Los Angeles has long been one of America’s leaders in the legal industry, home to prestigious firms and some of the most prominent attorneys in the world. These firms are known for handling everything from Hollywood entertainment deals to Fortune 500 corporate matters.
Whether you’re a business owner seeking legal counsel or an aspiring lawyer looking to build your career, choosing the right firm can make all the difference. This guide highlights the best law firms in Los Angeles, highlighting their track records of success and thriving practices to help you make an informed choice.
What Defines a Top Law Firm in Los Angeles?
When choosing the best law firm, consider this indicators can be valuable in your decisions:
- Recognized legal rankings. Consistently featured in respected publications such as Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, and Best Lawyers. These rankings evaluate firms based on peer reviews, client feedback, and case outcomes
- Range of Practice Areas. Offers expertise across multiple fields of law, enabling them to serve diverse clients and handle complex matters that require cross-disciplinary knowledge.
- Proven case results. Builds reputation through successful outcomes in high-stakes cases, including multimillion- or even multibillion-dollar verdicts and settlements.‍
- Client satisfaction. Focuses on clear communication, strong relationships, and long-term trust. High client retention and positive testimonials reflect their commitment to service.
The 25 Best Law Firms in Los Angeles
1. Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Kirkland & Ellis is a global law firm that ranked as the world’s highest-grossing law firm in 2024. Its Los Angeles office has provided full-service legal advice for more than 30 years, serving clients across nearly every industry. The firm is particularly known for its private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and complex litigation practices. It also has a strong reputation for handling high-value transactions in corporate, intellectual property, and restructuring matters.
2. Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Gibson Dunn is a prestigious law firm with deep roots in Los Angeles, where its original office was founded in 1890. The firm represents some of the world’s leading companies in high-stakes litigation, including appellate, antitrust, corporate, and international law disputes. Known for its litigation expertise, Gibson Dunn has argued cases before the United States Supreme Court.
3. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates
Skadden is one of the world’s largest law firms, and its Los Angeles office is a hub for high-profile legal work. The firm is widely recognized for handling complex litigation and mergers and acquisitions. It also excels in advising clients on corporate finance, intellectual property, and antitrust matters.
4. Latham & Watkins
Latham & Watkins is one of the largest and most prominent law firms in the world. Its Los Angeles office is a powerhouse in corporate law, particularly in capital markets and mergers and acquisitions. The firm is home to top-ranked lawyers serving a diverse range of clients, including those in entertainment, sports, tech startups, and media.
5. Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Seyfarth Shaw is widely recognized for its expertise in labor and employment law, earning recognition from the Los Angeles Times as a leader in the field. The firm represents more than 300 Fortune 500 companies, helping them navigate complex legal challenges. In addition to labor law, it also provides services in corporate law, commercial litigation, and real estate.
6. O'Melveny & Myers LLP
Founded in Los Angeles in 1885, O’Melveny & Myers has grown into a prestigious international law firm. It is highly regarded for representing Fortune 500 companies, emerging businesses, and high-profile individuals, particularly in the entertainment and media sectors. The firm also specializes in corporate transactions and complex business litigation across a wide range of industries.
7. Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith
Headquartered in Los Angeles, Lewis Brisbois is a national law firm known for its expertise in insurance defense litigation. The firm has a reputation for providing cost-effective solutions to complex cases and managing high-volume defense work across multiple jurisdictions. Its growing practice also includes corporate and transactional services.
8. Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP
Founded in Los Angeles in 1986, Quinn Emanuel is a global law firm specializing exclusively in business litigation. The firm has earned an exceptional reputation for handling the most complex, high-stakes disputes. It has represented clients in cases involving billions of dollars in exposure, achieving remarkable results across a wide range of industries.
9. Sheppard Mullin
Founded in Los Angeles in 1927, Sheppard Mullin is a global law firm with particular strength in corporate and intellectual property law. The firm is known for delivering cost-effective legal solutions to complex business challenges and serves clients in industries such as technology, healthcare, and real estate.
10. Morrison & Foerster LLP
Morrison & Foerster is an international law firm recognized for its forward-thinking approach. The firm has built a strong reputation in handling complex business transactions and intellectual property matters for major corporations and financial institutions. It is also highly respected for its work in corporate transactions, securities law, and regulatory compliance.
Benefits of Choosing a Top Law Firm in Los Angeles
Working with a leading law firm in a major legal market like Los Angeles offers several advantages:
- Access to top talent. These firms attract and retain some of the best legal minds, giving you access to attorneys who are leaders in their fields.
- Extensive resources. They have the specialized tools, teams, and international networks needed to handle even the most complex cases.
- Local expertise. With a deep understanding of California’s business environment, state regulations, and federal laws, they can navigate legal challenges effectively.
- Multidisciplinary teams. Large firms provide specialists across multiple practice areas under one roof, allowing them to handle matters of any size and complexity.
- Strong industry connections. Their relationships with corporations, regulators, and industry leaders can be invaluable in transactions or disputes.
- Proven track record. These firms have a history of successful results, often achieving favorable outcomes in high-stakes matters.
What to Look for When Choosing a Law Firm
When selecting a law firm, consider these factors to ensure the right fit:
- Expertise. Choose a firm that specializes in your specific legal matter.
- Track record. Look for proven success in handling similar cases.
- Reputation. Consider the firm’s standing and years of experience.
- Ratings & reviews. Check client feedback, referrals, and testimonials.
- Resources. Ensure the firm has the capacity to handle complex cases.
- Fees. Look for transparency in billing and payment structures.
- Availability. Pick a firm that is responsive and respects your timeline.‍
- Communication. Work with lawyers who explain clearly and make you feel comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do top law firms in Los Angeles provide free consultations?
Some firms offer brief consultations at no cost to assess potential cases and discuss fee structures. However, extensive case evaluations usually require formal engagement.
Can large firms handle small cases?
Yes, large firms can handle small cases, but their higher fees often make boutique or smaller firms a more cost-effective choice.
Conclusion: Choosing with Confidence
Choosing a leading law firm in Los Angeles gives you access to exceptional legal talent capable of handling even the most complex challenges. The key to achieving successful outcomes is matching your specific needs with a firm that has the right expertise and approach.
At Legal Soft, we understand the importance of connecting clients with the right legal representation. We provide full-support services to law firms across all practice areas, backed by skilled professionals who understand the demands of modern legal practice.
