Law.com - The American Lawyer

Kirkland-Shaped Black Holes and the Future of the Biggest Law Firms

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:25:59 EST

]]>The legal market is enjoying record revenues and rising rates, but the urge to consolidate has never been stronger. The question comes down to whether the mergers are the result of choice or inevitability, writes the Global Lawyer.

Arnold & Porter Adds Former Federal Prosecutor Eric Snyder as White%E2%80%91Collar Partner

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:05:42 EST

]]>Arnold & Porter has hired veteran trial lawyer Eric Snyder as a partner in its White%E2%80%91Collar Defense & Investigations practice. He served 16 years as a federal prosecutor, serving in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District and a trial attorney in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.

After Head Count Spurt, Spencer Fane Grew Revenue 25.5%

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:57:00 EST

]]>“We really pitched a complete game, said firm leader Pat Whalen, adding: “It was pretty evenly divided between adding timekeepers, modest rate increases and then the organic growth.

Law Firm Disrupted: The Vanishing-and-Reappearing Act of ‘Not Big Law'

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:15:31 EST

]]>Even during Am Law 100 launch week, it's been an eventful time for those that are decidedly not large.

Legal Tech-Owned ‘Hybrid Law Firms' Are Growing. Why Now?

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:56:11 EST

]]>Years after one of the first hybrid law firms failed, some see a better opportunity for this law firm model in the gen AI era.

Lawsuits Accuse Trio of Am Law 200 Firms of Running Afoul of Conflict Rules

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:22:12 EST

]]>“Clients are much more offended by conflicts of interest than law firms and judges give them credit for, Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz partner Ronald Minkoff said.

Focused on Hiring in Strong Practices, Thompson Coburn Grew Revenue, Profits by 7%

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:28:45 EST

]]>The St. Louis-founded firm grew lawyer head count by nearly 20% in 2025 and exceeded its net income budget by about 10%.

Mintz Sees Steady Revenue Growth, While Net Income Rises 15%

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 05:59:59 EST

]]>“The most significant PE firms are finding that for a fair number of their deals, they can comfortably use us without any drop-off in service or quality, said Mintz leader Bob Bodian. “And they don't throw their hands up when they get the bill. That's helpful.

Barclays Hires Wilmer Financial Services Head as Global General Counsel

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:34:33 EST

]]>Stephanie Avakian spent four years as director or co-director of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, giving her a deep understanding of regulators' perspective.

Meta Paid Wilmer Fees Approaching $64M in 2025, SEC Filing Reveals

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:26:01 EST

]]>The social media giant spells out its dealings with Wilmer annually to comply with Securities and Exchange Commission disclosure rules in instances of potential conflicts of interest. Those rules kick in for Meta because its lead independent director is a Wilmer attorney.

Inside the Secret Law Firm Board Meeting: ‘I Don't Know, What Do You Think?'

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:07:14 EST

]]>The Letter From London: The legal industry has long preferred to operate in the shadows. But transparency, it turns out, might be its best defence.

'Significant Increase in Productivity' Drove Loeb & Loeb's Net Income Up 44% Last Year

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:14:53 EST

]]>The firm's revenue grew nearly 18% to cross the $500 million mark.

Inside Private Equity's Law Firm Fishing Expedition

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 05:23:27 EST

]]>Law.com goes behind the scenes of private equity's courtship of law firms, speaking to the leading financial advisers about why the money is moving now and what types of deals will happen.

Manatt Sees Profits Rise Nearly 16% Following Growth in Several Key Practices

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:33:44 EST

]]>Manatt's gross revenue in 2025 was up 11.8% to $509.7 million.

Inside an 'AI-Native Law Firm' Started by Cooley, Fenwick and Thomson Reuters Veterans

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:45:30 EST

]]>General Legal co-founder and chief technology officer Javed Qadrud-Din discusses building an AI-native law firm and the challenges traditional firms face in adopting AI.

Fore! PGA Chief Legal Officer Heads to McDermott Amid Big Law Sports Moves

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:37:28 EST

]]>Henry Smokler's move is another sign of growing demand in Big Law sports and media practices and the talent moves taking shape to build out these groups.

Sheppard Cracks $3M in PEP, Sees 13.7% Revenue Growth in a Year of Sustained Demand

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:49:12 EST

]]>The firm's gross revenue was up 13.7% to roughly $1.4 billion in fiscal 2025.

Wachtell's Head of Restructuring Decamps for Kirkland

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:52:41 EST

]]>Josh Feltman, who was head of Wachtell's restructuring and finance department, had been at Wachtell for almost 24 years.

Hogan Lovells, Cadwalader Vote to Approve Merger

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:42:40 EST

]]>The combined firm will have two locations in New York, in downtown and midtown, while Cadwalader attorneys will move into Hogan Lovells' offices in Washington, D.C., and London at the start of July.

Weil Boosts London Private Equity Practice with Kirkland Hire

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:12:57 EST

]]>The move follows Weil's addition of a leading Ropes secondaries partner last year.

These Ex-Brown Rudnick Lawyers Used an MSO to Get Their New IP Boutique Off the Ground

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:44:37 EST

]]>The law firm Miletus Intellectual Property Management LLP, located in Washington, D.C., operates in concert with a related life sciences advisory business.

Trump, Obama Nominees to Hear Law Firm EO Appeals

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:06:06 EST

]]>Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan, Judge Cornelia Pillard and Judge Neomi Rao have been selected to be on the panel that will hear arguments on May 14 in the combined appeals cases, involving Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, Susman Godfrey, and Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr.

In the AI Era, Coherent Investment is the Cost of Entry

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:35:45 EST

]]>AI behaves differently from prior sources of advantage in many respects.

The New Tournament: Power Ranking the 2026 Am Law 100

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>Competition now has different rules and higher stakes.

Parking Lot or Productivity Expressway? Making Sense of the Booming Nonequity Tier

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>The gap between nonequity and equity partner population grew markedly since 2024. But the 10-year trend is even more revealing.

The 2026 Am Law 100: Ranked by Gross Revenue

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>Seven of the top 10 firms in our gross revenue ranking remained the same, though there was some shuffling.

Who Pulled Away, Who Dropped Off: The Am Law 100 Through the Years

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>The Am Law 100 has changed a lot over the last 25 years. In this infographic and analysis, we dig into how—and why.

The 2026 Am Law 100: Ranked by Profits Per Lawyer

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>Wachtell tops the list with a PPL of $3,525,000.

Am Law 100 Lights the Way Through Dark Periods to Turn Out a High-Growth Year

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>Just as in the prior year, collective Am Law 100 revenue overall grew by about 13%, while net income rose faster by 16.3%, even in a year of tumult and uncertainty.

The 2026 Am Law 100: Ranked by Average Compensation - All Partners

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>Eighty-nine posted increases in CAP, compared with ninety-five the previous year.

The 2026 Am Law 100: A Guide to Our Methodology

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>A closer look at how we report law firm financials.

More Work, Better Work: Law Firm Bean Counters Shouldn't Fear 'Revenue-Enhancing' AI

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>"If legal services are less expensive because of efficiency, it's not unreasonable (to conclude) the clients will want more," one Am Law 100 firm leader said.

The 2026 Am Law 100: Ranked by Revenue Per Lawyer

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>Ninety-two firms posted a gain in revenue per lawyer—long regarded as the most reliable measure of a firm's financial health.

The 2026 Am Law 100: By the Numbers

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>Each year we dig through the numbers to compare the country's largest firms across more than a dozen financial metrics. Here we present some of the most important, interesting and surprising facts.

From Fear to 'Footnote'? Executive Order Activity Under the Financial Microscope

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>Nearly all of the 13 law firms hit with an executive order, or who struck deals to resolve or head off an order, experienced revenue growth in 2025—in several cases, very significant growth.

The 2026 Am Law 100: Ranked by Profits Per Equity Partner

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>For the Am Law 100 as a whole, PEP was up by 14.0 percent in 2025.

The Super Rich Keep Cranking It Up—So We Did, Too

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>The Super Rich list—for which we have raised the RPL and PPL thresholds this year—includes 37 loud-and-proud Am Law 100 firms.

Davis Polk Adds Skadden LA Leader, Opening New Southern California Office

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:32:05 EST

]]>Jason Russell handles complex litigation and had been at Skadden for over 30 years.

Texas Trial Firm Susman Godfrey Posts Double-Digit Growth in Key Financials

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:34:05 EST

]]>Revenue grew by 23.2% at Susman Godfrey in 2025 and profits per equity partner by 19.2% at the Houston-founded trial firm that handles about two-third of its work on a contingency fee.

More Cadwalader Finance Lawyers Head to Orrick

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:43:44 EST

]]>The departures come as Cadwalader and Hogan Lovells are expected to finish their partner vote soon on the merger, aiming for a July 2026 merger.

Fish & Richardson Grew Revenue by 7% Thanks to 'Critical and Complex' IP Disputes

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:32:40 EST

]]>Large, cross-jurisdiction disputes propelled the intellectual property-focused firm's growth in 2025, firm President and CEO John Adkisson said.

White & Case Fights IT Worker's Anonymity in Suit Over Naked Photos

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:14:41 EST

]]>The law firm said the worker filed his complaint to maximize public exposure for his allegations, which the firm argues runs counter to the point of anonymity for such lawsuits.

Relying on Rate Hikes, Fox Rothschild Saw Modest Growth in 2025

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:14:04 EST

]]>As demand held steady, Fox Rothschild saw 8.1% growth in its top line. However, the firm's partner composition shifted drastically as aging partners sold their equity and transitioned to the nonequity tier.

DLA Piper Did Not Discriminate Against Pregnant Associate, Jury Finds

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:08:20 EST

]]>The jury found that a senior associate failed to prove that the firm was liable for discrimination under the New York City Human Rights Law. The panel also said the firm was not liable for interfering with their Family Medical Leave Act Rights.

Deal Watch: Dealmakers See Rise of 'Resilient' SPACs

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:59:49 EST

]]>Joel Rubinstein, a partner in the capital markets practice at White & Case, said the market familiarity and the presence of more experienced teams should make SPACs a viable alternative to traditional IPOs this year.

Dechert Deepens Trial Bench by Hiring 3 Litigators From White & Case in D.C.

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:24:07 EST

]]>New arrival Tara Lee formerly served as the national trial practice lead at White & Case. Dechert has now brought on 35 lateral partners so far in 2026.

Anthropic GC Joins Chorus of Lawyers Predicting Demise of Billable Hour

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:21:15 EST

]]>“Now we've got a technology that's going to eliminate the sorts of things that allow people to become wealthy off of tedious work, said Jeff Bleich, general counsel of Anthropic.

DOJ Argues Certain Sections of Law Firm EOs Could Stand if Some Parts Get Invalidated

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 11:02:41 EST

]]>"There can be no dispute here that the president wants some of the provisions to take effect even if others are enjoined," the DOJ says.

Ashurst, Perkins Coie Partners Vote Through Merger

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:00:53 EST

]]>Partners at Ashurst and Perkins Coie have "overwhelmingly" voted in favour of the trans-Atlantic tie-up to create a $2.8 billion firm with around 3,000 lawyers.

Former Skadden, Munger Tolles and MoloLamken Partners Launch Boutique

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:59:59 EST

]]>The new firm, Liu Shur Kravis, will focus on representing businesses, organizations, executives and other individuals in high-stakes disputes, investigations and trials.

Weil Taps Kirkland, DLA Piper for Funds, Tax Practices

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:59:59 EST

]]>Private funds are a “key group within the firm, and Weil sees an opportunity to scale that practice, said Jonathon Soler, co-managing partner at Weil.

With Potential Economic Shock, Law Firms Aren't 'Freaking Out.' But They Are Ready to Pivot

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:59:59 EST

]]>Mulling existential crises is sort of “the new reality of being a firm leader, one leader said.

Fast Growing Taft Launches in NYC With Steptoe Energy Projects Team

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:59:59 EST

]]>Taft chair Robert Hicks says the firm has long eyed the New York City legal market, and the decision to move into the Big Apple was guided by client requests and demand.

When Clients Learn to Love AI

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 16:59:59 EST

]]>The trust gap between clients and AI is closing as sophisticated businesses use the technology at a deeper level, and a faster rate, than lawyers, which could pose a unique challenge to Big Law, writes the Global Lawyer.

M&A Under Fire: The Hidden Cost of the Middle East War

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:59:59 EST

]]>M&A activity is holding up, but lawyers warn of rising war-related risk.

On Cusp of Merger, Winston & Strawn Grew Revenue by 8%, Profits 15%

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:41:46 EST

]]>Winston and Taylor Wessing have regulatory approvals, and they'll announce a final closing time within the range of May to June, said chairman Steve D'Amore.

Hunton Andrews Grows Revenue 10%, PEP 25% in Focus on Key Industry Sectors

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:36:34 EST

]]>The Virginia-founded firm performed over budget overall in 2025, and just wrapped up the fiscal year with its busiest March ever.

How Ex-Kirkland Lawyers Are Shaking Up Big Law Consulting, Comms and Recruiting

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:59:19 EST

]]>“We're turning the entire law firm consulting and communications and recruiting industries on their head, said Jon Henes. “Those are three things that law firms need to actually succeed in today's world, but nobody puts those together. We're the first.

Lowenstein Sandler's Insurance Recovery Group Decamps for Barnes & Thornburg

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:02:48 EST

]]>As Barnes & Thornburg picks up Lowenstein Sandler's insurance recovery practice, Lowenstein is pivoting to representing insurance carriers with a new insurance litigation and advisory group.

Ropes' Revenue Surges 9% Amid Growth in Asset Management, Real Estate

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 05:59:59 EST

]]>For the first time, Law.com is reporting a portion of Ropes' partnership as nonequity, based on Am Law 100's methodology.

Clifford Chance Claims Last-Minute M&A Crown as Mega Deals Fuel Busy Start to Year

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 05:56:52 EST

]]>Data from the London Stock Exchange Group reveals that total deal values jumped significantly on the same period last year, even as overall deal counts softened.