Home to famous firms and some of the well-known attorneys in the world, Los Angeles has been one of America’s leading regions in the legal industry. The region has the largest firms employing over 9,000 lawyers covering all sorts of legal matters ranging from Hollywood entertainment deals to Fortune 500 corporations.
Whether you’re a business owner looking for a law firm for legal advice or a law student looking for a place to build your career, choosing the right firm can make a huge difference. This guide shows some of the best law firms in Los Angeles based on their proven record of success and thriving practices to help you make an informed choice.
Key Takeaways
- Gibson Dunn & Crutcher is the largest law firm in Los Angeles in 2026, with 309 attorneys.
- The largest firms in Los Angeles County employ over 9,000 attorneys across many practice areas, with particular strength in litigation, corporate, and media and entertainment law.
- Factors like proven case results, range of practice areas, legal rankings, client satisfaction, and number of lawyers determine what makes a top law firm.
Top 30 Largest Law Firms in Los Angeles
Ranked by the number of attorneys employed in Los Angeles County.
1. Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Gibson Dunn is a prestigious law firm with deep roots in Los Angeles, where its first office was established in 1890. It represents some of the world's leading companies in high-stakes litigation, including disputes in appellate, antitrust, corporate and international law. Gibson Dunn is known for its litigation expertise and has argued cases before the United States Supreme Court.
2. Sheppard Mullin
Founded in Los Angeles in 1927, Sheppard Mullin is a global law firm that specializes in corporate and intellectual property law. The firm is recognized for delivering cost-effective legal solutions to various business challenges in industries such as technology, healthcare, and real estate.
3. Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith
Lewis Brisbois is a national law firm headquartered in Los Angeles 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.
4. O'Melveny & Myers LLP
Established in Los Angeles in 1885, O'Melveny & Myers has become 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 industries. Among other practice areas, O'Melveny & Myers also specializes in corporate transactions and complex business litigation.
5. Latham & Watkins
Latham & Watkins is one of the largest and leading 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.
6. Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Kirkland & Ellis is a global law firm that ranked as the world's highest-grossing law firm, with more than $10.5 billion in revenue in 2025. Its Los Angeles office has provided full-service legal advice for more than 30 years, serving clients across nearly every industry. Kirkland & Ellis is particularly known for its private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and complex litigation practices.
7. Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
Munger, Tolles & Olson was founded in Los Angeles in 1962 and is still headquartered in the city. The firm is known for high-stakes litigation and corporate work, and it is one of the most selective firms in the country. It maintains a long-standing relationship with Berkshire Hathaway and serves clients across entertainment, technology, energy, and finance.
8. Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP
Quinn Emanuel is a global law firm that specializes exclusively in business litigation, founded in Los Angeles in 1986. The firm is known for handling the most sophisticated disputes and having an excellent reputation in this area. It has successfully represented clients in high profile litigation involving billions of dollars of exposure.
9. 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.
10. Buchalter APC
Buchalter is a full-service business law firm and one of the most established firms in the Western United States. Founded in Los Angeles in 1933, it remains headquartered in the city. Buchalter provides legal advice to Fortune 500 companies, mid-market companies, and startups in areas such as finance, real estate, and corporate law.
What Defines a Top Law Firm in Los Angeles?
When choosing the best law firm, consider these indicators when making your decision regarding which is the best law firm in Los Angeles:
- Number of attorneys. Firms with more lawyers can staff complex matters fully and can bring in specialists when a case crosses into another field.
- 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 with clients.
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.
What is the top employment law firm in LA?
Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith and Seyfarth Shaw are two of the top employment law firms in Los Angeles. Both are recognized for their labor and employment practices, representing major employers in workplace and compliance matters.
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.
