions related to teaching, diversity, and innovation. Dechert is recognized as one of the best law firms for pro bono work, with many hours contributed every year and for which accolades have been conferred.
SCORE 8.599
2024 Ranking
#9
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 8.590
2024 Ranking
#18
Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP
One of DC’s finest, the global megafirm Arnold & Porter is home to nearly 1,000 lawyers practicing across dozens of areas—with antitrust being one of the most notable. The firm focuses heavily on mentoring, with mentoring budgets, shadowing opportunities, and multiple formal mentors for junior associates. Pro bono is a big deal at Arnold & Porter, too, as the firm allows up to 200 hours to count toward the annual billable goal and has won numerous awards for its efforts.
SCORE 8.587
2024 Ranking
#38
Hanson Bridgett LLP
Hanson Bridgett LLP is an AmLaw 200 California firm with more than 200 attorneys across the state. While all of the firm's offices are in California, and the firm lists many California public agencies as clients, it is a member of national and international legal networks that allow the firm to serve its clients anywhere. The firm is the first law firm recognized as a certified B Corp, indicating its commitment to the communities surrounding its offices and their efforts toward pro bono and social impact work.
SCORE 8.580
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Fish & Richardson P.C.
Intellectual property is the name of the game at Fish & Richardson, so be prepared to show off your technical or science background during interviews. Founded in 1878 and home to over 360 attorneys, the firm is home to busy associates who are treated to a great culture, top-notch IP work, and high levels of flexibility. Fish & Richardson hires candidates with the expectation that they will climb the ranks, offering a clear path to partnership for anyone willing to put in the work.
SCORE 8.566
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Freshfields US LLP
Freshfields is ideal for associates seeking exciting international work. The firm is in an expansion phase, which means lots of opportunity for early hands-on experience, as well as valuable mentorship in a friendly culture. Freshfields’ history may date back to the 1700s, but the firm’s recent momentum in the United States reveals an exciting career outlook for its associates. The attorneys at Freshfields have a global perspective, which allows the firm to excel at handling complex, cross-border work.
SCORE 8.566
2024 Ranking
#28
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 8.562
2024 Ranking
#25
Loeb & Loeb LLP
The Loeb brothers, more than 100 years ago, bypassed the family business and founded Loeb & Loeb, which has had an immense effect on the development of Los Angeles and, specifically, Hollywood as the center of the entertainment industry. The firm has grown to over 450 lawyers across eight offices in the U.S. and Asia, and has expanded services to include financial services, intellectual property, life sciences, real estate, tax, and trusts and estates.
SCORE 8.560
2024 Ranking
#29
Benesch Law
Founded in 1938, Benesch is one of Cleveland's most notable law firms, but it has expanded beyond its Midwest roots to provide legal services coast-to-coast, counseling clients in more than 20 industries. The firm's core practices are Corporate & Securities, Commercial Finance & Banking, Healthcare, Information Technology, Intellectual Property, Labor & Employment, Litigation, and Real Estate. The firm takes training seriously, and associates appreciate the transparency into career development at the firm.
SCORE 8.551
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP
Schulte Roth & Zabel attracts associates who are social and hardworking, and it is a great fit for attorneys interested in the financial services industry. The firm has a history of taking on high-profile pro bono matters and hasn’t wavered in its pro bono commitment.
SCORE 8.550
2024 Ranking
#49
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 8.537
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
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 8.532
2024 Ranking
#14
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 8.524
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
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 8.516
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
One of the elite New York firms, Debevoise is a leader in the private equity and M&A spaces and is also a go-to firm for white collar matters. The firm has a reputation for being intellectual and respectful and for providing ample support to its associates—from extensive mentoring to career coaching. Associates wanting extensive pro bono opportunities will find Debevoise a great place to land, as helping underserved communities has been an area of focus since the firm’s founding in 1931.
SCORE 8.514
2024 Ranking
#31
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
With 16 offices in financial centers across four continents and lawyers from more than 50 countries, Cleary is an established worldwide law firm with a global reach. Known for its cross-border work, including its representation of national governments, Cleary is one of the most prestigious firms. Good global citizenship takes on a distinct meaning in light of the firm’s many pro bono efforts. Intellectual curiosity and an amiable personality will go far in fitting in with the firm’s unique “Cleary Culture.”
SCORE 8.505
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 8.498
2024 Ranking
#26
Boies Schiller Flexner LLP
At Boies Schiller Flexner, associates toss aside the life vest and dive right in, and lawyers at this litigation powerhouse wouldn’t have it any other way. Litigators looking to roll up their sleeves and learn on the job will feel right at home here.
SCORE 8.487
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Robins Kaplan LLP
Robins Kaplan is a litigation powerhouse, with a resume full of victories across industries and practices. The firm is especially known for its strengths in antitrust, intellectual property & technology litigation, insurance, mass torts, and plaintiff’s personal injury and medical malpractice litigation. Founded in Minneapolis, the firm has broadened its reach beyond the Midwest with offices across California, Massachusetts, New York, and the Dakotas. Beyond on-the-job training, professional development is a priority that the firm bolsters through its six-year trial academy program.
SCORE 8.448
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
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 8.441
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
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 8.432
2024 Ranking
#33
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 8.410
2024 Ranking
#44
Faegre Drinker
Faegre Drinker, established only recently, in 2020, has roots in law firms founded in the mid-1800s. The firm has undergone a series of combinations, and is now an international firm with 1,200 attorneys and consulting professionals licensed in nearly every state in the United States and offices in London and Shanghai. It provides a full range of transactional, litigation, and regulatory services. Associates are taught extensively by partners, and they appreciate the firm's commitment to pro bono work.
SCORE 8.409
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
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 8.404
2024 Ranking
#41
Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Lowenstein Sandler is a full-service law firm, with over 300 attorneys in nearly 50 practice areas. Founded in New Jersey, the firm now has five offices across the U.S. Associates report challenging but satisfying work, and they are overwhelmingly pleased with various aspects of working here, from the culture to the work-life balance. Of particular note is the firm’s real commitment to pro bono work, which associates report is genuine.
SCORE 8.401
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Finnegan
Top-ranked for intellectual property and one of the largest law firms focusing exclusively on this field, Finnegan handles all aspects of IP, including patent, trademark, copyright, trade secrets, false advertising, and licensing law. Notably, Finnegan professionals demonstrate an impressive array of tech experience. The firm takes training seriously, with extensive formal programming and an emphasis on mentoring. Attorneys seeking a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere will feel at home here.
SCORE 8.391
2024 Ranking
#39
Gibbons P.C.
Respected in the mid-Atlantic and beyond, Gibbons is a place for tackling substantive work—and making a mark with pro bono opportunities. The firm handles high-profile corporate transactions but is best known for its litigation department. Gibbons is home to 200 lawyers and a collegial culture that is flourishing at a firm stacked with former clerks.
SCORE 8.386
2024 Ranking
#42
