Legal: Best Companies in the US

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Team members describe a collaborative culture with fair pay, solid benefits, and flexible policies that support work-life balance. People note approachable leaders who give clear feedback and create paths for growth through mentoring and varied matters. Staff cite steady workflows that foster job stability and practical training. Many point to thoughtful tech adoption and openness to change. A strong pro bono tradition and community focus round out what people say is a respectful, supportive place to build a legal career.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff members report mission-driven work that feels meaningful, paired with supportive managers who encourage learning and well-being. People mention reasonable schedules, flexible arrangements, and benefits that fit different life stages. Growth often comes through new cases and cross-team projects. Colleagues describe fair pay for the sector and a stable outlook. They also highlight steady improvements in tools and processes. Commitment to civil rights and community impact is seen as central to the culture and to daily satisfaction.

Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Associates say the firm balances high standards with kindness. Folks mention leaders who listen, explain decisions, and give useful guidance. Growth is said to come from early responsibility and strong training. People describe fair compensation, reliable benefits, and a reasonable approach to time off that helps balance home and work. The environment is viewed as steady, with modern tools and openness to new ideas. Many point to robust pro bono and inclusion efforts that reflect shared values.

Baker McKenzie

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
People here describe a global platform with a friendly, practical tone. Staff members say leaders are accessible and encourage cross-office work that builds skills and confidence. Growth opportunities are viewed as broad, with rotations and training that fit varied interests. Compensation and benefits are considered competitive and dependable. Work-life balance is supported by flexible options. Colleagues point to steady demand, modern technology, and a culture that values community service and inclusion alongside client work.

Clifford Chance US LLP

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Colleagues describe a supportive US team within a global network, noting helpful partners and clear feedback. Growth often comes through international matters and structured training. People say compensation and benefits are solid, and flexible practices help balance busy periods. Staff cite steady pipelines that support job security and an open mindset toward new tools. Many highlight a respectful culture with active pro bono and inclusion programs that make day-to-day work feel purposeful and fair.

Cooley LLP

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Attorneys describe a personable, team-first setting with approachable leaders and direct client exposure that accelerates growth. People mention fair pay, practical benefits, and flexibility that supports balance during fast cycles. Staff members point to steady work and clear communication that reinforce job stability. The culture encourages learning and experimentation, with tech adoption and process updates. Colleagues also highlight a consistent commitment to community work and inclusion, which they say strengthens trust and satisfaction.

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Associates point to a training model that rotates assignments, builds range, and brings close mentorship. People describe dependable compensation, strong benefits, and clear expectations that help manage demanding matters. Growth is said to come from hands-on work and feedback from engaged partners. Staff members view the firm as steady, with thoughtful updates to tools and practices. Many highlight active pro bono efforts and a professional culture rooted in respect, which supports long-term development.

DLA Piper

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Team members describe broad practice depth with leaders who value practical solutions and steady communication. People note reliable pay and benefits and flexibility that helps balance busy stretches. Growth often comes through cross-office teams and training that tracks business needs. Staff cite consistent demand that supports job stability, plus ongoing tech upgrades and process improvements. Community engagement and pro bono opportunities are viewed as accessible, and many say the culture feels welcoming and cooperative.

Earthjustice

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
People describe a mission-centered culture where legal work connects to clear social impact. Staff members mention supportive managers, open collaboration, and benefits that help sustain well-being. Growth is said to come from training, new casework, and cross-discipline teams. Colleagues report reasonable schedules and flexibility that aid balance. Stability is linked to steady organizational focus. Modern tools and evolving strategies show adaptability. Commitment to communities and the environment is viewed as integral to daily motivation.

Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Colleagues note an approachable atmosphere with leaders who explain goals and welcome ideas. Growth comes through structured learning, secondments, and client-facing work that builds confidence. People describe fair compensation, dependable benefits, and flexible policies that support balance. Staff members say steady client needs and clear staffing help with job security. The firm’s adoption of practical tech and process updates reflects an adaptable mindset. Pro bono and inclusion efforts are cited as everyday priorities.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Associates say a choice-driven assignment model builds ownership and skills. People report leaders who are accessible and offer direct feedback. Pay and benefits are regarded as fair and consistent, and flexibility helps manage intense periods. Growth paths include trial work, deals, and internal training. Folks describe stable demand and careful resourcing that support job security. Tech tools and knowledge-sharing show openness to change. Pro bono participation is encouraged and seen as core to the culture.

Hogan Lovells

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Team members describe a thoughtful, tech-aware environment with managers who set clear priorities and support learning. People mention reliable compensation, comprehensive benefits, and flexible setups that improve balance. Growth is said to come through complex cross-border matters and targeted training. Staff view the platform as steady, with organized staffing and communication. The culture emphasizes respect, inclusion, and community service, which many say enhances satisfaction and pride in the work.

Husch Blackwell

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
People highlight a practical, supportive culture with leaders who coach and give clear pathways to new skills. Staff members say pay and benefits are fair, and flexible options help manage personal needs. Growth is often tied to industry-focused teams and training that builds niche expertise. A steady client base and transparent staffing are seen as stabilizing. Colleagues note useful tech tools and process updates. Community involvement and pro bono are woven into firm life.

Institute for Justice (IJ)

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff describe a hands-on setting where casework links directly to mission. People report managers who are present, offer guidance, and open doors to growth through writing, argument, and outreach. Benefits and flexibility support balance, and pay is viewed as fair within the nonprofit landscape. Colleagues see stable direction and careful planning. Teams test new approaches and tools as needs evolve. Commitment to communities and individual rights is central to the culture and morale.

Jones Day

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Colleagues reference a “one firm” approach that supports teamwork and knowledge-sharing. People mention fair compensation, predictable benefits, and practices that help manage time. Growth comes from early responsibility, training, and partner access. Staff members say steady work and clear matter staffing support job stability. The culture values civility and practical problem-solving, with ongoing tech improvements. Pro bono and community involvement are viewed as part of everyday professional development.

Kirkland & Ellis

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Associates describe an entrepreneurial environment where choosing matters builds ownership and pace. People note competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and resources that support balance during peak periods. Growth is tied to early responsibility, training, and feedback from engaged partners. Staff members cite strong, steady workflows that support job security. The firm is seen as adaptable, with ongoing investments in tools and knowledge-sharing. Pro bono participation and inclusion initiatives are part of daily life.

Latham & Watkins

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Team members mention clear expectations, supportive leaders, and practical training that build confidence. People describe dependable compensation, benefits, and wellness resources that help balance demanding work. Growth is said to come through varied matters and transparent feedback. Staff point to steady client demand and organized staffing, which aid job stability. The culture encourages collaboration and continuous improvement, with modern tools and evolving processes. Pro bono and community programs are widely embraced.

Littler Mendelson P.C.

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
People describe a welcoming, subject-matter-focused culture where employment law depth supports growth. Staff members note approachable leaders, mentoring, and training that build specialized skills. Pay and benefits are considered fair and reliable. Flexible arrangements help balance busy seasons. Colleagues cite steady client needs that support job stability and an openness to new tools that improve delivery. Pro bono and community engagement are seen as part of the firm’s identity and daily practice.

McDermott Will & Emery

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Colleagues point to a people-first tone with leaders who encourage learning and share feedback. Growth comes through cross-practice work, coaching, and practical training. People report fair compensation, helpful benefits, and flexibility that supports balance. Staff say matter flow and communication feel steady, reinforcing job security. The culture embraces new tools and process improvements. Many highlight active pro bono and inclusion efforts that reflect shared values and add meaning to daily work.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Team members describe a transparent, collaborative culture where partners teach and share opportunities. People mention dependable pay, strong benefits, and flexible options that support family and health needs. Growth is tied to training, client exposure, and clear feedback. Staff cite steady work and organized staffing that build job stability. The firm’s approach to technology and knowledge systems shows adaptability. Pro bono and community service are viewed as accessible and encouraged across teams.

O'Melveny & Myers LLP

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Associates describe a respectful, close-knit environment where leaders check in and mentor. People note fair compensation, useful benefits, and options that support balance across case cycles. Growth comes through hands-on matters, training, and feedback. Staff members see stable teams and clear communication that support job security. The culture emphasizes listening, inclusion, and service. Process updates and modern tools reflect an adaptable mindset that helps people do their best work.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Colleagues point to a friendly, modern culture with leaders who value rest and focused work. People describe compensation and benefits as dependable, with flexibility that supports balance. Growth is said to come from training, secondments, and innovative teams. Staff note steady client demand and thoughtful resourcing that reinforce stability. The firm’s use of legal tech and process design shows adaptability. Pro bono and community efforts are common and woven into everyday practice.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Team members report a supportive setting where partners teach through active casework and feedback. People mention fair pay, comprehensive benefits, and practical flexibility that helps manage intense periods. Growth comes from complex matters, training, and clear guidance. Staff view the platform as steady, with organized staffing that supports job security. Colleagues note openness to new tools and approaches. Pro bono participation is encouraged, reflecting shared values and a service mindset.

Ropes & Gray

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
People describe a kind, mentoring culture with partners who are present and constructive. Staff members note dependable compensation, benefits, and policies that support balance. Growth is tied to strong training, clear expectations, and meaningful responsibility. Colleagues say steady matters and transparent communication help with job stability. The firm’s use of tech and data shows a practical approach to innovation. Pro bono and inclusion programs are widely supported and part of daily life.

Sheppard Mullin

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Colleagues describe a transparent, upbeat culture where leaders are accessible and willing to coach. People mention fair pay, reliable benefits, and flexible arrangements that support balance. Growth is said to come from early responsibility, training, and direct partner contact. Staff members report steady work and clear staffing that aid job security. Ongoing improvements to tools and workflows reflect adaptability. Pro bono and community engagement are common and contribute to overall satisfaction.

Shook, Hardy & Bacon

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Team members highlight a supportive environment with practical training and leaders who give clear direction. People note dependable compensation, benefits, and flexibility that help balance trial and travel demands. Growth comes from science-heavy matters and collaboration across offices. Staff describe steady client needs that support job stability. The culture welcomes new tools and measured change. Pro bono and inclusion efforts are viewed as genuine, adding purpose to daily work.

Sidley Austin LLP

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Associates say the culture feels respectful and team-oriented, with partners who teach and share credit. People mention reliable pay, thoughtful benefits, and flexibility that supports life outside work. Growth often comes through training, secondments, and early client contact. Staff members describe steady matter flow and clear communication that bolster job security. Tech investments and refined processes show adaptability. Pro bono and community programs are widely used and valued.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
People describe a collaborative, energized environment with leaders who provide direct feedback and practical coaching. Compensation and benefits are considered consistent and fair. Growth is said to come from complex assignments, training, and mentorship. Staff cite steady pipelines that support job stability and a willingness to improve tools and processes. Pro bono work is widely supported and seen as part of professional development. Inclusion efforts add to a sense of community.

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Team members report a professional, respectful culture with broad training that builds generalist skills. People mention dependable pay, benefits, and flexibility that help balance peak periods. Growth comes through meaningful responsibility and close partner guidance. Staff describe steady client demand and organized teams that support job security. The firm adopts useful tools and updates practices as needs evolve. Pro bono and community programs are well used and reflect a service mindset.

White & Case

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Colleagues describe an international platform with a supportive US team and approachable leaders. People note fair compensation, solid benefits, and flexibility that fits different life stages. Growth is tied to cross-border work, training, and feedback that builds confidence. Staff members cite steady demand and clear staffing that help with job security. Tech adoption and process improvements show adaptability. Pro bono and inclusion efforts are common and seen as part of the firm’s identity.