The global legal landscape is dominated by several prominent law firms renowned for their extensive services, significant revenues, and international presence. Here are ten of the top international law firms:
-
Kirkland & Ellis
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Overview: Founded in 1909, Kirkland & Ellis is recognized as the world’s largest law firm by revenue, generating £6.09 billion with a team of 3,514 lawyers across 21 offices. The firm has handled significant deals, including advising on an £18.5 billion acquisition of Telecom Italia’s fixed-line network.
-
Latham & Watkins
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Overview: Latham & Watkins is a global law firm known for its extensive services in corporate law, finance, litigation, and tax. In 2024, the firm managed 657 deals valued at $391 billion, ranking second by deal value and fourth by the number of transactions.
-
DLA Piper
- Headquarters: London, UK, and Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Overview: DLA Piper is a multinational law firm with lawyers located in more than 40 countries. It offers services in various sectors, including corporate, employment, intellectual property, and technology.
-
Baker McKenzie
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Overview: Baker McKenzie is a global law firm with offices in over 45 countries. It provides legal services in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, tax, and intellectual property.
-
Dentons
- Headquarters: Decentralized (Polycentric)
- Overview: Dentons is one of the world’s largest law firms by headcount, with a presence in over 75 countries. It offers a wide range of legal services across various industries.
-
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
- Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
- Overview: Skadden is a prominent law firm known for its work in mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, and litigation.
-
Clifford Chance
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Overview: Clifford Chance is a member of the “Magic Circle” of leading British law firms, offering a wide range of legal services globally, including banking and finance, capital markets, and corporate law.
-
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Overview: Freshfields is another “Magic Circle” firm, providing services in sectors such as antitrust, dispute resolution, and mergers and acquisitions. The firm is adapting to industry changes, emphasizing the need for “destination practices” with top-tier rankings.
-
Allen & Overy
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Overview: Allen & Overy is a global law firm offering services in banking and finance, corporate law, and litigation. The firm is focusing on proactive strategies and sector-specific understanding to attract multinational clients.
-
Sidley Austin
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Overview: Sidley Austin is a global law firm with a strong presence in corporate and finance law, as well as regulatory and litigation services.
These firms have established themselves as leaders in the international legal arena, providing comprehensive services to clients worldwide.