How many Magic Circle law firms are there?
Asked by: Cheyanne Legros I | Last update: June 13, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (45 votes)
There are five Magic Circle law firms, an elite group of prestigious, UK-headquartered firms known for corporate and finance work, consisting of Allen & Overy (now A&O Shearman), Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May. This group is a journalistic term coined in the 1990s to describe these top-tier firms handling major global transactions.
How many firms are in the Magic Circle?
The term was coined by legal reporters in the 1990s and is generally considered to include the following five law firms: A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance, Freshfields, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May.
How hard is it to get into a Magic Circle law firm?
If you do the calculations you'll find that getting into magic circle firms is hard work. For some of the member firms, you'll have less than a 2% chance of getting in. Since this is so, this article is apt. Here are some tips, and actions you can take to help you be part of the chosen ones.
Which law firms are in Magic Circle?
The term 'magic circle' was first coined by legal journalists in the late 1990s, and for the past 15 years it has consisted of a distinct group of five: A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance, Freshfields, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May. What sets these firms apart from the rest of the UK legal market?
Who are the 7 sisters law firms?
In the Canadian legal market, the 'Seven Sisters', leading Bay Street Toronto, Ontario corporate firms, continue to dominate the marketplace. They are Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, Goodmans LLP, McCarthy Tétrault, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Stikeman Elliott LLP and Torys.
TOP 3 REASONS LAWYERS CHOOSE MAGIC CIRCLE FIRMS
Are Magic Circle firms losing their prestige?
Elite London-based Biglaw firms — A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance, Freshfields, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May — have been referred to as members of the “Magic Circle” for about 25 years, but it seems that the magic has simply lost its luster over the years.
What are the most profitable Magic Circle firms?
These are the five largest and most profitable corporate law firms in London, comprising Clifford Chance, Allen & Overy, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters and Slaughter and May. These are huge firms with hundreds of partners and annual UK trainee intakes of between 85 and 120 candidates.
Can anyone cast a Magic Circle?
Casting a circle is a common ritual technique used by Wiccans and witches. The interior of the circle is seen as a safe, energetically protected space. Sacred magical work, rituals, and spells are often performed within the circle. Anyone who wants to can cast a circle, just follow these simple guidelines.
What do the top 1% of lawyers make?
The top 1% of lawyers in the U.S. earn significantly more, often reaching into the high six figures and even millions annually, with top earners in "Big Law" (large firms) making starting salaries well over $200k, and senior partners potentially earning millions, especially in high-demand areas like corporate, IP, or patent law in major cities like New York, D.C., or California, far surpassing the median lawyer salary of around $135k-$140k.
Which Magic Circle firm pays the most?
These are the largest and highest-grossing firms in the UK. Magic Circle firm Clifford Chance pays its NQ solicitors £150,000 a year. 'Silver Circle' and other (often international) City firms are hot on the heels of the Magic Circle when it comes to NQ salaries. Macfarlanes pays £140,000 a year.
Does Pearson Specter only hire from Harvard?
Exclusivity. Pearson Hardman had a policy of hiring only associates that graduated from HLS. After the firm became known as Pearson Specter, the rule was waived for Rachel Zane, and eventually abolished when Harvey Specter became managing partner of Pearson Specter Litt.
Who was the first woman to join the Magic Circle?
Back in 1991, actress Sophie Lloyd became the first woman to join the then-all-male society, The Magic Circle. How, you ask? By taking the magic test disguised as a man! It wasn't until the day that the society finally voted to admit women, Sophie revealed her true gender to the Magic Circle's disbelieving members…
What is the highest title in a law firm?
The highest title in a law firm is usually the Managing Partner, who oversees firm operations, strategy, and finances, often elected by other partners, though senior partners hold significant authority, with some large firms using corporate-style titles like CEO, Chairman, or Managing Director for top roles, while an in-house equivalent is the General Counsel (GC) or Chief Legal Officer (CLO).
What is the oldest Magic Circle firm?
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP founded in 1743 is a multinational law firm headquartered in London and a member of the Magic Circle of elite British law firms. Freshfields is the oldest firm within the Magic Circle and is reported to be the oldest international law firm in the world.
How much does a partner at Allen and Overy earn?
Allen & Overy partner pay hit £2.2m before Shearman merger deal. Allen & Overy partners were paid an average of £2.2m for the firm's final year prior to its merger with Shearman & Sterling. Average profit per equity partner jumped to £2.2m in the year ended 30 April, up from £1.8m the previous year, an increase of 19%.
Is Hogan Lovells a Magic Circle firm?
No, Hogan Lovells is not a Magic Circle firm; the Magic Circle refers to five specific elite London firms (Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, Freshfields, Linklaters, Slaughter and May), but Hogan Lovells is considered a top-tier international firm, often grouped with the "Silver Circle" or viewed as competing with the Magic Circle due to its size, profitability, and global reach, especially after its transatlantic merger. While the Magic Circle focuses on the most prestigious London-headquartered firms, Hogan Lovells is a significant player in the elite global market, sometimes seen as part of an older "Club of Nine" group that included current Magic Circle firms, as noted by The Lawyer Portal and Congrapps.
What is the most feared law firm in the US?
The BTI Consulting Group has again named Quinn Emanuel the number one “most feared” law firm in its 2026 “Most Feared Law Firms in Litigation” guide.
Was Joe Biden ever a public defender?
In 1969, Biden resumed practicing law, first as a public defender in Wilmington, Delaware. Most of his clients were African Americans from Wilmington's east side. Biden then joined a firm headed by Sid Balick, a locally active Democrat.