Top 10 Global Law Firms
By Amanda Reyes | Published: Review Update | Category: Law Firms
About Law Firms
Law firms provide legal advice and representation to clients, including individuals, businesses, and government entities. Services range across various practice areas like corporate law, litigation, intellectual property, and more.
How We Evaluated
Firms were evaluated based on reputation, breadth and depth of practice areas, global reach, client feedback indicators, and significant reported casework. Scoring reflects a composite assessment of these factors.
Rating Criteria
- → Reputation & Prestige
- → Practice Area Breadth
- → Geographic Reach
- → Client Satisfaction Indicators
The Best Law Firms
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Visit Website →A top-tier firm known for its exceptional litigation and appellate practices, alongside strong corporate capabilities.
Target Audience
Major Corporations, Financial Institutions, Technology and Media Companies
Service Offerings
Litigation
Elite practice handling high-stakes trials, appeals (including Supreme Court), and white-collar defense.
- Consistently ranked among the best litigation departments
Appellate and Constitutional Law
Premier appellate group with extensive Supreme Court experience.
Corporate Transactions
Strong capabilities in M&A, private equity, and capital markets.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.5 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly
Premium billing rates associated with elite legal services.
Pros
- + Outstanding litigation and appellate strength
- + Strong corporate practice
- + High client satisfaction often reported
Cons
- - Very high cost
- - Slightly less extensive global network than some peers
Verdict
"A leading choice for bet-the-company litigation and appeals, also offering high-quality corporate legal services."
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Visit Website →A large global firm providing comprehensive litigation, corporate, labor & employment, and regulatory services.
Target Audience
Large Corporations, Financial Services Firms, Life Sciences Companies, Technology Companies
Service Offerings
Labor & Employment
One of the world's largest and most respected labor and employment practices.
Litigation
Broad commercial litigation, regulatory enforcement, and white-collar defense capabilities.
Corporate & Business Transactions
Handles M&A, private equity, capital markets, and finance.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.3 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly/Alternative Fee Arrangements
Offers various fee structures depending on client needs and matter type.
Pros
- + Market-leading labor and employment practice
- + Broad service offering across major practices
- + Significant global presence
Cons
- - May not have the elite transactional prestige of some Wall Street firms
- - Large size can impact agility
Verdict
"An excellent full-service firm, particularly renowned for its labor & employment expertise, serving a wide range of large corporate clients."
White & Case LLP
Visit Website →A truly international law firm with deep roots in cross-border M&A, finance, and international arbitration.
Target Audience
Multinational Corporations, Governments and State-Owned Entities, Financial Institutions
Service Offerings
International Arbitration
A globally recognized leader in resolving international disputes.
- Represents both corporations and sovereigns
Cross-Border M&A and Finance
Strong capabilities in complex transactions spanning multiple jurisdictions.
- Expertise in emerging markets
Project Development and Finance
Advises on large-scale international infrastructure and energy projects.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.8 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly
Top-tier global firm rates apply.
Pros
- + Exceptional international arbitration practice
- + Strong global footprint, especially in finance centers
- + Deep expertise in cross-border work
Cons
- - High cost
- - Profitability and prestige can vary slightly by office
Verdict
"A premier firm for complex international arbitration and cross-border transactions, particularly appealing to clients with global operations."
Sidley Austin LLP
Visit Website →A premier global law firm with particular strengths in regulatory, litigation, and transactional matters, especially in regulated industries.
Target Audience
Corporations in Regulated Industries (Finance, Life Sciences, Energy), Financial Institutions, Trade Associations
Service Offerings
Regulatory and Government Affairs
Top-ranked practice advising clients on complex regulatory regimes (FDA, SEC, Environmental).
- Strong presence in Washington D.C.
Litigation
Broad capabilities including appellate, securities, commercial litigation, and international arbitration.
Transactional
Includes M&A, capital markets, structured finance, and investment funds.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.8 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly
Premium rates reflecting its market position and expertise.
Pros
- + Market leader in regulatory law
- + Strong litigation and transactional practices
- + Deep industry expertise
Cons
- - High cost
- - May seem more specialized than some full-service peers
Verdict
"An outstanding choice for clients operating in highly regulated industries or facing complex regulatory challenges and related litigation."
#6
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA (Origins); Major presence in Washington D.C. & New York Get Directions
Founded: 1893
Jones Day
Visit Website →A large, integrated global law firm known for its client service focus, litigation strength, and 'One Firm Worldwide' structure.
Target Audience
Fortune 500 Companies, Multinationals, Financial Institutions
Service Offerings
Litigation
Handles complex trials and appeals, including significant work before the Supreme Court.
- Strong appellate practice
Business & Tort Litigation (Product Liability)
Deep experience defending major corporations in product liability and mass tort cases.
Global M&A
Advises on complex domestic and cross-border transactions.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.8 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly/Alternative Fee Arrangements
Emphasizes partnership approach; may utilize AFAs alongside hourly rates.
Pros
- + Seamless cross-office collaboration ('One Firm' model)
- + Top-tier litigation and appellate capabilities
- + Strong client relationships emphasis
Cons
- - Known for a demanding work culture
- - Less transparent internal structure ('black box')
Verdict
"Highly regarded for complex litigation and providing cohesive service across offices, particularly appealing to clients valuing integrated teams."
#5
Location: London, UK & Various US locations (Global Co-Chair Structure) Get Directions
Founded: 2005
DLA Piper
Visit Website →A massive global law firm formed through mergers, offering a wide range of services with significant presence in numerous countries.
Target Audience
Global Businesses, Mid-Market Companies, Governments, Technology Sector
Service Offerings
Corporate
Includes M&A, private equity, venture capital, and capital markets.
- Strong volume of mid-market deals
Litigation and Regulatory
Broad capabilities in commercial disputes, investigations, and regulatory compliance.
Intellectual Property and Technology
Significant practice advising tech companies and handling IP matters.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.8 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly
Offers competitive rates, particularly attractive for certain regions and mid-market work.
Pros
- + Vast global coverage
- + Broad service offering
- + Strong technology sector focus
Cons
- - Integration across its large network can vary
- - Less prestigious than some 'Magic Circle' or Wall Street elite firms
Verdict
"A strong choice for companies needing broad geographic reach and a wide range of services, often at competitive rates compared to the very top tier."
Baker McKenzie
Visit Website →One of the world's largest law firms by headcount, offering extensive cross-border capabilities and local expertise across numerous jurisdictions.
Target Audience
Multinational Corporations, Companies Expanding Internationally
Service Offerings
Cross-Border Transactions
Facilitates international M&A, joint ventures, and global reorganizations.
- Leverages vast network of offices for multi-jurisdictional deals
International Tax
Highly regarded global tax planning and controversy practice.
Dispute Resolution
Handles international arbitration and cross-border litigation.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.8 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly
Rates vary by region and practice, potentially offering value in certain markets.
Pros
- + Unrivaled geographic footprint
- + Deep understanding of local laws globally
- + Strong in tax and cross-border work
Cons
- - Brand prestige varies by region
- - Can face challenges integrating services across such a vast network
Verdict
"Ideal for multinational corporations requiring coordinated legal advice across many different countries and legal systems."
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Visit Website →Renowned globally for its M&A prowess, complex litigation, and regulatory advice, particularly strong in the US market.
Target Audience
Fortune 500 Companies, Investment Banks, Boards of Directors
Service Offerings
Mergers & Acquisitions
Consistently ranked among the top M&A advisors globally.
- Handles hostile takeovers, proxy contests, and large public company deals
Litigation/Controversy
Expertise in securities litigation, government enforcement, white-collar crime, and international arbitration.
Corporate Restructuring
Advising companies, creditors, and acquirers in distressed situations.
Scorecard (Overall: 9.0 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly
Top-tier market rates apply.
Pros
- + Unmatched reputation in M&A
- + Elite litigation capabilities
- + Deep bench of experienced lawyers
Cons
- - Very high billing rates
- - Primarily focused on large corporate clients
Verdict
"The go-to firm for bet-the-company M&A deals and high-stakes litigation, especially those centered in the US."
Latham & Watkins LLP
Visit Website →A leading full-service global law firm with balanced strength across transactional, litigation, and regulatory practices.
Target Audience
Multinational Corporations, Financial Institutions, Emerging Companies, Governments
Service Offerings
Corporate & Transactional
Expertise in M&A, capital markets, private equity, and finance.
- Strong capabilities in both equity and debt offerings
Litigation & Trial
Handles complex commercial disputes, securities litigation, white-collar defense, and intellectual property.
Regulatory
Advises on environmental law, antitrust, healthcare, and international trade.
Scorecard (Overall: 9.5 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly
Premium billing rates commensurate with top-tier global firms.
Pros
- + Exceptional breadth and depth across practice areas
- + Strong global presence
- + Known for a more collaborative culture compared to some peers
Cons
- - High cost of services
- - Large firm structure can sometimes feel impersonal
Verdict
"An excellent option for clients needing comprehensive legal services across multiple disciplines and geographies."
View Top Ranked Provider
Watch a short ad to unlock the details for the #1 ranked provider.
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Visit Website →A global powerhouse known for its market-leading private equity, M&A, restructuring, and litigation practices.
Target Audience
Large Corporations, Private Equity Firms, Financial Institutions
Service Offerings
Corporate Law
Includes M&A, private equity, capital markets, and fund formation.
- Top-tier private equity representation
- High-value M&A transactions
Litigation
Complex commercial litigation, intellectual property disputes, antitrust, and white-collar defense.
Restructuring
Leading global practice advising debtors and creditors in complex bankruptcy and restructuring matters.
Scorecard (Overall: 9.3 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly
Rates vary significantly based on lawyer seniority and matter complexity.
Pros
- + Dominant in high-stakes transactions and litigation
- + Extensive global network
- + Highly profitable and prestigious
Cons
- - Can be very expensive
- - Highly competitive internal environment
Verdict
"A top choice for complex, high-value corporate transactions, private equity deals, and major litigation."
Final Recommendation
The global legal market is dominated by large, full-service firms offering expertise across numerous practice areas and jurisdictions. Top firms like Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins lead in transactional and overall breadth, while others like Skadden (M&A), Baker McKenzie (Global Reach), Sidley Austin (Regulatory), and Gibson Dunn (Litigation) showcase distinct strengths. Choosing the right firm depends heavily on the specific legal need, geographic scope, and budget.