Top 10 Largest Corporate Law Firms in the World
Introduction
The global legal industry is dominated by elite corporate law firms that handle high-stakes mergers, acquisitions, litigation, and regulatory compliance for multinational corporations, financial institutions, and governments. These firms are distinguished by their revenue, attorney headcount, geographic reach, and influence in shaping international business law.
This article ranks the 10 largest corporate law firms in the world based on key metrics such as revenue, number of lawyers, and global presence. We analyze their practice areas, notable clients, and market positioning to provide a comprehensive guide for aspiring lawyers, corporate clients, and legal professionals evaluating top-tier legal representation.
Ranking Methodology
The following ranking considers:
Revenue (2023 figures) – Gross and per-partner earnings.
Attorney Headcount – Total lawyers, including partners and associates.
Global Reach – Number of offices and jurisdictions covered.
Practice Area Dominance – Market share in M&A, litigation, and regulatory law.
The Top 10 Largest Corporate Law Firms in 2024
1. Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Revenue: $6.5 billion
Lawyers: 3,000+
Headquarters: Chicago, USA
Key Strengths: Private equity, restructuring, litigation.
Notable Clients: Apollo Global, Blackstone, Fortune 500 companies.
Global Reach: 19 offices worldwide, including London, Hong Kong, and Dubai.
2. Latham & Watkins LLP
Revenue: $5.8 billion
Lawyers: 3,200+
Headquarters: Los Angeles, USA
Key Strengths: Cross-border M&A, capital markets, tech transactions.
Notable Clients: Tesla, Goldman Sachs, SoftBank.
Global Reach: 30+ offices across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
3. DLA Piper
Revenue: $3.8 billion
Lawyers: 4,200+
Headquarters: London, UK / Chicago, USA
Key Strengths: International arbitration, corporate compliance, real estate.
Notable Clients: Microsoft, Uber, Siemens.
Global Reach: Largest firm by attorney count, with 90+ offices in 40+ countries.
4. Baker McKenzie
Revenue: $3.5 billion
Lawyers: 4,800+
Headquarters: Chicago, USA
Key Strengths: Global tax law, cross-border disputes, emerging markets.
Notable Clients: Pfizer, Procter & Gamble, Samsung.
Global Reach: Operates in 77 locations, with a strong Asia-Pacific presence.
5. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Revenue: $3.2 billion
Lawyers: 1,700+
Headquarters: New York, USA
Key Strengths: High-profile M&A, antitrust, white-collar defense.
Notable Clients: Disney, Amazon, JPMorgan Chase.
Global Reach: Premier in U.S. and European markets.
6. Clifford Chance LLP
Revenue: $2.9 billion
Lawyers: 2,500+
Headquarters: London, UK
Key Strengths: Banking & finance, fintech, ESG compliance.
Notable Clients: Barclays, HSBC, Alibaba.
Global Reach: 30+ offices, with dominance in London and Asia.
7. Allen & Overy LLP
Revenue: $2.7 billion
Lawyers: 2,400+
Headquarters: London, UK
Key Strengths: Debt capital markets, project finance, blockchain law.
Notable Clients: Google, BP, European Central Bank.
Global Reach: Strong in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
8. Sidley Austin LLP
Revenue: $2.6 billion
Lawyers: 2,000+
Headquarters: Chicago, USA
Key Strengths: Securities litigation, healthcare, private equity.
Notable Clients: Boeing, Pfizer, Citadel.
Global Reach: 20 offices, with a major focus on U.S. and Asian markets.
9. White & Case LLP
Revenue: $2.5 billion
Lawyers: 2,200+
Headquarters: New York, USA
Key Strengths: International arbitration, energy law, sovereign disputes.
Notable Clients: ExxonMobil, World Bank, Saudi Aramco.
Global Reach: 45+ offices, with a stronghold in emerging markets.
10. Norton Rose Fulbright
Revenue: $2.4 billion
Lawyers: 3,000+
Headquarters: London, UK
Key Strengths: Energy, infrastructure, cybersecurity law.
Notable Clients: Shell, BP, Airbus.
Global Reach: 50+ offices worldwide, with deep ties in Africa and Australia.
Challenges Facing Mega-Firms
Talent Retention: Burnout and competition from boutique firms.
Regulatory Pressures: Compliance with evolving global data and antitrust laws.
AI Disruption: Automation threatens traditional legal research and doc review roles.
Opportunities for Growth
Expansion in Emerging Markets: Africa and Southeast Asia present untapped potential.
Specialization in Tech Law: AI, crypto, and space law are booming niches.
Alternative Legal Services: Managed services and legal tech consulting.
Future Outlook
Consolidation: More mergers between U.S. and UK/EU firms.
Diversification: Firms investing in ESG and compliance advisory services.
Remote Work: Hybrid models reducing reliance on physical offices.
Conclusion
The world’s largest corporate law firms combine scale, expertise, and global influence to dominate the legal industry. While Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins lead in revenue, firms like DLA Piper and Baker McKenzie excel in geographic reach.
Final Thought: For aspiring lawyers, targeting these firms offers unparalleled career opportunities—but requires top-tier credentials and resilience. For corporations, selecting the right firm depends on practice area needs and international reach.