LawFuel Report – Largest Law Firms in New York

New York’s legal market continues its dramatic expansion in 2025, with the top firms now employing over 13,000 attorneys—an 8% increase from 2024. For the first time, two firms have exceeded 1,000 attorneys in their New York offices: Kirkland & Ellis with 1,133 lawyers and Davis Polk & Wardwell with 1,000+.

The growth is remarkable even by BigLaw standards, with Kirkland adding 164 attorneys year-over-year and Davis Polk expanding by 11%. These numbers reflect sustained demand for sophisticated legal services despite economic headwinds, driven by private equity activity, complex litigation, and regulatory work.

Key Findings for 2026:

• Kirkland & Ellis solidifies dominance with 1,133 New York attorneys (+17% YoY)
• Davis Polk becomes second firm to exceed 1,000 attorneys (+11% YoY)
• Top six firms all reported year-over-year headcount increases
• Kirkland opening second Manhattan office (131,000 sq ft at 900 Third Ave)
• Nearly 300 litigators added to major firms since early 2024
• Total New York legal market up approximately 8% overall

The Top 10 Largest Law Firms in New York (2026)

Based on the latest data from Crain’s New York Business, the New York Law Journal, and firm disclosures, here are the largest law firms by New York office attorney headcount:

1. Kirkland & Ellis – 1,133 Attorneys (+17% YoY)

Breakdown: 434 Partners | 699 Associates

The Chicago-based global powerhouse has achieved unprecedented scale in New York, becoming the first firm to exceed 1,000 attorneys in the city. Kirkland’s New York headcount has increased by more than 175 percent over the past decade—a remarkable transformation that has redefined the competitive landscape.

As recently reported, the firm also tops the Big Law M&A table as well.

To accommodate this explosive growth and “anticipated future needs,” Kirkland is opening a second Manhattan office at 900 Third Avenue, adding 131,000 square feet of space near its existing 601 Lexington Avenue headquarters.

The firm has been particularly aggressive in building its litigation practice, adding nearly 300 litigators since the beginning of 2024. This strategic expansion complements Kirkland’s traditional strengths in private equity and restructuring.

2024 Financial Performance:

• Gross Revenue: $8.8 billion (highest among all law firms globally)
• Profits Per Equity Partner: $9.25 million (highest in BigLaw)
• Global Attorney Count: 3,500+

Key Practice Areas:

• Private equity and sponsor-backed M&A
• Restructuring and bankruptcy
• High-stakes litigation
• Complex financing transactions
• Regulatory and government investigations

Market Position: Kirkland’s growth strategy focuses on hiring lateral partners with established books of business, particularly from traditional New York white-shoe firms. The firm’s compensation model—which can exceed lockstep firms by 50-100 percent and with a large growth in its non-equity partners —has proven highly effective in attracting top talent.

2. Davis Polk & Wardwell – 1,000+ Attorneys (+11% YoY)

Davis Polk achieved a historic milestone in 2025 by becoming just the second firm to exceed 1,000 attorneys in New York. The firm’s 11% year-over-year growth reflects sustained demand for its elite capital markets, financial institutions, and M&A practices.

Founded in 1849, Davis Polk has long been synonymous with Wall Street’s most sophisticated transactions. The firm advises major banks, investment firms, and corporations on transformative deals, complex regulatory matters, and high-stakes litigation.

Key Practice Areas:

• Capital markets (debt and equity offerings)
• Financial institutions M&A and regulatory
• Private equity and M&A
• Complex litigation and government investigations
• Executive compensation and tax

Market Position: Davis Polk maintains its position as one of New York’s most selective and profitable firms. The firm handles more debt and equity offerings than virtually any competitor, giving it unparalleled insight into market conditions and regulatory developments.

Recent major representations include advising on multi-billion dollar public offerings, bank mergers, and regulatory enforcement matters. The firm’s litigation practice has grown significantly, handling bet-the-company disputes and government investigations.

3. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison – 900+ Attorneys (YoY Growth)

Paul Weiss remains one of New York’s most prestigious firms, known for elite litigation capabilities and deep relationships with Wall Street institutions and media companies – as well as with its deal with the Trump administration. The firm grew its litigation headcount by at least 22 percent since the beginning of 2024, demonstrating strategic investment in courtroom expertise. It continues on its expansion path with a recent recruitment of Sidley Austin partners at the beginning of 2026.

Key Practice Areas:

• Elite litigation and appellate work
• Public company M&A
• White-collar criminal defense
• Media, entertainment, and technology
• Private equity and activism defense

Market Position: Paul Weiss pioneered the integrated model where litigators and corporate lawyers work seamlessly together on complex matters. This approach has proven particularly valuable in M&A transactions facing antitrust challenges, activist campaigns, and government scrutiny.

The firm’s litigation practice handles some of the highest-profile cases in the country, from SEC enforcement actions to bet-the-company commercial disputes. Paul Weiss also maintains a premier white-collar practice, regularly defending executives and corporations in criminal investigations.

4. Latham & Watkins – 800+ Attorneys (YoY Growth)

Latham has executed one of the most successful New York expansion strategies among West Coast firms. The global mega-firm now employs over 800 attorneys in New York, up from approximately 770 in 2024, including 19 new partners at the beginning of 2025, with strength across corporate, finance, restructuring, and regulatory practices. The firm has also removed itself from standing in the shadow of its big law competitors with a major profit surge.

Key Practice Areas:

• Corporate and M&A (private equity and public company)
• Finance (leveraged, project, and restructuring)
• Regulatory and government affairs
• Litigation and trial
• Environmental and real estate

Market Position: Latham’s growth-oriented culture and competitive compensation have enabled rapid market share gains. The firm’s platform approach—offering integrated services across practices and geographies—appeals to multinational clients seeking coordinated representation.

Latham’s New York office works closely with offices in Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, Washington D.C., London, and Hong Kong on cross-border transactions. This global integration gives the firm competitive advantages on complex deals.

5. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett – 790+ Attorneys (YoY Growth)

Simpson Thacher is the premier firm for private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies. The firm maintains close relationships with the world’s largest buyout funds and excels in leveraged buyouts, debt financings, and fund formations.

Key Practice Areas:

• Private equity M&A and leveraged buyouts
• Leveraged finance and high-yield debt
• Investment funds (private equity, credit, real estate)
• Banking and corporate finance
• Executive compensation

Market Position: Simpson Thacher’s lockstep compensation system and highly selective partnership make it one of the most prestigious destinations for transactional lawyers. The firm’s profits per equity partner consistently rank among the highest in the industry.

The firm has deep relationships with sponsors including KKR, Blackstone, Apollo, and Carlyle, representing them on multi-billion dollar acquisitions and financings. Simpson Thacher also represents many portfolio companies on strategic transactions and refinancings.

6. Debevoise & Plimpton – 670+ Attorneys

Debevoise maintains its position as a white-shoe institution excelling in complex litigation, private equity, and insurance/reinsurance work. The firm balances traditional partnership values with adaptation to modern market demands.

Key Practice Areas:

• Private equity
• Complex commercial litigation
• Insurance and reinsurance
• White-collar and regulatory defense
• Investment management

Market Position: Debevoise’s litigation practice handles some of the most sophisticated disputes globally, from international arbitration to bet-the-company trials. The firm’s private equity practice advises sponsors on acquisitions, portfolio company matters, and fund formations.

7. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom – 650+ Attorneys

Skadden pioneered the modern M&A practice and remains a market leader in transformative transactions, restructuring, and high-stakes litigation. With approximately 1,700-1,800 attorneys globally, Skadden maintains significant New York presence despite competitive headcount pressures.

Key Practice Areas:

• M&A and corporate control contests
• Restructuring and bankruptcy
• Securities litigation and regulatory
• Antitrust and competition
• Banking and project finance

Market Position: Skadden’s brand remains synonymous with complex, high-stakes transactions. The firm advises on many of the largest M&A deals globally and handles premier restructuring matters. Skadden’s litigation practice defends major corporations in class actions, government investigations, and commercial disputes.

8. Weil, Gotshal & Manges – 600+ Attorneys

Weil dominates restructuring and bankruptcy work while maintaining strong private equity and corporate practices. The firm is consistently the first call for complex reorganizations and out-of-court restructurings.

Key Practice Areas:

• Restructuring and bankruptcy (largest practice in the world)
• Private equity
• Corporate and securities
• Complex commercial litigation
• Banking and finance

Market Position: Weil’s restructuring practice has no equal, handling the majority of large-cap bankruptcies and complex out-of-court restructurings. The firm represents debtors, creditors, investors, and acquirers in distressed situations.

9. Sullivan & Cromwell – 560+ Attorneys (YoY Growth)

Sullivan & Cromwell, one of Wall Street’s oldest and most prestigious firms, maintains its elite status through selective client relationships and deep expertise in financial institutions and regulatory matters. The firm employs more than 500 lawyers in New York as part of its approximately 875 global attorneys.

Key Practice Areas:

• Financial institutions M&A and regulatory
• Corporate and securities
• Litigation and government investigations
• Tax
• Estate planning

Market Position: Sullivan & Cromwell’s client roster reads like a who’s-who of global finance, including major investment banks, commercial banks, and sovereign wealth funds. The firm maintains its position through exceptional legal work and deep industry expertise rather than aggressive growth.

10. Milbank (Tie) – 505+ Attorneys

Milbank specializes in finance transactions, particularly leveraged finance, project finance, and transportation. The firm has global strength in complex financing structures and restructuring.

Key Practice Areas:

• Leveraged finance (market-leading practice)
• Project finance
• Transportation finance
• Restructuring
• Private equity and M&A

10. Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson (Tie) – 505+ Attorneys

Fried Frank is New York’s real estate powerhouse, topping transaction volume rankings while maintaining strong corporate and private equity practices.

Key Practice Areas:

• Real estate (largest NYC practice by volume)
• Private equity
• M&A and corporate
• Executive compensation
• Asset management

Market Dynamics: What’s Driving 2025 Growth?

Unprecedented Expansion Among Top Firms

The New York legal market is experiencing growth rates not seen since before the 2008 financial crisis. The top firms added approximately 1,000 attorneys collectively between 2024 and 2025, with growth concentrated among the largest players and more big mergers in the pipeline, with the Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader deal the latest on the list.

Several factors are driving this expansion:

Private Equity Activity: Despite higher interest rates, private equity sponsors continue executing deals, requiring extensive legal support for acquisitions, financings, and exits.

Litigation Boom: Nearly 300 litigators have been added to major firms since early 2024, reflecting sustained demand for courtroom expertise. Government investigations, securities litigation, antitrust enforcement, and commercial disputes are all generating significant work.

Regulatory Complexity: Financial services regulation, antitrust enforcement, data privacy, and ESG compliance create ongoing demand for sophisticated regulatory advice.

Cross-Border Transactions: Multinational deals require coordinated teams across multiple jurisdictions, favoring firms with global platforms.

The 1,000-Attorney Milestone

Only two firms have exceeded 1,000 New York attorneys: Kirkland (1,133) and Davis Polk (1,000+). This represents a significant threshold in firm scale and market positioning.

Firms of this size enjoy several competitive advantages:

• Ability to staff multiple major matters simultaneously
• Deeper bench strength across practice areas
• Greater resilience to lateral departures
• Enhanced brand recognition and recruiting power
• Economies of scale in technology and knowledge management

However, managing firms of this size also presents challenges, including maintaining culture, ensuring quality control, and coordinating across practice groups.

Out-of-State Firm Dominance

Kirkland’s ascent to number one exemplifies a broader trend: out-of-state firms gaining market share in New York. The top 25 New York firms now include nine firms founded outside the state—almost double the number from a decade ago.

These firms bring different cultural and economic models:

• Aggressive Compensation: Firms like Kirkland and Latham pay significantly above New York lockstep firms, enabling aggressive lateral hiring
• Growth Orientation: While traditional New York firms grow carefully, out-of-state competitors prioritize rapid expansion
• Practice Mix: Many out-of-state firms have stronger private equity and restructuring practices than traditional M&A and capital markets work

Real Estate Needs and Office Expansion

Kirkland’s decision to open a second Manhattan office signals continued confidence in the New York market despite remote work trends. The firm is adding 131,000 square feet at 900 Third Avenue while maintaining its existing 601 Lexington Avenue headquarters.

Other major firms are also evaluating space needs as headcount grows. The return to office varies by firm, with most requiring 3-4 days per week in-office for associates and partners.

Practice Area Trends in 2026

Litigation Surge

The most notable trend is sustained litigation growth. Four major firms – Kirkland, Paul Weiss, Davis Polk, and Paul Hastings – grew their litigation headcount by at least 22 percent since early 2024 and that is a trend that does not appear to be slowing.

This reflects several factors occurring in the litigation space:

• Increased government enforcement across SEC, DOJ, and FTC
• Securities class actions following market volatility
• Commercial disputes arising from COVID-era contracts
• Antitrust challenges to major transactions
• ESG-related litigation and investigations

Elite litigators command premium billing rates, often exceeding $2,000 per hour for senior partners at top firms.

Private Equity Continues to Drive Demand

Despite higher interest rates reducing deal volume from 2021-2022 peaks, private equity remains a major practice driver. Firms with deep sponsor relationships like Kirkland, Simpson Thacher, Paul Weiss, Latham, and Debevoise continue to win significant work.

The leading firms handle everything from leveraged buyouts and acquisitions to fundraising, exit deals and everything in between.

Restructuring Remains Active

While not at pandemic-era levels, restructuring practices remain busy handling distressed situations across retail, real estate, and other sectors. Weil Gotshal, Kirkland, and Skadden lead the market in large-cap bankruptcies.

Capital Markets and Financial Institutions

Davis Polk, Sullivan & Cromwell, and Skadden continue to dominate capital markets work, including IPOs, high-yield offerings, and investment-grade debt. Regulatory work for banks, asset managers, and fintech companies remains a significant practice area.

Financial Performance and Compensation

Profits Per Equity Partner (PEP)

The largest New York firms continue to deliver strong financial performance as LawFuel has reported previously, (and will update again shortly).

• Kirkland & Ellis: $9.25 million PEP (highest in BigLaw)
• Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz: $9.04 million PEP
• Paul, Weiss: Estimated $5-6 million PEP
• Davis Polk: Estimated $5-6 million PEP
• Sullivan & Cromwell: Estimated $6-7 million PEP

These figures reflect the premium nature of New York legal work and the firms’ ability to command high billing rates in the face of stiff competition.

Associate Compensation

First-year associate base salaries at major New York firms now start at $225,000, with total compensation including bonuses reaching $260,000-$280,000 for first-years at top-paying firms. You can read more in LawFuel’s Big Law Salary Guide.

Mid-level and senior associate compensation scales proportionally, with eighth-year associates earning $425,000 in base salary plus substantial bonuses at Cravath-scale firms.

Lateral Partner Compensation

Lateral partners at firms like Kirkland can earn significantly more than lockstep firms, sometimes 50-100% higher for the same book of business. This compensation differential has driven substantial lateral movement over the past decade.

Why New York’s Largest Firms Matter

Setting Market Standards

These firms establish benchmarks that influence the entire legal profession:

Compensation: When Cravath or Davis Polk raises associate salaries, dozens of firms follow within days or weeks. New York compensation sets the floor for major markets nationally.

Talent Competition: The largest firms compete intensely for law school graduates, lateral associates, and experienced partners, driving up talent costs across the market.

Technology Investment: Major firms invest heavily in legal technology, knowledge management, and AI tools. Their adoption influences smaller firms and in-house legal departments.

Practice Innovation: Leading firms pioneer new practice approaches, fee structures, and client service models that others emulate.

Training and Development

The largest New York firms offer unparalleled training opportunities:

• Exposure to transformative deals and high-stakes litigation
• Sophisticated practice areas and cutting-edge legal issues
• World-class colleagues and mentors
• Global client relationships

Associates at these firms gain experience that positions them for general counsel roles, boutique partnerships, government service, and academic careers.

Client Relationships and Market Access

Major corporations, private equity firms, and financial institutions maintain deep relationships with the largest New York firms. These relationships provide:

• Preferred access to major transactions
• Early involvement in strategic matters
• Trusted advisor status on sensitive issues
• Cross-selling opportunities across practice areas

Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond

Continued Growth Expected

Most observers expect continued headcount growth in 2026, albeit at slower rates than 2025. Factors supporting growth include:

• Sustained private equity activity
• Ongoing litigation demand
• Regulatory complexity
• Cross-border transaction volume

However, economic uncertainty and potential recession could moderate growth rates.

Technology and AI Adoption

Major firms are investing heavily in AI and legal technology as law tech tools and advances continue to provide both challenges and opportunities, Among the key AI tools that the law firms are focused upon are:

• Document review and analysis
• Contract automation
• Legal research enhancement
• Knowledge management systems
• Practice analytics

These law technology investments may eventually reduce headcount needs, though most firms currently see technology as augmenting rather than replacing lawyers.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Client pressure and societal expectations continue driving diversity efforts. The largest firms have committed to:

• Mansfield Rule certification
• Diverse staffing requirements
• Pipeline development programs
• Retention and advancement initiatives

Progress has been significant but uneven, with retention of diverse attorneys remaining challenging.

Competition from Alternative Providers

Big Four accounting firms, legal process outsourcers, and technology platforms are competing for certain types of legal work. However, the most sophisticated and high-stakes matters remain firmly in the province of elite law firms.

Methodology and Data Sources

This LawFuel analysis draws from multiple authoritative sources:

Primary Sources:

• Crain’s New York Business (October 2025 rankings)
• New York Law Journal NYLJ 100
• Individual firm websites and announcements
• Law.com Compass financial data
• Above the Law legal industry reporting

Data Notes:

• Rankings reflect New York office attorney headcount for 2025
• Figures include partners, associates, and other attorneys
• Some firms report ranges rather than exact numbers
• Growth percentages calculated from prior year reported figures

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate are these rankings?

Rankings are based on the most recent data available from Crain’s New York Business, the New York Law Journal, and individual firm disclosures. While we strive for accuracy, some firms provide ranges rather than exact counts, and figures may change throughout the year due to hiring and departures.

Why do rankings differ between sources?

Different publications use varying methodologies and data collection timing. Some count only equity partners, while others include all attorneys. We’ve used the most comprehensive and recent data available.

What’s considered a “New York attorney”?

Attorneys who primarily work in New York offices, regardless of where they’re licensed. This includes lawyers working remotely but assigned to New York offices.

How has remote work affected these numbers?

Most major firms now require attorneys to be in-office 3-4 days per week. Remote work has not significantly reduced New York headcount, though it has affected space planning and office design.

Why is Kirkland growing so much faster than competitors?

Kirkland’s aggressive lateral hiring, competitive compensation, and growth-oriented culture enable faster expansion than traditional New York firms. The firm actively recruits partners with established books of business and pays above lockstep rates.

What about firms just outside the top 10?

Firms ranked 11-25 include Willkie Farr & Gallagher, Gibson Dunn, Ropes & Gray, Sidley Austin, Cravath Swaine & Moore, White & Case, and others. Many of these firms have 400-500+ New York attorneys.

How do New York firms compare globally?

New York remains the world’s largest and most profitable legal market, followed by London where several of the New York biglaw firms are making their presence felt in a dramatic fashion with 84 US law firms now operating in the City. But New York billing rates and matter complexity typically exceed other markets.

Conclusion

New York’s legal market continues to demonstrate remarkable vitality, with the top firms adding approximately 1,000 attorneys collectively and two firms exceeding 1,000 New York lawyers for the first time. Kirkland & Ellis’s rise to 1,133 attorneys and Davis Polk’s achievement of 1,000+ represent significant milestones in BigLaw evolution.

The growth reflects sustained demand for sophisticated legal services across private equity, litigation, restructuring, and regulatory matters. While economic uncertainty could moderate growth rates, the largest New York firms appear well-positioned for continued expansion.

For lawyers, general counsel, and legal professionals, understanding these dynamics is essential for career planning, outside counsel selection, and market navigation. The firms profiled here represent the pinnacle of legal practice, setting standards for compensation, training, and client service that influence the entire profession.

About LawFuel: LawFuel provides legal industry news, analysis, and career resources for lawyers worldwide. For more insights into law firm trends, compensation data, and practice area developments, visit lawfuel.com.

Last Updated: January 2026
Data Year: 2025

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