Today, many law firms have expanded to a global audience, with offices around the world and thousands of attorneys.
With annual profits reaching billions of dollars, the world’s largest law firms are winning awards, prestigious rankings and, most importantly, great reputations.
The companies mentioned in this article are not only the highest paid in the world but also the most powerful as they provide their services to big companies like Motorola, Samsung and General Motors.
Baker Mackenzie
Established 60 years ago, Baker & McKenzie has more than 6,000 lawyers in more than 45 countries providing legal services to some of the world’s most prestigious companies.
The firm emphasizes high values, integrity and accountability when working with clients and has been named the world’s top law firm in 2022 for 12 consecutive years, according to the Global Elite Law Firm Brand Index 2022 by Reuters.
Baker McKenzie also announced revenue of $3.3 billion for 2022, up 5.5% from 2021 and 8.2% annually.
Scadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom
Founded in 1948, Scadden is a global law firm headquartered in the United States. It started as a startup, but today it is the largest law firm in the world. One of the reasons for its success is that it was one of the only companies to run a proxy war in the 1950s and 1960s.
Scadden is also ranked among Forbes America’s Most Trusted Corporate Law Firms, underscoring its influence and power in the legal field.
According to Forbes, it is expected to record $3 billion in revenue in 2022, making it one of the highest-grossing law firms in the world.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper, headquartered in the UK, is considered one of the top 10 largest law firms in the world.
The firm employs 4,200 lawyers in more than 30 countries. In terms of revenue, 2022 is set to register $3.68 billion, showing a growth of 6.2% over 2021.
Ranked second in the Reuters Global Elite Law Firm Brand Index, DLA Piper is recognized as one of the most powerful global legal brands.
The firm has won several awards, including the Financial Times Asia Pacific Innovative Lawyers Awards 2022, and topped the list of global M&A deals in 2023 for the 13th consecutive year, according to MergerMarket’s league table.
Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance is one of the most recognized names in the legal profession. With offices in 25 countries, the law firm has been recognized by various publications as one of the 10 largest law firms in the world.
From capital markets to litigation and dispute resolution, it provides a wide range of legal services and has ensured long-term association with clients since its inception through a major merger in 1987.
Clifford Chance is ranked as the third-best legal firm in the world by the Reuters Global Elite legal Firm Brand Index.
In 2022, it is projected to record revenue of around $2.5 billion.
Latham and Watkins
Latham & Watkins began operations in 1934 in Los Angeles. This rapidly growing global firm now successfully represents well-known companies across the globe.
In 2007, Latham & Watkins became the first US firm to exceed $2 million in annual revenue. 2022 also proved to be a record year, as Latham & Watkins crossed the $5 billion revenue barrier for the first time, reporting $5.8 billion in revenue.
Latham & Watkins is also among the top ten global law firms according to the 2022 Reuters Index.
Kirkland and Ellis
International business law firm Kirkland & Ellis LLP provides services including litigation, tax, corporate affairs and intellectual property rights.
One of the world’s most prestigious law firms, Kirkland was awarded a 28th national Tier 1 ranking and 74th regional Tier 1 ranking in US News & World Report and Best Lawyers’ 2022 Best Law Firms list.
In 2022, it reports revenue of $6.5 billion, up 7.8% from 2021. High-profile customers include United Airlines, Intel, Samsung Electronics, Siemens, Motorola, and General Motors.
Sidley Austin
Siddeley Austin provides specialized court services and operates in 19 cities around the world. One of his first clients was Mary Todd Lincoln, the widow of former US President Abraham Lincoln.
The Reuters Global Elite Law Firm Brand Index 2022 ranked Sidley Austin 18th, ahead of Kirkland & Ellis. A year ago, total revenue in 2021 was $2.7 billion.
Since its inception, Siddeley Austin has been in the legal limelight with numerous awards and honors. In 2020, a US News survey named Siddeley Law Firm of the Year in FDA law and securities litigation.
