How does one determine which law firm is the best? The Best Law Firms rankings, which were launched in 2007, have been ranked according to their national reach and client satisfaction in 75 practice areas. The best firms in each area are designated in tiers based on their reputation among peers and clients. A Tier 1 firm consistently maintains a high ranking among clients and peers. If you’re wondering what makes a Tier 1 firm, consider these criteria.
Boies Schiller and Paul Weiss are among the highest-ranked firms in the USA, with Boies Schiller climbing five spots since last year. Paul Weiss’ Roberta Kaplan, who argued against the Defense of Marriage Act in the Supreme Court, has a stellar reputation. Her work has also been noted in landmark Supreme Court cases, such as Citizens United and the challenge to California’s gay marriage ban.
Baker Botts LLP is one of the oldest BigLaw firms in Texas. Founded in 1886, it has a collegial environment that fosters organic mentorship. The firm is best known for its Energy and Natural Resources practice, and holds the top spot in Vault’s Energy, Oil & Gas ranking. They’ve handled more than 3,700 energy matters globally over the past decade.
Dechert is another outstanding litigation firm. It has outstanding lawyers, including many in the life sciences field. The firm’s exemplary culture is supported by an emphasis on organic mentoring and a culture that fosters autonomy. As the name implies, it has more than 1,000 lawyers across the U.S., Asia, and Europe. They’re also highly regarded for their work in intellectual property. As a firm, they have been cited by numerous publications and have presented oral arguments in the Supreme Court. Its diverse practice encompasses many industries, including life sciences and technology.
