{"id":10560,"date":"2024-01-17T15:24:34","date_gmt":"2024-01-17T15:24:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/?p=10560"},"modified":"2025-03-27T16:12:30","modified_gmt":"2025-03-27T16:12:30","slug":"big-law-firms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/marketing.dev.clio.systems\/uk\/blog\/big-law-firms\/","title":{"rendered":"The Top Big Law Firms in 2025: UK & US"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many solicitors and aspiring practitioners are captivated by the prestige and high earnings associated with \u201cBig Law.\u201d This term refers to the largest law firms in the UK and US, offering lawyers opportunities for lucrative compensation, high-profile cases, and career advancement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But what exactly constitutes Big Law, and which firms fall into this category? Below, we explore the definition of Big Law, highlight key firms, and weigh the pros and cons of pursuing a career in this elite sector. <\/span><\/p>\n

What is Big Law? <\/span><\/h2>\n

Big Law refers to the largest and most prestigious law firms, often with multiple offices in major metropolitan areas such as London, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington, D.C. Many Big Law also operate internationally, handling complex, high-value cases across jurisdictions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The definition of Big Law is somewhat flexible and can vary depending on whom you ask. The term often encompasses factors such as the total number of lawyers, total revenue, prestige, or a combination of these and other elements.<\/span><\/p>\n

These firms are known for their expertise in high-value practice areas such as corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, banking, finance, and litigation. They often handle complex multi-jurisdictional matters for multinational corporations, government entities, and high-net-worth individuals. Regardless of the specific criteria used, certain high-profile firms consistently dominate Big Law rankings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Below, we explore the leading names in Big Law, highlighting their influence and contributions to the legal industry.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Top Big Law firms <\/span><\/h2>\n

Any list of large law firms in the UK would not be complete without mention of The Magic Circle. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Magic Circle refers to the five most prestigious and influential law firms headquartered in the UK, celebrated for their high earnings and significant impact on the legal market. These firms\u2014Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May\u2014are synonymous with excellence in complex, high-value legal work, particularly in areas such as corporate law, banking, finance, and mergers and acquisitions.<\/span><\/p>\n

These firms are widely recognised for their international reach, managing major multi-jurisdictional transactions and disputes for a diverse range of elite clients, including multinational corporations, financial institutions, and government entities. Their ability to navigate intricate legal frameworks across borders has solidified their reputation as leaders in the global legal industry.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joining a Magic Circle firm is often considered the pinnacle of success for ambitious lawyers due to the prestige associated with these firms. They consistently rank among the highest for earnings-per-partner and profitability within the UK legal sector.<\/span><\/p>\n

For those aspiring to work at a Magic Circle firm, expect a fast-paced environment that demands excellence but offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, exposure to high-profile cases, and access to an extensive global network of legal professionals.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Ready to start your own law firm?
\n<\/span><\/h3>\n

Use Clio’s guide\u00a0<\/em>for everything you need to consider when setting up a law firm, it will give you the tools you need to get your new law firm started on the right foot from the start.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\tGet the Guide: How to Start Your Own Law Firm<\/em><\/a>\n\t<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Top Big Law firms in the UK<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Firm Name<\/strong><\/td>\nAnnual Revenue\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nNumber of Lawyers\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nAbout\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Allen & Overy<\/a><\/td>\n\u00a32.6 billion<\/span><\/td>\n4,000<\/span><\/td>\nAllen & Overy advises blue-chip domestic and international corporates, financial institutions, investment funds, government bodies, and private individuals on finance, complex cross-border M&A, capital markets, and litigation, and more.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Clifford Chance\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n\u00a32.5 billion<\/span><\/td>\n3,680<\/td>\nA leading international law firm that provides comprehensive legal services across various sectors, including finance, corporate, capital markets, litigation, and more.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Linklaters<\/a><\/td>\n\u00a32.4 billion<\/span><\/td>\n3,100<\/span><\/td>\nAnother global law firm that provides a wide range of legal services across various sectors including banking, corporate, capital markets, and litigation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer<\/a><\/td>\n\u00a32.3 billion<\/span><\/td>\n2,900<\/span><\/td>\nBritish multinational law firm headquartered in London and a member of the Magic Circle.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Slaughter and May<\/a><\/td>\n\u00a3730 million<\/span><\/td>\n560<\/span><\/td>\nBritish multinational law firm headquartered in London, Founded in 1889, Slaughter and May is considered to be one of the most prestigious law firms in the world.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
CMS<\/a><\/td>\n\u00a32 billion<\/span><\/td>\n4,500<\/span><\/td>\nCMS is an international law firm providing comprehensive legal and tax services across various sectors.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Herbert Smith Freehills<\/a><\/td>\n\u00a32 billion<\/span><\/td>\n2,500<\/span><\/td>\n\u00a0An international law firm with headquarters in London, England and Sydney, Australia, widely regarded as one of the most elite and selective law firms in the world.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Eversheds Sutherland<\/a><\/td>\n\u00a31.4 billion<\/span><\/td>\n2,900<\/span><\/td>\nEversheds Sutherland, one of the world’s 50 largest law firms, was formed in February 2017 through the merger of Eversheds LLP and Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ashurst<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n\u00a3961 million<\/span><\/td>\n900<\/span><\/td>\nAshurst is a leading global law firm with world class capability and a prestigious international client base spanning corporates, financial institutions and governments.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Top Big Law firms in the US<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Firm Name<\/strong><\/td>\nAnnual Revenue\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nNumber of Lawyers\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nAbout\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kirkland Ellis\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$6.04 billion<\/span><\/td>\n2,300<\/span><\/td>\nCommercial litigation and other corporate interests are primary areas of focus for this Chicago-based firm, founded in 1909, with nine major offices in the US.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Latham Watkins<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n$5.49 billion<\/span><\/td>\n2,500<\/span><\/td>\nThis New York-based firm boasts offices in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, a high-paying clientele, and a range of practice areas.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Norton Rose Fulbright\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$2.1 billion<\/span><\/td>\n3,300<\/span><\/td>\nFormed by a 2013 merger between the UK-based Norton Rose and US-based Fulbright Jaworski, this international firm primarily represents major corporations, financial institutions, and innovative startups.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Baker McKenzie<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$3.13 billion<\/span><\/td>\n4,700<\/span><\/td>\nHeadquartered in Chicago, this general practice firm has 77 offices in 46 countries.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
White & Case\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$2.87 billion<\/span><\/td>\n2,100<\/span><\/td>\nNew York-based with 44 offices in 30 countries, this international firm is a general practice specializing in \u201cwhite-collar\u201d law, such as antitrust and intellectual property.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hogan Lovells<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$2.61 billion<\/span><\/td>\n2,600<\/span><\/td>\nThe product of a 2020 merger between US-based Hogan Hartson and UK-based Lovells, this general practice firm has twin headquarters in New York City and London.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
DLA Piper<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$3.47 billion<\/span><\/td>\n3,700<\/span><\/td>\nThis firm covers a wide range of practice areas and maintains offices in 40 countries.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Jones Day<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n$2.45 billion<\/span><\/td>\n2,500<\/span><\/td>\nFounded in 1893, this firm represents over half of the Fortune 500 companies in a range of practice areas while focusing on corporate management, regulation, finance, and other facets of corporate law.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP <\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$1.9 billion<\/span><\/td>\n875<\/span><\/td>\nSullivan & Cromwell LLP is recognised globally for delivering exceptional legal advice and representation. For over 140 years, the firm\u2019s results have distinguished it as a benchmark for modern legal practice.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The benefits of working at a Big Law firm\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Now that we have a working definition of the term, let\u2019s examine the actual benefits of <\/span>working in Big Law<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Name recognition<\/span><\/h3>\n

Many solicitors and solicitors-to-be are drawn to Big Law by the prestige and name recognition since many of these firms are household names. This prestige partly derives from the exclusivity of the firms, since they focus on recruiting new attorneys from among the best academic performers at the top law schools.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Being associated with a globally recognised firm can open doors to future career opportunities, whether within the legal industry or beyond.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you aspire to have a career in Big Law, think about:<\/span><\/p>\n