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Best Midsize Law Firms to Work For

Vault’s ranking of the leading midsize firms based on what associates say their work life is really like.
Survey Methodology

For many, quality of life is a critical factor when selecting a firm. To determine our Best Midsize Law Firms to Work For, we used a formula that weighed the most relevant categories for an overall quality of life ranking. Associates were asked to rate their firms on a 1-to-10 scale for each of several quality of life categories. Each firm's overall score was calculated using a formula that weighs associate ratings in 11 different areas:

Overall Satisfaction (25%); Firm Culture (10%); Hours (10%); Compensation (10%); Quality of Work (10%); Informal Training, Mentoring & Sponsorship (10%); Business Outlook (5%); Career Outlook (5%); Associate/Partner Relations (5%); Leadership Transparency (5%); and Formal Training (5%).

Vault's Quality of Life rankings are meant to reflect the subjective opinions of associates. These rankings are based on perceptions of insiders--some of whom may be biased in favor of (or against) their firms.

2021 Best Midsize Law Firms for Transparency

#1
SCORE 9.468
2020 Not Ranked

Susman Godfrey LLP

Since its founding four decades ago, Susman Godfrey has established itself as one of the nation’s premiere litigation firms. Susman Godfrey has more than 115 attorneys in four offices—its original Houston location and rapidly growing offices in...

Overview Associate Reviews Summer Program
#2
SCORE 9.158
2020 Not Ranked

Harrity & Harrity LLP

Founded just before the turn of the millennium, Harrity & Harrity LLP is laser-focused on electrical and mechanical patent work. The firm’s motto, “We Patented Quality” is just the first indicator of its deep expertise in the field. ...

Overview Employee Reviews
#3
SCORE 9.100
2020 Not Ranked

Shartsis Friese LLP

Shartsis Friese is a mid-size San Francisco firm specializing in complex litigation, investment funds, real estate, corporate, venture capital, taxation, securities enforcement defense, intellectual property, and family wealth planning. The firm...

Overview Associate Reviews
#4
SCORE 9.000
2020 Not Ranked

McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP

McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff is an intellectual property law firm with offices in Illinois, California, and North Carolina. The firm's client list includes Fortune 100 companies, mid-size companies, start-ups, and academic...

Overview Associate Reviews Employee Reviews
#5
SCORE 8.867
2020 Not Ranked

Lightfoot, Franklin & White LLC

With just over 60 attorneys, Lightfoot, Franklin & White is a litigation boutique with roots in Alabama but a strong reach across the U.S. Over the past 30 years, the firm’s lawyers have spent more than 4,400 days at trial. A...

Overview Associate Reviews
#6
SCORE 8.818
2020 Not Ranked

Fitch, Even, Tabin & Flannery LLP

At just over 50 attorneys, Fitch, Even, Tabin & Flannery is an intellectual property firm with a global reach. Originating from the Windy City, the firm now has five offices coast-to-coast. Chicago’s Oldest Fitch Even was founded as a...

Overview Employee Reviews
#7
SCORE 8.737
2020 Not Ranked

Bookoff McAndrews PLLC

Bookoff McAndrews is a DC-based patent law firm focused on non-litigation patent services—including patent counseling and prosecution—for technology companies. In just a handful of years since it first opened its doors, BoMc has grown to more...

Overview Associate Reviews Why Work Here
#8
SCORE 8.667
2020 Not Ranked

Tonkon Torp LLP

The reach of Oregon-based firm Tonkon Torp extends far beyond its home state. The firm has represented some of the largest and most influential companies in the world, including Portland General Electric, sneaker giant Nike, and real estate...

Overview Associate Reviews
#9
SCORE 8.500
2020 Not Ranked

Farella Braun + Martel LLP

With headquarters in Northern California, Farella Braun + Martel specializes in sophisticated transactions and complex commercial, civil, and criminal litigation. The firm and its attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers in America ,...

Overview Associate Reviews Why Work Here
#10
SCORE 8.375
2020 Not Ranked

Banner Witcoff

Chicago-based IP boutique firm Banner & Witcoff is unique not only for its status as a top firm in its field, but also for its role in shaping IP law by having represented defendants in groundbreaking Supreme Court cases. The firm, which has...

Overview Employee Reviews
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