Top 10 Law Firms In New York
By Richard "Rick" Callahan | Published: omitted | Category: Law Firms
About Law Firms In New York
Law firms provide legal advice and representation to individuals and businesses across various practice areas. Services range from litigation and corporate transactions to personal injury and employment law.
How We Evaluated
Firms were evaluated based on client reviews, reputation, practice area breadth, and reported expertise within the New York legal market. Data was sourced from public records, client testimonials, and firm websites.
Rating Criteria
- → Reputation & Prestige
- → Client Satisfaction
- → Practice Area Breadth
- → Specialization Depth
The Best Law Firms In New York
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
Visit Website →Iconic Wall Street firm known for its integrated approach across transactional, litigation, and regulatory practices for global clients.
Target Audience
Multinational Corporations, Financial Institutions, Government Entities
Service Offerings
Financial Services
Deep expertise in banking, insurance, and investment management.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Handles high-profile global transactions.
Litigation
Represents clients in complex commercial, criminal, and regulatory disputes.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.8 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rates
Premium billing rates consistent with top Wall Street firms.
Pros
- + Exceptional global reputation
- + Integrated practice approach
- + Handles extremely complex matters across disciplines
Cons
- - Among the highest cost firms
- - Primarily serves very large institutional clients
Verdict
"A top-tier choice for complex, cross-practice matters involving financial services, M&A, and critical litigation for the world's largest organizations."
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
Visit Website →Premier global law firm with exceptional strength in corporate finance, capital markets, M&A, and litigation.
Target Audience
Global Corporations, Financial Institutions, Investment Banks
Service Offerings
Capital Markets
Market leader in IPOs, debt offerings, and securities.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Advises on significant domestic and cross-border deals.
Financial Institutions Group
Dedicated practice serving banks and financial firms.
Litigation
Handles complex regulatory investigations and commercial disputes.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.8 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rates
Top-tier market rates apply. Contact for engagement details.
Pros
- + Leading position in capital markets and finance
- + Strong global presence and capabilities
- + Highly respected across multiple practice areas
Cons
- - Very high fees
- - Focus on large institutional clients
Verdict
"A powerhouse firm, particularly dominant in capital markets and financial services regulation, ideal for major financial institutions and global corporations."
#8
Location: 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019, United States Get Directions
Founded: 1875
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
Visit Website →Renowned firm excelling in litigation, corporate law, and restructuring, known for handling sensitive and high-profile matters.
Target Audience
Major Corporations, Financial Institutions, Private Equity Firms, High-Profile Individuals
Service Offerings
Litigation
Top-ranked practice covering securities, white-collar defense, antitrust, and commercial disputes.
Corporate
Strong M&A, private equity, finance, and capital markets practices.
Restructuring
Leading bankruptcy and restructuring advisory.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.8 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rates
Premium hourly billing rates. Detailed fee structures discussed during consultation.
Pros
- + Elite reputation, particularly in litigation
- + Handles complex and sensitive matters effectively
- + Strong corporate and restructuring departments
Cons
- - High cost structure
- - Primarily serves large organizations and high-net-worth individuals
Verdict
"An outstanding firm, especially for complex litigation and corporate matters requiring sophisticated legal strategy and discretion."
#7
Location: Worldwide Plaza, 825 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10019, United States Get Directions
Founded: 1819
Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
Visit Website →Prestigious Wall Street firm known for pioneering the 'Cravath System' and handling high-stakes corporate, litigation, and transactional matters.
Target Audience
Fortune 500 Companies, Investment Banks, Major Corporations
Service Offerings
Corporate Law
Expertise in M&A, capital markets, banking, and corporate governance.
Litigation
Handles complex commercial, securities, antitrust, and intellectual property litigation.
Executive Compensation & Benefits
Advising on executive pay and benefits arrangements.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.8 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rates
Premium hourly rates typical of elite Wall Street firms. Specifics available upon engagement.
Pros
- + Exceptional reputation and long history
- + Handles landmark cases and transactions
- + Influential in the legal industry
Cons
- - Among the most expensive firms
- - Focused on high-end corporate and institutional clients
Verdict
"A benchmark firm for the most demanding corporate transactions and high-stakes litigation, primarily serving the largest global companies."
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Visit Website →Global elite law firm renowned for its expertise in complex transactions, litigation, and regulatory matters.
Target Audience
Large Corporations, Financial Institutions, Multinational Businesses
Service Offerings
Mergers & Acquisitions
Leading practice for high-value corporate deals.
Litigation & Arbitration
Handles complex commercial disputes globally.
Corporate Restructuring
Expertise in bankruptcy and restructuring.
Regulatory Law
Advising on antitrust, securities, and international trade.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.9 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rates
Primarily utilizes high hourly rates reflecting premier market position. Contact for specifics.
Pros
- + Top-tier global reputation
- + Handles largest and most complex legal matters
- + Extensive resources and global reach
Cons
- - Very high cost
- - Primarily serves large institutional clients
Verdict
"An elite firm for major corporations and financial institutions needing top-level expertise for complex M&A, litigation, and regulatory issues."
The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC
Visit Website →Aggressive personal injury firm, known as 'The Bull', focusing on maximizing client compensation for accidents and injuries.
Target Audience
Accident Victims, Construction Workers, Individuals injured due to negligence
Service Offerings
Personal Injury
Specializes in construction accidents, premises liability, motor vehicle accidents, and other negligence cases.
- Aggressive Litigation
- Settlement Negotiation
Scorecard (Overall: 4.2 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Contingency Fee Basis
Operates on a contingency fee model for personal injury cases.
Pros
- + Strong reputation for aggressive representation
- + High client satisfaction (4.7/5.0 from 524 reviews)
- + Focus on significant personal injury cases
Cons
- - Focus primarily limited to personal injury
Verdict
"A well-regarded choice for significant personal injury claims, particularly construction accidents, where assertive representation is desired."
Pardalis and Nohavicka Lawyers
Visit Website →Full-service law firm providing diverse legal services to businesses and individuals, including corporate law, real estate, and litigation.
Target Audience
Businesses, Individuals, Real Estate Owners/Renters, Non-profits
Service Offerings
Business & Corporate Law
Formation, contracts, transactions, compliance.
Real Estate Law
Commercial and residential transactions, leasing.
Litigation
Representation in various disputes.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.4 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Varies
Pricing structure depends on the case type; likely uses hourly rates or flat fees for transactional work. Contact for details.
Pros
- + Strong client satisfaction (4.8/5.0 from 117 reviews)
- + Broad range of practice areas
- + Serves both businesses and individuals
Cons
- - May lack the deep specialization of boutique firms in some areas
Verdict
"A versatile and highly-rated firm suitable for businesses and individuals needing services across multiple legal domains like business, real estate, and litigation."
Kimmel & Silverman, P.C., New York Lemon Law Firm
Visit Website →Leading consumer law firm specializing in Lemon Law and automotive defect cases, offering cost-free representation to consumers.
Target Audience
Consumers with defective vehicles, Owners of 'lemon' cars, trucks, motorcycles
Service Offerings
Lemon Law
Assists consumers with defective vehicles under state and federal warranty laws (Lemon Laws).
- Cost-Free Legal Representation (fees paid by manufacturer)
- Breach of Warranty Claims
Scorecard (Overall: 4.2 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Manufacturer Paid
Legal fees are paid by the manufacturer under Lemon Law statutes; representation is free for the consumer.
Pros
- + Perfect client satisfaction score (5.0/5.0 from 231 reviews)
- + Highly specialized in Lemon Law
- + Cost-free representation for eligible consumers
Cons
- - Very narrow practice area focus
Verdict
"The go-to firm in New York for consumers dealing with defective vehicles under Lemon Law."
Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm, P.C.
Visit Website →Highly regarded personal injury law firm known as the 'Voice of the Injured' in New York.
Target Audience
Accident Victims, Individuals seeking personal injury compensation
Service Offerings
Personal Injury
Handles cases involving car accidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice, premises liability, and wrongful death.
- Free Case Evaluation
- Trial Representation
- Settlement Negotiation
Scorecard (Overall: 4.4 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Contingency Fee Basis
No fee unless they win the case; fees are a percentage of the settlement or verdict.
Pros
- + Exceptional client reviews (4.9/5.0 from 567 reviews)
- + Deep specialization in personal injury law
- + Compassionate client service reported
Cons
- - Narrow focus primarily on personal injury cases
Verdict
"Top-tier firm for personal injury victims needing dedicated and experienced representation."
View Top Ranked Provider
Watch a short ad to unlock the details for the #1 ranked provider.
Phillips & Associates, PLLC
Visit Website →Prominent employment law firm focused on representing employees in discrimination, harassment, and wage disputes.
Target Audience
Employees, Individuals facing workplace issues
Service Offerings
Employment Law
Representation in cases involving sexual harassment, workplace discrimination (race, gender, age, disability, etc.), wrongful termination, and wage/hour violations.
- Negotiation
- Litigation
- Mediation
Scorecard (Overall: 4.5 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Contingency Fee Basis
Typically works on a contingency basis for employee-side cases, meaning fees are a percentage of the recovery.
Consultation
Initial consultations may be offered.
Pros
- + Highly rated by clients (4.8/5.0 from 606 reviews)
- + Specialized focus on employment law
- + Strong track record for employee representation
Cons
- - Primarily focused on one practice area (employment)
- - Represents employees, not employers
Verdict
"Excellent choice for individuals seeking representation in employment discrimination, harassment, or wage dispute cases."
Final Recommendation
New York hosts a diverse range of law firms, from highly specialized boutiques excelling in areas like personal injury, employment, and lemon law, to global powerhouses handling the most complex corporate transactions and litigation. Firms like Phillips & Associates, Raphaelson & Levine, and Kimmel & Silverman offer outstanding service in their respective niches with high client satisfaction. Elite firms such as Skadden, Cravath, and Sullivan & Cromwell provide unparalleled expertise for large institutional clients but come at a premium cost.