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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.

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Each year Vault invites eligible law firms to participate in our annual Law Survey. Please contact us if you’re interested in having your firm considered for inclusion.

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2021 Best Law Firms for Energy, Oil, & Gas Law

#1
% of Votes 54.04
2020 Rank 1

Vinson & Elkins LLP

Founded in Houston in 1917, this Lone Star State institution rode the wildcatter era to build its name on (what else?) oil and gas matters. Vinson & Elkins hasn’t looked back since, establishing itself at the forefront of the global energy...

Overview Associate Reviews Why Work Here Summer Program
#2
% of Votes 36.87
2020 Rank 2

Baker Botts L.L.P.

With deep roots in the Lone Star State, Baker Botts has grown to become an international firm with 14 offices across the globe and more than 700 lawyers among its ranks. The firm fields sturdy teams in energy, environmental law, IP, litigation,...

Overview Associate Reviews Why Work Here Summer Program
#3
% of Votes 27.27
2020 Rank 3

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
#4
% of Votes 21.97
2020 Rank 4

Kirkland & Ellis

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
#5
% of Votes 13.89
2020 Rank 5

Norton Rose Fulbright LLP

With around 1,000 lawyers based in the U.S. and another 3,000 around the globe, Norton Rose Fulbright is a legal force. The firm has dozens of offices across six continents, the firm is particularly well known for its energy practice. Teaming...

Overview Associate Reviews Why Work Here Q&As Summer Program
#6
% of Votes 9.85
2020 Rank 6

Bracewell LLP

With more than 350 lawyers across 10 offices—including two international posts—Bracewell LLP is a global firm with a range of practices. But the firm’s roots in the Lone Star state are still strong as is demonstrated by its four Texas locations...

Overview Associate Reviews Why Work Here Q&As Summer Program
#6
% of Votes 9.85
2020 Rank 9

Sidley Austin LLP

Sidley is a global powerhouse, with approximately 2,000 lawyers across 20 offices. The firm boasts a long list of marquee clients in a range of industries, including banking, energy, health care, insurance, life sciences, and technology. The...

Overview Associate Reviews Why Work Here Q&As Summer Program
#8
% of Votes 7.83
2020 Rank 18

White & Case LLP

Founded at the dawn of the 20th century, White & Case has grown from its New York beginnings to become a truly global law firm. The firm has 44 offices across 30 countries—including eight in the U.S.—and is well known for its experience...

Overview Associate Reviews Why Work Here Q&As Summer Program
#9
% of Votes 7.07
2020 Rank 11

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 more than 900 lawyers across 20 offices around the globe, operating at the intersection of public policy, business, and the law. From Two to...

Overview Associate Reviews Why Work Here Summer Program
#9
% of Votes 7.07
2020 Rank 12

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

The result of 2018’s largest merger, Hunton Andrews Kurth, pairs two firms—each with over a century of history—that had been growing by leaps and bounds in the past few years. Mid-Atlantic-based Hunton & Williams brought with it leading...

Overview Associate Reviews Why Work Here Q&As
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