Who are the Golden 5 law firms?
Asked by: Rosemarie Ziemann | Last update: February 2, 2026Score: 5/5 (7 votes)
There isn't a widely recognized group called the "Golden 5" law firms, but you're likely thinking of the Magic Circle, an elite group of five prestigious, London-headquartered law firms known for high-value corporate work: A&O Shearman (formerly Allen & Overy), Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May. These firms are famous for their profitability, global reach, and significant roles in major M&A and finance deals, often attracting top legal talent.
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 are the super six law firms?
London Stock Exchange Group rankings since 2020 show the same firms dominating year after year. Six names have appeared in the top 10 every year since 2020: Kirkland, Latham, Wachtell, Simpson Thacher, Freshfields and Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom.
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 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.
LAWYER EXPLAINS: How Corporate Lawyers Make Millions
Is a JD higher than a Masters?
Yes, a Juris Doctor (J.D.) is generally considered a higher professional degree than a Master's degree, functioning as a professional doctorate in the U.S. for practicing law, requiring more extensive study (typically three years post-bachelor's) than a Master's and serving as the standard for becoming a licensed attorney, unlike a Master of Laws (LL.M.), which is an advanced law degree for specialization after the J.D.
What percentage of lawyers make $500,000?
A small percentage of lawyers earn over $500k; while the median salary for lawyers is around $150k-$170k, the top 10% earn over $239k, but reaching $500k+ usually requires being a top partner in a "Big Law" firm, specializing in high-value areas like corporate or IP law, or having a very successful practice, notes the BLS and Legal Brand Marketing.
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 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 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.
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 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 in the magic circle?
The Magic Circle is the world's most famous magic society.
We have over 1,700 members worldwide including many top magicians, like David Copperfield, Dynamo, Jamie Raven, Fay Presto, Richard Jones, Debbie McGee and Magical Bones.
Which law firms are considered the best?
The best law firms in America by recommendation
- Sidley Austin LLP. Revenue: $3.1 billion. ...
- Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Revenue: $3 billion. ...
- Kirkland & Ellis. Revenue: $7.2 billion. ...
- Latham & Watkins. Revenue: $5.5 billion. ...
- Norton Rose Fulbright. Revenue: $2.3 billion. ...
- Baker McKenzie. Revenue: $3.3 billion. ...
- White & Case.
Is Dentons Silver Circle?
However, firms such as Macfarlanes, Berwin Leighton Paisner, Norton Rose, DLA Piper, Clyde & Co, Simmons & Simmons and Dentons are often referred to as 'Silver Circle' law firms.
What are the global elite law firms?
The Global Elite law firms compriseCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton; Davis Polk & Wardwell; Kirkland & Ellis; White & Case; Latham & Watkins; Simpson Thacher & Bartlett; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom; Sidley Austin; and Weil, Gotshal & Manges.
What is the most feared law firm in the US?
Quinn Emanuel has once again secured its position as the foremost "most feared" law firm in BTI Consulting Group's 2025 "Most Feared Law Firms in Litigation" guide. This latest accolade signifies the firm's third consecutive year at the top and its fifth overall.
Who is the wealthiest lawyer in the US?
There isn't one single definitive richest lawyer, as wealth fluctuates and definitions vary (practicing vs. retired, law-focused vs. business ventures), but prominent figures often cited include Charlie Munger (deceased, built wealth via investments with Berkshire Hathaway after law), John Morgan (billionaire founder of Morgan & Morgan personal injury firm), and Peter Angelos (deceased asbestos litigation pioneer).
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.
What percentage of lawyers make $500,000?
A small percentage of lawyers earn over $500k; while the median salary for lawyers is around $150k-$170k, the top 10% earn over $239k, but reaching $500k+ usually requires being a top partner in a "Big Law" firm, specializing in high-value areas like corporate or IP law, or having a very successful practice, notes the BLS and Legal Brand Marketing.
What is the #1 law school in America?
There isn't one single "number 1" law school, as rankings vary by publication, but Yale Law School, Harvard Law School, and Stanford Law School consistently vie for the top spots, often tying or trading the #1, #2, and #3 positions in major rankings like U.S. News & World Report, QS World Rankings, and Times Higher Education. Yale University, Harvard University, and Stanford University are always at the very top of these lists, with other elite schools like UChicago, Columbia, and NYU following closely behind.
Has Kim Kardashian taken the LSAT?
Kim takes the California Bar Exam's “baby bar” without completing a bachelor's degree or taking the LSAT. Kim continues to balance her legal pursuits with media and business ventures, using her platform for criminal justice reform advocacy.
How rich is the average lawyer?
In general, the five highest-paying states for lawyers are as follows: California ($201,530) Massachusetts ($196,230) New York ($188,900)
How old is the youngest lawyer?
The youngest lawyer is generally considered to be Sophia Park, who passed the California bar exam at 17 years and 8 months old in late 2024, breaking her brother Peter's previous record, though she'll be sworn in and licensed in March 2025 after turning 18, as most jurisdictions require lawyers to be 18. She accelerated her education, starting law school at 13 while in junior high and graduating early.
Which lawyer wins most cases?
There's no single lawyer universally recognized for the most cases won, as records are hard to track and definitions vary, but Gerry Spence is famous for never losing a criminal case and a long civil win streak (until 2010), while Guyanese lawyer Sir Lionel Luckhoo holds a Guinness World Record for 245 successive murder acquittals, making them top contenders for different aspects of "most wins".