The Implications of the Big Four Accounting Firms Running Law Practices

In a development that could reshape the U.S. legal landscape, KPMG has become the first Big Four accounting firm approved to operate a law practice in the United States. On June 3, 2025, Arizona regulators granted KPMG an Alternative Business Structure (ABS) license, allowing the firm to provide legal services alongside its tax, consulting, and advisory practices (Business Insider). This move signals a potential disruption in the traditional law firm model, and for law students, junior attorneys, and laterals alike, it raises important questions about the future of legal careers.

What Is an ABS?

Under traditional rules in most U.S. states, non-lawyers cannot own or invest in law firms. Arizona broke with this model in 2021 by creating the ABS framework, which permits outside ownership while maintaining regulatory oversight through the Arizona Supreme Court. The aim was to promote innovation, lower costs for clients, and expand access to justice.

By securing ABS status, KPMG can now offer integrated legal services—everything from employment law to regulatory compliance—under the same umbrella as its consulting and tax practices. This is not entirely new globally; the Big Four already operate law firms abroad, but the U.S. market has remained closed until now.

How This Could Reshape the Legal Market

The KPMG ABS may be the first domino to fall. If other Big Four firms follow suit, the legal industry could see a shift in firm structures, competition, and client expectations. Big Four firms bring global brand recognition, deep client relationships, and significant technological resources. That scale could pressure traditional law firms to adapt, particularly in areas like compliance, investigations, and cross-border advisory work.

For associates, this could mean new opportunities in multidisciplinary teams that blend law with accounting, technology, and business consulting. While large law firms remain entrenched in high-stakes litigation and complex transactions, ABS-affiliated firms may offer alternative career paths that emphasize efficiency, innovation, and client integration.

What This Means for Legal Careers

For law students and early-career attorneys, the rise of ABS firms like KPMG’s means more options—but also more decisions to weigh. Some key considerations:

• Skill Sets: ABS firms are likely to prize not only legal expertise but also comfort with data analytics, project management, and cross-functional collaboration. Attorneys who can bridge law with business or technology will have a competitive edge.
• Career Pathways: Unlike traditional firms that rely heavily on the partner-associate hierarchy, ABS structures may offer flatter hierarchies and broader career mobility. Attorneys could find opportunities to move between legal, consulting, and operational roles.
• Compensation and Culture: While it is too early to tell how ABS firms will structure salaries, Big Four culture emphasizes performance metrics beyond billable hours. This may appeal to attorneys seeking alternatives to traditional law firm pressures, though it may also mean less emphasis on prestige-driven tracks like partnership.
• Client Focus: ABS firms could provide exposure to global corporations and cross-border matters from day one. This might appeal to attorneys interested in a more business-oriented practice environment.

What Candidates Should Watch For

If you’re considering ABS-affiliated opportunities, here are a few signals to keep an eye on:

• Expansion Beyond Arizona: Other states may follow Arizona’s lead. Utah has a regulatory sandbox program, and if New York or California were to adopt similar models, the market could change rapidly.
• Recruiting Practices: Watch how KPMG and potential future entrants recruit law graduates. Will they participate in OCI? Will they value JDs from a broader range of schools, given their focus on multidisciplinary teams?
• Practice Area Focus: Early indications suggest KPMG will prioritize areas aligned with its existing strengths: tax, employment, compliance, and regulatory advisory. Candidates with interests in these fields may find the most immediate opportunities.

Strategic Takeaways for Law Students and Attorneys

For law students, the emergence of ABS firms underscores the importance of cultivating versatility. Consider coursework or clinics that integrate business, tech, or compliance issues. For lateral associates, especially those in highly regulated industries, ABS firms could offer an alternative to traditional BigLaw with more emphasis on integration and client solutions.

The legal profession is often slow to change, but the KPMG ABS marks a significant milestone. As Big Four firms step into the U.S. legal services market, attorneys who are prepared to navigate this hybrid environment may find themselves at the forefront of a new era in legal practice.