Best Law Firms by Practice Area

These firms were voted strongest in each practice area by associates working in that area at peer firms. Vault's 2021 Rankings are derived from Vault's Annual Associate Survey conducted between late January 2020 through early April 2020.

Survey Methodology

Each year, Vault ranks law firms in a variety of practice areas based on the perceptions of associates practicing in those areas. Associates were asked to vote for up to three firms they consider strongest in their practice areas and were not permitted to vote for their own firms. For example, associates who identified themselves as corporate attorneys were allowed only to vote in corporate-related categories (securities, financial services, etc.). Our rankings list the top firms in each area, as well as the total percentage of votes cast in favor of each ranked firm.

Vault ranked the following practice areas this year: Antitrust; Appellate Litigation; Banking & Financial Services; Bankruptcy/Restructuring; Clean Tech/Renewable Energy; Emerging Companies/VC; Energy, Oil, & Gas; Environmental Law; General Commercial Litigation; General Corporate Practice; Health Care; Intellectual Property; Intellectual Property Boutiques; International; Labor & Employment; Litigation Boutiques; M&A; Media, Entertainment, & Sports; Privacy & Data Security; Private Equity; Products Liability; Project Finance; Real Estate; Securities; Securities Litigation; Tax; and White Collar Defense & Internal Investigations.

Vault's 2021 Rankings are derived from Vault's Annual Associate Survey conducted between late January 2020 through early April 2020.

2021 Best Law Firms for Bankruptcy/Restructuring

% of Votes 69.06

2020 Rank 1

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

A powerhouse in restructuring, M&A, private equity, and litigation, Weil, Gotshal & Manges has long been one of the world’s leading law firms. The firm has pioneered major areas of law, such as corporate governance, private equity, and...

Overview Associate Reviews Why Work Here Q&As Summer Program

% of Votes 61.44

2020 Rank 2

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Kirkland & Ellis, one the world’s most elite law firms, is recognized for its corporate, intellectual property, litigation, M&A, private equity, and restructuring work. With more than 2,700 lawyers, the firm is regularly recognized as...

Overview Associate Reviews Why Work Here Q&As Summer Program

% of Votes 21.08

2020 Rank 3

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

Founded in Texas in 1945, Akin Gump has grown to become one of the world’s largest law firms, with hundreds of lawyers across 21 offices around the globe. The firm has long been a force in national politics via its lobbying and policy work. ...

Overview Associate Reviews Why Work Here Q&As Summer Program

% of Votes 18.39

2020 Rank 8

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP boasts one of the nation’s best and most comprehensive corporate departments, with impressive teams in capital markets, M&A, finance, restructuring, and tax. Its lauded litigation practice includes top-notch...

Overview Associate Reviews Why Work Here Q&As Summer Program

% of Votes 18.16

2020 Rank 5

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

For decades, Paul, Weiss has valiantly defended the coffers and reputations of some of the world’s largest financial institutions and companies. Though perhaps best recognized for its courtroom dazzle, the firm’s prolific corporate and...

Overview Associate Reviews Why Work Here Summer Program

% of Votes 12.78

2020 Rank 4

Milbank LLP

Milbank LLP is one of the nation’s leading firms for corporate finance and restructuring, litigation, and project finance and is known for its international work and focus on the energy sector. Embracing Change Milbank planted its roots in...

Overview Associate Reviews Why Work Here Q&As Summer Program

% of Votes 12.33

2020 Rank 9

Latham & Watkins LLP

Latham is one of the world’s largest law firms, a bona fide member of the clique that includes the Magic Circle and the elite U.S. heritage firms. With more than 2,800 attorneys in 29 offices around the world, Latham practices in all the major...

Overview Associate Reviews Why Work Here Q&As Summer Program

% of Votes 8.30

2020 Rank 6

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates

Skadden is one of the most profitable and well-known law firms in the world. It was the first law firm to report $1 billion in annual revenue—now an industry brass ring. While the firm may be best known for its M&A prowess, it is an all-star...

Overview Associate Reviews Why Work Here Q&As Summer Program

% of Votes 6.95

2020 Rank 6

Jones Day

A heavy hitter with a hand in most major areas of law and an internationally recognized prowess in litigation, Jones Day boasts 43 offices in 18 countries, spread over five continents. The firm’s booming practices include antitrust, appellate...

Overview Associate Reviews Why Work Here Q&As Summer Program

#10

% of Votes 6.73

2020 Rank 10

Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones

Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP (PSZJ) is the one of the nation’s leading corporate restructuring boutiques. Founded in 1983 by a group of Sidley Austin attorneys, the firm has grown to become the largest bankruptcy boutique in the...

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