When it comes to legal representation, the bigger the firm, the broader the expertise and global reach. Whether you’re a startup, a VC, or a founder seeking world-class legal counsel, understanding the biggest players in the legal industry is essential.
In this post, we’re diving into the five largest law firms globally and sharing some interesting facts about what makes each of them stand out.
1. Kirkland & Ellis LLP
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Number of Lawyers: ~3,500
• Revenue: Over $6 billion (2023)
Interesting Fact:
Kirkland & Ellis is the highest-grossing law firm in the world, and it’s known for its powerhouse presence in private equity and M&A deals. One of its most notable cases was representing BP in the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, a disaster that required massive legal maneuvering.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Kirkland is especially popular with private equity giants and venture capital firms. They have a strong focus on high-stakes litigation, corporate finance, and restructuring. Their reputation for handling complex, large-scale M&A deals makes them a top choice for ventures looking to scale or exit.
2. Latham & Watkins LLP
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, USA
• Number of Lawyers: ~3,000
• Revenue: Over $5 billion (2023)
Interesting Fact:
Latham & Watkins was the first law firm to achieve over $3 billion in revenue in 2014, breaking industry records. The firm also has no single global headquarters, embracing a decentralized approach that gives each office the autonomy to drive its own strategy.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Latham’s strength lies in its cross-border expertise, making it a go-to firm for startups and VCs involved in international transactions. Their industry-leading capital markets practice helps tech startups navigate IPOs and complex regulatory environments. With a strong emphasis on innovation and client services, they consistently rank as one of the most desirable firms to work with for tech-driven ventures.
3. DLA Piper
• Headquarters: London, UK / Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Number of Lawyers: ~4,200
• Revenue: Over $3.7 billion (2023)
Interesting Fact:
DLA Piper is one of the most geographically diverse law firms in the world, with offices in more than 40 countries. The firm is also known for its deep ties to the tech world—fun fact: they represented Facebook during its early IPO stages.
What Makes It Stand Out:
DLA Piper has a global footprint that’s hard to match, making it a preferred partner for startups and VCs looking to expand internationally. Their legal expertise spans across venture capital, fintech, cybersecurity, and intellectual property protection, ensuring they cover all bases for fast-growing tech ventures.
4. Baker McKenzie
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Number of Lawyers: ~4,700
• Revenue: Over $3.2 billion (2023)
Interesting Fact:
Baker McKenzie was a pioneer in global expansion—back in the 1950s, it became one of the first American law firms to set up shop in multiple countries. Today, they operate in over 70 countries, making them a global force in international law.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Baker McKenzie’s broad international presence makes them a leader in cross-border transactions. They are particularly strong in tax law, IP protection, and employment law, which are key concerns for startups and VCs looking to scale globally. They also emphasize innovation in legal tech, recently launching an AI-based service to help clients assess legal risks more efficiently.
5. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
• Headquarters: New York, New York, USA
• Number of Lawyers: ~1,700
• Revenue: Over $3 billion (2023)
Interesting Fact:
Skadden is often considered the “king of M&A,” having worked on some of the largest mergers and acquisitions in history, including Disney’s $71 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox. Fun fact: Skadden was the first law firm to hit the $1 billion revenue milestone in 1999.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Skadden’s reputation for handling “bet-the-company” cases makes them a top choice for companies navigating high-stakes mergers, acquisitions, or litigation. Their expertise in regulatory issues and compliance is particularly valuable for startups and VCs looking to engage in complex transactions or IPOs. Skadden’s approach to dealing with intricate financial and corporate matters makes them a trusted advisor for ventures looking to make big moves.
