What is the best law firm in Australia?

Asked by: Stuart Padberg  |  Last update: January 26, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (55 votes)

There's no single "best" law firm in Australia, as it depends on the legal area, but King & Wood Mallesons, Herbert Smith Freehills, Allens, Clayton Utz, and MinterEllison (the "Big Six") consistently rank at the top for major corporate and commercial work, with firms like Gilbert + Tobin also strong, while boutiques like Seyfarth Shaw excel in specific areas like employment law, and rankings vary by source like Best Lawyers or Legal 500.

Who are the top 6 law firms in Australia?

Tier 1: The Big Six and Elite Practices

  • King & Wood Mallesons – Leading Asia-Pacific international firm.
  • Herbert Smith Freehills – Premier corporate and finance practice.
  • Allens – Top banking and corporate firm with Linklaters association.
  • MinterEllison – Australia's largest law firm by lawyer count.

What is the #1 law firm in the world?

There isn't one single "number 1" law firm, as rankings vary by criteria (revenue, size, prestige, specific practice), but Kirkland & Ellis consistently ranks as the #1 highest-grossing firm globally by revenue, exceeding $8.8 billion in 2024, followed by firms like Latham & Watkins and DLA Piper. For prestige or "feared" status, firms like Quinn Emanuel might top lists, while others excel in specific areas like M&A or IP, so "best" depends on the context.
 

What is the most prestigious law firm?

The most prestigious law firms consistently include Cravath, Swaine & Moore, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, often called the "Holy Trinity," leading rankings like Vault's and Above the Law's 2026 lists, with Latham & Watkins, Kirkland & Ellis, Sullivan & Cromwell, and Davis Polk & Wardwell always near the top, though rankings shift slightly year to year based on associate surveys and market perception, highlighting firms known for elite corporate, litigation, and high compensation. 

Who are the Golden 5 law firms?

There isn't a widely recognized "Golden 5" group of law firms; however, you're likely thinking of London's elite "Magic Circle" firms: A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May, known for high profitability and corporate work, or perhaps the US-based "Vault 100" or "Big Law" firms like Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins, but these groups have different names and compositions.
 

Top 50 Law Firms Australia

40 related questions found

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially Big Law partners, senior corporate counsel, specialized litigators, and successful solo practitioners in high-value fields like IP or medical malpractice, though this is not the norm for all attorneys, with median salaries being much lower. Reaching this income level requires specialization, strategic business growth, marketing, and often working in major markets, with top-tier law firms (Big Law) offering high starting salaries and significant bonuses that can push senior associates past the $500K mark.
 

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.
 

Who is Taylor Swift's law firm?

Taylor Swift's primary law firm for many years has been Venable LLP, a prominent firm known for its strong intellectual property and litigation teams, with key attorneys like J. Douglas Baldridge and Katherine Wright Morrone representing her in major copyright, trademark, and defamation cases, including her significant 'Shake It Off' lyric trial and recent disputes related to her film projects.
 

What is the most feared law firm in the world?

The firm consistently ranked as the "most feared" in litigation by legal decision-makers, based on research by BTI Consulting Group, is Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, known for its intense approach, fierce tactics, and winning trials, often leading the "Fearsome Foursome" list of top litigation firms. Other firms frequently cited for striking fear in opponents include Kirkland & Ellis, Skadden, Gibson Dunn, and Jenner & Block, for their formidable litigation prowess.
 

What is the hardest law firm to get a job at?

Williams & Connolly LLP

One of the most selective law firms, Williams & Connolly is a litigation standout known for handling complex, high-stakes matters. The firm has a promote-from-within culture with an emphasis on organic mentorship.

Who is the richest lawyer in the world?

While rankings fluctuate, Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett's business partner and a Harvard Law graduate, was often cited as the world's richest lawyer with billions from investments, while Richard Kinder, a business magnate with a J.D., also amassed billions through energy ventures, and Thai lawyer-turned-investor Wichai Thongtang consistently ranks high, showcasing that extreme wealth often comes from leveraging legal skills into major business or investment success.
 

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.

Which is the oldest law firm in the world?

THE FIRM With roots going back to 1570, Thomson Snell & Passmore have been honoured by the Guinness World Records as the oldest law firm in operation.

Which law firm pays the most in Australia?

The top-paying firm, Arnold Bloch Leibler, pays more than $118,000, while Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, Gilbert + Tobin, White & Case and A&O Shearman pay between $110,000 and $120,000, according to the July edition of The Australian Financial Review Partnership Survey.

What is the oldest law firm in Australia?

Having begun in 1822 as a one-person legal practice in a modest cottage in Elizabeth Street in Sydney, today Allens is Australia's oldest, continuous law firm.

Who is the most expensive lawyer in Australia?

Mark Robertson, KC, has emerged as Australia's most expensive lawyer, commanding a staggering $6250 per hour and $50,000 for an eight-hour day. His unparalleled expertise in revenue law has positioned him well above his peers, with leading barristers such as Bret Walker, SC, charging about $25,000 a day.

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. 

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.
 

Which law firm has the nicest office?

Revealed: The law firms with the fanciest offices 2023

  • Allen & Overy. One Bishops Square, London.
  • Ashurst. London Fruit & Wool Exchange via Instagram (@ashurst_official)
  • Bird & Bird. ...
  • Burges Salmon. ...
  • Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton. ...
  • Clifford Chance. ...
  • DLA Piper. ...
  • Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.

Who is the lawyer for Elon Musk?

Elon Musk's primary lawyer is Alex Spiro, a high-profile partner at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, known for handling complex litigation for celebrities and powerful figures, though other lawyers like Chris Gober also represent him in specific areas, such as political matters, with a new firm focusing on conservative legal power. Spiro famously represented Musk in the Twitter acquisition lawsuit and is noted for his confidence and strategic approach, even in high-stakes situations.
 

What is the #1 law firm in the US?

There isn't one single "number 1" law firm, as rankings vary by criteria (revenue, number of lawyers, prestige); however, Kirkland & Ellis consistently ranks #1 for revenue, while Baker McKenzie often leads in lawyer headcount, and firms like Latham & Watkins, DLA Piper, and Covington & Burling also appear at the top of different lists for size, revenue, and reputation.
 

What did Travis Kelce give Taylor for her birthday?

For Taylor Swift's 35th birthday in December 2024, Travis Kelce reportedly spent around $175,000 on luxury gifts, including a Rolex, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, along with dozens of boxes of roses, to make her milestone birthday "special," though he's given other lavish presents for different occasions, like Christmas 2025. 

What law firm does Berkshire Hathaway use?

Munger, Tolles, & Olson LLP (MTO) is an American law firm founded in 1962 with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. The firm is known for handling litigation and corporate matters across multiple industries, including entertainment, technology, energy, healthcare, and financial services.

How do lawyers get paid at a firm?

It can vary based on the reputation of an attorney as well. Regardless, the compensation of client-specific attorneys is determined, directly or indirectly, in one of four ways: flat fee, hourly, on a contingency fee basis, or on retainer. Flat fee payment arrangements: This is a task-based method of payment.