As of 2026, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is widely regarded as the most prestigious law firm in New York, based on Vault rankings and industry reputation.
What is the best corporate law firm in New York?
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is frequently ranked as the best corporate law firm in New York, according to Chambers and Partners and The American Lawyer’s 2025 surveys.
No other firm dominates mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and shareholder activism quite like Wachtell. Cravath, Swaine & Moore and Sullivan & Cromwell also bring elite-level corporate expertise to the table. If you're handling a Fortune 500 deal, these are the firms everyone watches.
Which law firm is most prestigious?
Cravath, Swaine & Moore is widely considered the most prestigious law firm in the United States, topping Vault’s 100 rankings for 2025.
Its reputation isn’t just about history—though that certainly helps. The firm’s influence in corporate law, star-studded client list, and role in setting associate salaries have cemented its legendary status. Wachtell and Sullivan & Cromwell aren’t far behind, and prestige usually means bigger profits and better talent.
What is the largest law firm in NYC?
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison is the largest private law firm in New York City by attorney headcount, with 817 lawyers as of 2025.
That’s more than Davis Polk & Wardwell (702 lawyers) and Skadden (680 lawyers). Size matters when you need deep expertise across multiple practice areas. If you want a firm with serious bench strength, Paul Weiss fits the bill.
What is the most prestigious law firm in the United States?
Cravath, Swaine & Moore remains the most prestigious law firm in the United States, according to Vault’s 2025 rankings, closely followed by Wachtell and Sullivan & Cromwell.
These firms don’t just handle high-stakes deals—they set the standard for the entire industry. Prestige often means higher profits per partner and access to the most exclusive clients. Rankings come from surveys of associates, partners, and clients who know the legal world inside out.
What are the big 4 law firms?
The “Big Four” law firms refer to the four largest professional services networks globally: Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG, which operate law practices alongside accounting and consulting.
Yes, they’re better known for taxes and audits, but these giants also have serious legal firepower. They handle everything from corporate law to regulatory compliance. While not traditional law firms, they go toe-to-toe with global firms like Baker McKenzie in terms of scale. For multinational legal needs, they’re a one-stop shop.
What type of lawyer makes the most money?
Corporate lawyers—especially M&A and private equity partners—earn the highest average salaries among legal professionals, often exceeding $1 million per year at top firms.
Intellectual property litigators and tax attorneys also bring in serious cash. Your paycheck depends on where you work, how big your firm is, and how long you’ve been at it. At elite New York firms, partners can clear $2M–$10M annually—no small change.
How much does a top lawyer in New York earn?
A top corporate partner at a major New York law firm earns between $2.5 million and $10 million per year, based on 2025 compensation data from ALM Intelligence.
First-year associates at these firms start at $215,000, and bonuses can push that to over $235,000. Your paycheck grows with seniority, practice area, and firm performance. For comparison, the average NYC lawyer makes about $180,000—so the top earners are in a league of their own.
Who is the best closer in New York?
In legal fiction, Harvey Specter from the TV series Suits is often cited as New York’s best closer—a top negotiator and dealmaker.
In reality, the best closers are senior partners at elite firms like Wachtell or Cravath. They’re the ones sealing billion-dollar deals. Experience, reputation, and client trust matter more than any fancy title. Real-world dealmakers don’t usually go by “closer,” but their results speak for themselves.
How much do lawyers at Kirkland and Ellis make?
Attorneys at Kirkland & Ellis earn an average base salary of $262,919 per year, with corporate associates averaging $212,931, according to 2025 data from Glassdoor.
Partners at Kirkland can pull in anywhere from $1.5 million to $10 million, depending on their performance and client origination. The firm is known for high profits and competitive pay, keeping pace with top dogs like Wachtell and Cravath.
Which law firm is the largest?
Baker McKenzie is the largest law firm in the world by number of lawyers, with 4,699 attorneys as of 2025.
It outranks DLA Piper (4,200) and Latham & Watkins (3,200). Size gives it global reach across 47 countries. If you need consistent service across multiple jurisdictions, mega-firms like Baker McKenzie have the infrastructure to deliver.
Is WilmerHale an elite?
WilmerHale is widely considered an elite law firm, consistently ranking in the top 10 of Vault’s A-List for 2025.
It’s a standout in litigation, regulatory work, and appellate matters. The firm also gets high marks for diversity, pro bono efforts, and associate satisfaction. Elite status isn’t just about rankings—it’s about client feedback, financial performance, and reputation.
What law firm has the most named partners?
Baker McKenzie has the most named partners of any law firm globally, with 1,547 partners as of 2025 data.
That’s more than DLA Piper (1,256) and Norton Rose Fulbright (1,166). A massive partner base reflects its decentralized, global structure. This setup lets the firm lean on local expertise in markets around the world.
Is Sullivan and Cromwell prestigious?
Sullivan & Cromwell is one of the most prestigious and oldest law firms in New York, founded in 1879.
Its roots run deep in corporate, litigation, and financial services work. The firm’s history is tied to major U.S. industries like railroads and finance. Prestige shows up in Vault rankings and its blue-chip client list.
What is the number one law firm in the world?
Kirkland & Ellis is ranked as the number one law firm in the world by lawyer headcount, with 2,598 lawyers as of 2025.
It edges out Latham & Watkins (2,720) and DLA Piper (3,894) in sheer numbers. Size and profitability often go hand-in-hand with global influence. For cross-border deals, firms like Kirkland are the go-to choice for clients who need serious firepower.
How much do Skadden partners make?
Skadden partners earn between $723,790 and $7,706,128 annually, based on 2025 data from Comparably.
Your paycheck depends on your originations, practice area, and how well the firm performs. Equity partners at Skadden average over $2 million per year. The top performers in M&A or private equity can clear $10 million.
