Best Midsize Law Firms to Work For

Associates at midsize law firms assessed their own firms on a range of workplace issues related to career development, job satisfaction, and quality of life. Vault's 2023 Rankings are derived from Vault's Annual Associate Survey conducted from January 2022 through March 2022.

Survey Methodology

Which midsize law firms are the best to work for? For some, this is a far more important consideration than prestige. 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. Each firm's overall score was calculated using the following formula:

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.

Vault's 2023 Rankings are derived from Vault's Annual Associate Survey conducted from January 2022 through March 2022.

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Each year Vault invites eligible law firms to participate in our annual Law Survey. Please contact us if you’re interested in having your firm considered for inclusion.

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2023 Best Midsize Law Firms for Compensation

SCORE 9.583

2022 Rank 3

Irell & Manella LLP

A Southern California powerhouse for 80 years, Irell & Manella matches or exceeds its multinational peers in salary, prestige, and high-stakes cases, serving clients worldwide from just three locations in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, and...

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SCORE 9.538

2022 Rank 2

MoloLamken LLP

In just over a decade of existence and with just 40 attorneys, MoloLamken has quickly made a name for itself among the heavy hitters of boutique litigation shops. With offices in three of the country’s major metropolises—New York, Chicago, and...

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SCORE 9.500

2022 Rank 5

Buckley LLP

Buckley is known for its prowess in the financial services sector and has also gained prominence for its litigation and enforcement practices. The firm represents an impressive roster of “front page companies”— the likes of Wells Fargo, Bank of...

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SCORE 9.429

2022 Not Ranked

Harrity & Harrity LLP

THE SCOOP 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...

Overview

SCORE 9.296

2022 Rank 1

Susman Godfrey

Since its founding in 1980, Susman Godfrey has established itself as the nation’s premiere litigation firm. Susman Godfrey has more than 140 partners and associates across four offices—its original Houston location as well as offices in Los...

Overview Associate Reviews Q&As Summer Program

SCORE 9.273

2022 Rank 16

Groom Law Group, Chartered

Based in Washington, DC, Groom is home to more than 85 attorneys. Founded in the wake of the passage of ERISA, the firm focuses on employee benefits, health, and retirement matters. Forward from Ford When President Ford signed ERISA in...

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SCORE 9.194

2022 Rank 11

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...

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SCORE 9.172

2022 Not Ranked

Desmarais LLP

In 2010, John Desmarais left a successful patent litigation practice with Kirkland & Ellis to hang his own shingle with some of his former Kirkland colleagues. The result was Desmarais LLP, now a successful and expanding mid-sized law firm...

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SCORE 9.038

2022 Rank 12

Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Mensing

Ahmad, Zavitsanos and Mensing P.C. is a litigation boutique whose attorneys are known for their trial prowess. With a team of over 50 lawyers, the firm has participated in more than 225 trials. The firm is a Texas staple, ranking among the Top 5...

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#10

SCORE 8.921

2022 Rank 6

Hueston Hennigan LLP

With more than 75 lawyers in Southern California, Hueston Hennigan is a litigation boutique that has made a name for itself as one of the go-to trial firms in the country. The firm prides itself in handling high-stakes litigation with an eye...

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