As anyone would expect, the entertainment and media industries are the fastest growing sectors in LA. Consequently, ancillary needs for these sectors are triggering growth in other areas, such as the legal industry. According to a recently published report by CBRE, LA is ranked 2nd in the US in terms of lawyer population growth.

How Is the Legal Market in Los Angeles?

The latest CBRE report indicates that the legal sector grew by 12% between 2017 and 2019, 3% higher than the national average, and the trajectory should continue. Moreover, even though nationwide, law degree completion rates have dropped by 21.3%, Los Angeles experienced a 3.6% growth in the number of students who graduated with law degrees. Taking all this into consideration, we can see LA is a growing market for lawyers, both novices and seasoned ones. So, if you are thinking of establishing a legal career, it is time to act while demand remains strong.
 
What Are the Top Law Firms in Los Angeles?


In this post, we have highlighted 9 of the best law firms in Los Angeles to help you make an informed decision. To see more of the highest-rated law firms in Los Angeles, visit BCG Attorney Search's Best Law Firms ranking.
 

Cooley LLP

 

Cooley LLP is an international law firm headquartered in Palo Alto, California. It is particularly famous for its extensive experience in venture capital connections, financings, startups, marquee initial public offerings (IPOs), life sciences, and technology practices. However, it offers legal services and consultancy in several other areas such as intellectual property, employment, financial services, clean technology, real estate, retail, and aviation, among others. According to Law360, it is one of the most popular go-to firms in Silicon Valley. Also, Cooley LLP ranks as one of the top 50 largest firms in the entire world. 
 

DLA Piper

 

A multinational law firm with over 2000 employees and 40 offices across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, DLA Piper encompasses a full spectrum of practice areas. DLA Piper provides legal services in several areas, and the most notable include corporate crime, arbitration, banking, corporate finance, competition and trade, hospitality and leisure, employment, energy, insurance, government affairs, and intellectual property, among others. In terms of revenue, it ranks as the 3rd largest law firm in the US.
 

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

 

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is a multinational and one of the best law firms in Los Angeles. It is revered for its litigation practice, which saw it named the "Litigation Department of the Year" by The American Lawyer. In its 20 offices located in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Americas, and North America, the firm employs over 22,000 employees who offer legal services in a wide range of industries. Some of its most prominent services include insurance, labor, employment, antitrust, sports, and intellectual property.
 

Irell & Manella LLP

 

Established in 1941, Irell & Manella LLP is a full-service law firm with two offices in Newport Beach and Los Angeles, California. From these offices, the firm serves both international and local clients from a wide range of sectors, such as private and public companies, entrepreneurs, and educational institutions. It has approximately 500 employees who offer legal services in various practice areas such as appellate, art, professional liability defense, securities law, securities litigation, tax, corporate governance, mergers & acquisitions, IP transactions, and litigation, among others.
 

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

 

Kirkland & Ellis is arguably one of the best law firms in Los Angeles and the entire United States. In terms of lawyers, it is ranked as the seventh-largest in the US (2,307 in 2019), and third-largest by revenue (US$3.76 billion-2018). Thanks to its resources, the firm provides several legal and consultancy services in a wide array of practice areas. However, it is famous for white-collar criminal defense, intellectual property, tax, benefits, regulatory, planning law, restructuring, antitrust and competition, and corporate litigation.
 

Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

 

This firm is one of America's largest and most successful technology and intellectual property law firms with offices across the world. It boasts a team of over 160 attorneys and other professionals specializing in intellectual property. With a strong emphasis on technology, it offers clients legal services and advisory in areas such as trademarks, copyrights, patents, unfair competition, rights of publicity, and trade secrets.
 

Latham & Watkins LLP

 

Latham & Watkins LLP is one of America's pioneering law firms, established in 1934. It boasts over 26,000 lawyers serving clients in the US, Asia, the Middle East, and the United States.  Besides being one of the best law firms in Los Angeles, it is one of the highest-paying firms in the entire world. First-year law associates receive $190,000, but this can go up to $205,000 when including merit bonuses. Summer associates receive a similar salary, prorated over ten weeks, meaning a summer associate can earn up to $3,958 a week.
 

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

 

Manatt is one of the best multidisciplinary law firms in Los Angeles. Moreover, it is renowned for its quality legal and consultancy services. Deeply rooted in banking, the firm serves several industries such as finance, energy, real estate, consumer and retail products manufacturers, technology, media, and healthcare, among others. 
 

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

 

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius is an international law firm with over 2,000 lawyers in 31 offices located in the Middle East, Asia, North America, and Europe. Currently, it is ranked as the 8th largest law firm in the US in terms of revenue, thanks to its mergers with other small firms. Its areas of practice are diverse, encompassing a broad spectrum, including investment management, energy, environmental, employment, labor, tax, real estate, and litigation, among others.

What's the Bottom Line?

With Los Angeles ranking as the second-best legal market in the country, there is no doubt that it is a fertile ground to put down roots. The high demand for lawyers in several industries creates abundant opportunities for the taking. Therefore, if you have set your eyes on LA, it's time to make a move.

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.