What are the super six law firms?
Asked by: Marlee Altenwerth | Last update: March 24, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (34 votes)
The "Super Six" law firms, a term recently coined for elite global M&A powerhouses, refers to Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, Wachtell Lipton, Simpson Thacher, Freshfields, and Skadden Arps, consistently appearing in the top rankings for major global mergers and acquisitions since 2020. These firms dominate the largest cross-border deals, reflecting a consolidation of work at the very top of the legal advisory market.
Who are the big 5 law firms?
There isn't one definitive "Big 5" in law, but firms consistently ranked at the top globally by revenue and size (number of lawyers) include Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, DLA Piper, Baker McKenzie, and A&O Shearman (formerly Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling), with Skadden, Arps also often mentioned as a historical leader, while prestigious firms like Cravath and Wachtell Lipton are top-tier for prestige and profitability. The specific firms in the "Big 5" can shift based on metrics (revenue, lawyers, prestige) and region, but these names consistently appear at the pinnacle of "Big Law".
What is the most feared law firm in the world?
The firm consistently ranked as the "most feared" in litigation by legal decision-makers, according to BTI Consulting Group, is Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, known for its intense, no-holds-barred trial approach, often appearing at the top of lists alongside other formidable firms like Kirkland & Ellis and Gibson Dunn.
Who are the magic 5 law firms?
The "Magic Circle" refers to five elite, prestigious, London-headquartered law firms known for corporate, finance, and M&A work, generally including A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May, recognized for their global reach, high profitability, and significant trainee intakes. This term, coined by legal reporters, signifies the pinnacle of the UK legal market, offering lucrative careers in a demanding, high-pressure environment.
What is the #1 law firm in America?
There's no single "number 1" law firm, as rankings vary by criteria (revenue, prestige, size, practice area), but Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, and Baker McKenzie consistently appear at the top for revenue/size, while firms like Cravath and Wachtell Lipton are top for prestige/profitability, according to sources like Vault, Wikipedia, IE, and Vault.
Law Firm Hierarchy Explained
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.
Who is the richest law firm?
The richest law firm by revenue is consistently Kirkland & Ellis, leading global rankings with billions in gross revenue (around $8.8 billion in 2024) and a large number of lawyers, specializing in private equity, M&A, and litigation, followed closely by firms like Latham & Watkins and DLA Piper, though profitability per lawyer can vary, with firms like Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP often topping profitability lists despite smaller size.
What are the top 10 law firms?
The "top 10 law firms" vary by ranking criteria (revenue, prestige, size, practice area), but consistently feature firms like Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, DLA Piper, Skadden Arps, Sidley Austin, White & Case, Morgan Lewis, Gibson Dunn, A&O Shearman, and Baker McKenzie, often leading in global revenue and prestige, with others like Cravath Swaine & Moore and Wachtell Lipton noted for prestige in the U.S.
What is a Tier 5 law firm?
Tier 5 — Peer-Review and Vote-Based
This tier is also full of well-known publications focused on attorneys in private practice, but the submission processes are less demanding on attorneys and their marketing teams. Examples include Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers.
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.
What is the most prestigious law firm in the United States?
Cravath Swaine & Moore is consistently ranked as the most prestigious U.S. law firm by associates, often followed by Wachtell Lipton, Skadden, and Latham & Watkins, though rankings shift slightly year to year, with firms like Milbank recently climbing due to associate-friendly moves, according to surveys like Vault's. Prestige is subjective but generally reflects a combination of history, elite client work, high profitability, and strong compensation/benefits.
What are the most elite law firms in the US?
The 'big three' law firms, recognized for their revenue, prestige, size, and global influence, include Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Latham & Watkins LLP, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
Who is the richest lawyer in the world?
There isn't one definitive "richest lawyer" as wealth fluctuates, but prominent figures often cited include Richard Scruggs, known for massive settlements like tobacco litigation (though he later faced legal issues), and Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett's partner and Harvard Law grad, who became a billionaire through investments, not just law practice. Others like Thai businessman-lawyer Wichai Thongtang, former Microsoft GC Bill Neukom, and TV personality Judge Judy (Judith Sheindlin) also rank among the wealthiest lawyers.
What percentage of lawyers make $500,000?
A relatively small percentage of lawyers earn over $500k, as most fall below $200k, but top earners in "Big Law," specialized corporate/IP/malpractice fields, or successful firm ownership can reach this level, with the top 1% often exceeding it, driven by high-stakes cases and strategic practice areas.
What law firm does the royal family use?
The primary law firm for the British Royal Family for generations, especially for the late Queen Elizabeth II, has been Farrer & Co, a prestigious London firm known for private client, family law, and trusts, though other firms handle specific litigation needs, with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly using Harbottle and Lewis at times.
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.
Is a JD higher than a Masters?
Yes, a Juris Doctor (JD) is generally considered a higher-level, professional doctorate than a master's degree, serving as the standard entry-level degree to practice law in the U.S., though it's classified differently than research doctorates like a PhD; while a Master of Laws (LLM) is technically a master's, it's an advanced degree taken after a JD for specialization, not a prerequisite.
What is the lowest level lawyer?
The lowest level of a lawyer is generally an entry-level attorney, often starting as a first-year associate, Junior Associate, or Law Clerk, focusing on research, drafting, and assisting senior lawyers while gaining foundational experience before passing the bar exam and progressing in their career.
What is the #1 law firm in the world?
The "number 1" law firm depends on the metric, but Kirkland & Ellis consistently ranks as the top firm globally by revenue, grossing over $8.8 billion in 2024, and leads in areas like private equity and M&A. Other top contenders by size and revenue include Latham & Watkins, DLA Piper, and Baker McKenzie, while firms like Quinn Emanuel are recognized as "most feared" in litigation, showing rankings vary by focus.
Who is Taylor Swift's law firm?
Taylor Swift's primary law firm is the Washington, D.C.-based Venable LLP, with key litigator J. Douglas Baldridge moving from Venable to become General Counsel for her company, 13 Management, in 2023. Venable handles much of her legal work, including intellectual property, copyright issues, and high-profile litigation, with Baldridge serving as her top in-house lawyer for her business operations.
What are the most feared law firms?
The "most feared" law firm, according to recent BTI Consulting reports, is consistently Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP, known for its aggressive, preparation-heavy litigation tactics, often appearing at the top of "Fearsome Foursome" lists alongside other major players like Kirkland & Ellis, Skadden, and Gibson Dunn. These rankings come from surveys of General Counsel and legal decision-makers who identify firms they least want to face in court, highlighting firms with smart strategies, stunning preparation, and an unflinching drive to win.
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.
Who is the wealthiest lawyer in the US?
While exact rankings shift, Charlie Munger (late Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chairman) is often cited as the richest lawyer, leveraging his law degree into massive investments, while prominent figures like personal injury giants Peter Angelos (asbestos litigation) and John Morgan (personal injury ads) have built fortunes through high-stakes legal work, with some estimates placing them near or over $2 billion.
What LSAT score is needed for top schools?
For example, to get into a top-ranking law school, you'll probably need an LSAT score of at least 160 or above, while a score in the mid-150s is often acceptable at many excellent law schools. A top 10 law school typically requires a 170 or above.
What is the difference between a lawyer and attorney?
A lawyer is someone with a law degree, while an attorney is a lawyer who has passed the bar exam and is licensed to practice law and represent clients in court; therefore, all attorneys are lawyers, but not all lawyers are attorneys, a distinction that matters for courtroom advocacy. While "lawyer" refers to legal education, "attorney" signifies the official authorization (the license) to act as a legal representative in court, handle specific legal matters, and provide court-related services.