In the ever-evolving global legal landscape, law firms play a pivotal role in shaping jurisprudence, influencing policy, and safeguarding clients’ interests across various sectors. As the demand for legal services continues to soar, the largest law firms wield significant influence, boasting extensive resources, diverse expertise, and a track record of landmark cases. Here, we explore the world’s top 10 largest law firms, highlighting their notable cases, landmark judgments, and contributions to the legal profession.
Table of Content
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
With a legacy dating back to 1909, Kirkland & Ellis LLP reigns supreme atop the legal hierarchy. Boasting over 3,400 professionals, this U.S.-based powerhouse raked in a staggering $6.51 billion in revenues in 2022. Representing corporate behemoths like Boeing and General Motors, Kirkland & Ellis epitomizes excellence across corporate, taxation, litigation, and intellectual property domains.
Kirkland & Ellis is synonymous with high-stakes litigation and private equity transactions. In 2019, the firm represented pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson in a landmark opioid trial, securing a favorable verdict that dismissed claims seeking billions in damages.
Area of Specialization:
- Private equity
- M&A
- corporate transactions
- litigation
- White collar
- Government disputes
Landmark Cases:
- Kirkland & Ellis provided legal representation to Boeing concerning the Boeing 737 MAX tragedy. Notably, Erin Nealy Cox, the U.S. Attorney handling the case, opted to absolve Boeing executives of accountability for their involvement in the incident in the prosecution agreement co-signed by her and Kirkland & Ellis. Following this, Erin Nealy Cox was appointed as a partner at Kirkland & Ellis.
- Kirkland & Ellis defended Nike, Inc. against allegations of trademark infringement related to the Jumpman logo.
Latham & Watkins LLP
Headquartered in Los Angeles, Latham & Watkins LLP commands the legal arena with its presence in 15 countries and a formidable team of 3,600 lawyers. Garnering $5.32 billion in annual revenues, this firm is synonymous with versatility, offering services ranging from activism to entertainment law.
Latham & Watkins is renowned for its prowess in complex litigation and corporate transactions. In 2016, the firm secured a significant victory for Uber Technologies Inc. in a class-action lawsuit challenging its classification of drivers as independent contractors, setting a precedent for the gig economy
Area of Specialization:
- Anti-Discrimination & Civil Rights
- Antitrust & Competition
- Banking
- Bankruptcy Litigation & Creditors’ Rights
- Intellectual Property Litigation
Landmark Cases:
- Effectively securing the withdrawal of a sales executive from the poultry industry from a significant criminal antitrust case, wherein the US Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division accused ten executives in the poultry processing sector of engaging in a scheme to manipulate prices and manipulate bids for broiler chicken products.
- Providing legal representation to StarKist Co. throughout a DOJ criminal inquiry and civil Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) proceedings.
DLA Piper
Emerging from a mega-merger in 2005, DLA Piper swiftly ascended to prominence as one of the largest global law firms. With a footprint in over 40 countries and a workforce exceeding 4,200 lawyers, this London and Chicago-based firm recorded revenues of $3.69 billion. Notable for its diverse practice areas encompassing education, government contracting, and technology, DLA Piper commands respect on the international stage.
DLA Piper ranks among the world’s largest law firms, operating in more than 40 countries. In 2012, the firm represented BP plc in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, negotiating a historic $18.7 billion settlement to resolve claims brought by the U.S. government and affected parties.
Area of Specialization:
- Consumer Goods, Food & Retail
- Energy & Resources
- Financial Services
- Industrials
- Infrastructure, Construction, Transport & Logistics
- Insurance
- Life Sciences
- Media, Sport & Entertainment
- Real Estate
- Technology
Landmark Cases:
- DLA Piper achieved a victory in a transhipment case for Economic Disputes before the Judicial Collegium of the Russian Supreme Court while representing Kaproben Handels.
- DLA Piper provided legal counsel to Manolo Blahnik, the renowned shoe designer and creator of the luxury brand bearing his name, in a successful re-trial petition before China’s Supreme People’s Court (Supreme Court). This re-trial followed an extensive trademark dispute in China that spanned over two decades.
Baker McKenzie
Founded in 1949, Baker McKenzie stands as a beacon of legal excellence with a presence in 70 countries and a workforce surpassing 6,500 lawyers. With reported revenues of $3.30 billion, this Chicago-based firm excels in navigating complex legal landscapes, offering unparalleled expertise to clients worldwide.
With a presence in over 40 countries, Baker McKenzie stands as one of the largest law firms globally, renowned for its cross-border expertise. In 2017, the firm advised Apple Inc. in a high-profile patent infringement case against Samsung Electronics, resulting in a landmark $539 million jury verdict in favor of Apple.
Area of Specialization:
- Consumer Goods & Retail
- Energy, Mining & Infrastructure
- Financial Institutions
- Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Hotels
- Resorts & Tourism
- Industrials
- Manufacturing & Transportation
- Private Equity
Landmark Cases:
- In 2006, Baker McKenzie played a crucial role in the Winkelman v. Parma City School District case by drafting amicus briefs for the Council of Parent Attorneys & Advocates (COPAA). These briefs supported parents’ rights to represent themselves in court to ensure their children’s access to free appropriate public education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). As a result, the Supreme Court unanimously granted parents the ability to proceed without legal counsel on behalf of children with disabilities in June 2007.
- In December 2009, Baker McKenzie secured a significant victory in a tax case against the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for Symantec Corporation. The IRS had pursued over $1 billion in back taxes, penalties, and interest from Veritas Software Corporation, acquired by Symantec in 2005. Representing Symantec in the U.S. Tax Court, Baker McKenzie successfully argued against the IRS’s claims, leading to Judge Maurice Foley ruling in favor of Symantec. This outcome marked a substantial win in the intricate tax dispute.
Dentons
A product of strategic mergers, Dentons emerges as a legal juggernaut, boasting a workforce exceeding 12,000 individuals spread across 80 countries. Ranked fifth on the list, this firm is renowned for its expansive global footprint and unmatched capabilities in addressing diverse legal challenges.
Area of Specialization:
- Consumer Goods & Retail
- Energy, Mining & Infrastructure
- Financial Institutions
- Healthcare & Life Science
Landmark Cases:
- Providing guidance to Informa plc regarding the purchase of Tarsus Group, with an initial enterprise value set at U$940 million.
- Offering advisory services to TSX-listed Chorus Aviation Inc. for the acquisition of Falko Regional Aircraft Limited, valued at over $850 million.
- Assisting in the divestment of a 50% interest in TotalEnergies’ Egyptian fuel retail, aviation, and lubricants business to ADNOC Distribution.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Founded in 1948, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP commands attention with its 22 global offices and a team of over 1,600 lawyers. With annual revenues totaling $3.02 billion, this New York-based firm is a trusted advisor to businesses, financial institutions, and government agencies worldwide.
Skadden is renowned for its M&A prowess and regulatory expertise. In 2008, the firm advised Tata Steel Limited in its $12 billion acquisition of Corus Group plc, marking one of the largest cross-border deals in the steel industry.
Area of Specialization:
- Real Estate
Landmark Cases:
Texaco-Pennzoil Dispute (1987): Skadden played a crucial role in a significant corporate legal dispute of the 20th century, known as the Texaco-Pennzoil conflict. In 1984, Pennzoil secured a $10.5 billion judgment against Texaco, accusing them of interfering with Pennzoil’s pursuit of Getty Oil. Skadden represented Texaco throughout the subsequent appeals process and effectively negotiated a resolution in 1987. This resulted in Texaco agreeing to pay Pennzoil $3 billion to settle the dispute. The case established new benchmarks for the largest verdict and settlement in U.S. legal history at that time, highlighting Skadden’s expertise in managing intricate corporate litigation.
Time Warner-AOL Merger (2000): Skadden made a substantial contribution by guiding Time Warner through its landmark merger with AOL in 2000. Valued at $164 billion, this merger stood as one of the most significant in history, signifying a crucial juncture in the integration of traditional media and the internet. Skadden offered legal advice across multiple facets of the deal, encompassing antitrust concerns, regulatory adherence, and negotiation of contracts. Ultimately, the merger redefined the media terrain, leaving a lasting impact on both entertainment and technology sectors.
Sidley Austin
Established in 1866, Sidley Austin boasts a rich legacy of excellence in corporate finance, employment, and regulatory law. With revenues of $2.92 billion and over 1,800 lawyers across 23 offices, this Chicago-headquartered firm continues to redefine the legal landscape.
Sidley Austin boasts a formidable presence in the legal arena, with a focus on corporate law and litigation. In 2015, the firm represented Facebook Inc. in a high-profile privacy case brought by the Federal Trade Commission, resulting in a landmark $5 billion settlement.
Area of Specialization:
- Asset Finance
- Business & Human Rights
- Capital Markets
- Commercial Litigation
Landmark Cases:
- In 1985, Rex E. Lee, the former U.S. Solicitor General, established Sidley Austin’s Appellate Practice Group, aiming to provide representation in various appellate courts. Following Lee’s passing, leadership of the group transitioned to Carter Phillips, recognized for his extensive experience arguing cases before the Supreme Court among private practice attorneys.
- During the savings and loan crisis, Sidley & Austin, along with several other law firms, became entangled in legal proceedings. The firm agreed to pay $7.5 million to settle malpractice claims tied to its representation of the Lincoln Savings and Loan Association. This legal episode was chronicled in the book “No Contest: Corporate Lawyers and the Perversion of Justice in America” by Ralph Nader and Wesley J. Smith.
- Furthermore, in 2007, Sidley Austin resolved allegations of fraudulent tax shelter activities with the Internal Revenue Service, reaching a settlement of $39 million to avoid potential criminal charges. Additionally, the previous year saw Sidley and KPMG agreeing to a $54 million payout to investors who had acquired these shelters.
White & Case
Founded in 1901, White & Case is synonymous with integrity and innovation in the legal sphere. With a workforce of over 2,600 lawyers spread across 47 locations, this Tampa-based firm reported revenues of $2.83 billion in 2020, securing its position among the top global players.
Area of Specialization:
- Asset Finance
- Business & Human Rights
- Capital Markets
- Commercial Litigation
- Construction
- Data, Privacy & Cybersecurity ·
- Fintech
Landmark Cases:
- Provided legal counsel to Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley in their roles as joint global coordinators.
- Also provided legal assistance to SBC Bank, Jefferies, and BofA Securities as joint bookrunners, and ING Bank as co-lead manager regarding the initial public offering (IPO) of Ithaca Energy PLC and its subsequent premium listing on the London Stock Exchange.
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius
With a heritage dating back to 1873, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius boasts a team of 2,200 lawyers and reported revenues of $2.75 billion. Headquartered in Philadelphia, this firm’s global footprint spans 33 offices, exemplifying its commitment to delivering exceptional legal services.
Area of Specialization:
- corporate
- finance and investment management
- intellectual property
- labour, employment and benefits
- litigation, regulation and investigation.
Landmark Cases:
- Providing legal counsel to Google across all aspects of Antitrust Litigation concerning the Google Play Store, which involves a multi-district litigation case currently pending in the Northern District of California. This litigation pertains to the distribution of applications by developers to end-users.
Gibson Dunn
Founded in 1872, Gibson Dunn is a trailblazer in the legal arena, with offices in 20 countries and a team of approximately 1,800 lawyers. Specializing in sectors like financial institutions and healthcare, this Los Angeles-based firm reported revenues of $2.73 billion, solidifying its status as a legal powerhouse.
Area of Specialization:
- White Collar Defense and Investigations
- Accounting Firm Advisory and Defense
- Investment Funds
- Litigation
Landmark Cases:
- The law firm is currently providing legal representation to Chevron in an ongoing environmental dispute in Ecuador, which has amounted to a $27 billion contention. As reported by The Intercept, Gibson Dunn has enlisted the assistance of private investigators to monitor Steven Donziger and has assembled a large team of lawyers to oppose him. This initiative led to a boycott initiated by the student organization Law Students for Climate Accountability in April 2021.
- Furthermore, the firm was involved in representing George W. Bush in the legal case Bush v. Gore, which contested the certification of Florida’s results in the 2000 United States presidential election. Theodore Olsen, the partner who presented Bush’s case before the Supreme Court, subsequently served as solicitor general in the Bush administration.
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