In the legal world, the term “large law firm” or “BigLaw” refers to those firms that stand out by size, resources and reputation. Generally, if a firm employs more than one hundred lawyers, it enters this category.
Beyond headcount, many of the largest firms generate annual revenues in the billions, placing them among the AmLaw 100 and global powerhouses.
Criteria for Classification
When defining a large law firm, three main metrics guide the classification. The first is attorney headcount, where the threshold often starts at one hundred lawyers but can rise into the thousands.
The second is annual revenue, with leading firms earning multiple billions of dollars. The third is geographic presence: multiple offices across key cities or continents signal a firm’s global reach and capacity to serve multinational clients.
Structure and Career Paths
Large law firms typically follow a hierarchical partnership model. Equity partners own shares of the firm and share its profits. Non‑equity partners receive a salary plus bonuses. Associates begin their careers conducting research, drafting documents and supporting partners.
The path from associate to partner can span a decade or more, following a well‑defined progression that includes performance reviews and billable‑hour requirements.
For those exploring legal careers, see our Career Opportunities page for guidance on entering BigLaw.
Services and Practice Areas
By virtue of size, large law firms offer a wide array of legal services. Corporate law, litigation, intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, tax, real estate and labor and employment are among the common practice areas. That one‑stop‑shop approach attracts clients with complex, multi‑jurisdictional needs.
Benefits of Large Law Firms
Working at or hiring a large law firm brings several advantages. Such firms offer deep benches of specialists, cutting‑edge technology and extensive resources for research and case management.
They handle headline‑grabbing matters for Fortune 500 companies, providing prestige and networking opportunities that can shape a lawyer’s career or bolster a client’s confidence in high‑stakes cases.
Challenges and Drawbacks
Despite their allure, large law firms carry demands that can test even seasoned professionals. Billable‑hour quotas often exceed two thousand hours per year. Long nights, weekend work and constant availability are common.
The culture may feel highly competitive, and partnership remains a long‑term goal with no guarantee. Understanding these challenges is critical before committing to BigLaw.
Examples of Top Large Law Firms in 2025
In 2025, some of the most prominent large law firms include Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, Baker McKenzie, White & Case and DLA Piper.
These firms each employ between two thousand and six thousand lawyers and report annual revenues well above two billion dollars. They illustrate the scale, global presence and practice diversity that define BigLaw.
How to Choose the Right Large Law Firm
Selecting the right large law firm depends on your goals. Prospective associates should consider the firm’s culture, mentorship programs and practice areas.
Clients should weigh the firm’s industry expertise, track record in similar matters and geographic reach. Visiting firm websites, reading annual reports and conducting informational interviews can offer valuable insights.
FAQs:
Q: What qualifies a law firm as large?
A large law firm generally employs more than one hundred lawyers and generates revenues in the billions of dollars. Global office networks and AmLaw 100 rankings also signal BigLaw status.
Q: How does a large firm differ from midsize or small firms?
Large firms have bigger teams, higher revenues and broader service offerings. Midsize firms may specialize more narrowly, and small firms often focus on local or niche practices.
Q: What is the minimum number of attorneys for BigLaw?
While definitions vary, most sources agree that surpassing one hundred attorneys places a firm in the large category.
Q: How much revenue do large law firms generate?
Top BigLaw firms frequently report annual revenues between two and seven billion dollars, based on their AmLaw 100 standings.
Q: Are large law firms always the best choice for clients?
They excel at complex, multi‑jurisdictional matters but often charge premium fees. Clients with simpler needs may find better value at midsize or boutique firms.
Q: What career opportunities exist at a large law firm?
Roles span from summer associate and first‑year associate to senior associate, counsel, non‑equity partner and equity partner. Specialized staff roles include paralegals, legal operations and business development.