BCG Attorney Search has conducted an in-depth evaluation of these firms across the country, identifying the most prestigious and impactful in each region. Our official rankings highlight the leading firms based on their reputation, success in high-stakes litigation, and commitment to justice. This guide provides insights into these firms, their areas of expertise, and how you can position yourself for a career in this rewarding field.
What Are Private Public Interest and Plaintiffs’ Law Firms?
Private public interest law firms are for-profit entities that advocate for social justice, civil rights, and public interest causes. Unlike traditional non-profits, these firms operate on case fees rather than grants or donations. A subset of these firms—plaintiffs’ firms—focuses on representing individuals or groups seeking justice against corporations, government agencies, or other institutions in areas such as:
- Employment discrimination
- Consumer protection
- Personal injury and mass torts
- Environmental justice
- Civil rights litigation
- Whistleblower and qui tam actions
These firms typically operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only earn a fee if they win or settle a case. This high-stakes model ensures that attorneys are fully invested in securing justice for their clients.
See Related Articles:
- How to Put Yourself Back on Track as an Attorney by Taking a Public Interest Job
- Practice Areas and Most Likely Candidate Rankings
- America's 100 Largest Law Firms Ranked by Revenue
- Likely Ranking of Attorneys in Different Practice Areas
- Understanding Law Firm Rankings through the BCG Attorney Search Model
Why Work at a Top Private Public Interest or Plaintiffs’ Firm?
BCG Attorney Search has ranked these firms based on factors such as reputation, case impact, financial success, and career growth opportunities. Here’s why attorneys are drawn to these firms:
- Mission-Driven Work – Attorneys advocate for underrepresented individuals and causes.
- Substantial Early Responsibility – Junior attorneys often take on significant casework, including courtroom experience.
- Competitive Compensation – While salaries vary, successful plaintiffs’ attorneys often earn significantly more than public interest lawyers in non-profit organizations.
- Extensive Litigation Experience – Many of these firms offer frequent trial opportunities and high-profile cases.
- Work-Life Balance – While challenging, many plaintiffs’ firms offer more flexibility than corporate defense firms.
How to Join a Top-Ranked Private Public Interest or Plaintiffs’ Firm
Attorneys who thrive in these firms have strong advocacy skills, a passion for justice, and a willingness to fight for their clients. Here’s how to break into the field:
- Network Strategically – Connect with alumni, attorneys at these firms, and public interest organizations.
- Gain Relevant Experience – Participate in law school clinics, internships, or pro bono work in civil rights, employment law, or mass tort litigation.
- Research the Firms – Tailor your applications to firms that align with your interests and values.
- Apply Persistently – Many firms hire on an as-needed basis, so following up and maintaining connections can be crucial.
The BCG Attorney Search Official Rankings of the Best Private Public Interest and Plaintiffs’ Law Firms in the U.S.
In the following sections, we provide our official rankings of the top firms in this practice area across the country, highlighting their specialties, case successes, and career opportunities. Whether you’re an aspiring attorney or a seasoned litigator looking for a meaningful career shift, this guide will help you navigate your path to success in private public interest and plaintiffs’ law.
Top Private Public Interest and Plaintiffs’ Law Firms
Below is a curated list of firms across the U.S., their specialties, and contact information. These firms are leaders in their fields and offer excellent opportunities for attorneys passionate about social justice.
1. Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, PC
- Specialties: Personal injury, product liability, fraud, environmental, labor/employment
- Contact: Lisa Harris, (800) 898-2034, lisa.harris@beasleyallen.com
- Website: www.beasleyallen.com
- Specialties: Civil rights, employment, consumer, education
- Contact: Dennis Pantazis, (205) 314-0500
- Website: www.wcqp.com
1. Altshuler Berzon LLP
- Specialties: Labor/employment, civil rights, environmental law.
- Contact: Michael Rubin, (415) 421-7151, mrubin@altshulerberzon.com
- Website: www.altshulerberzon.com
- Specialties: Class actions, consumer protection, employment law, environmental litigation.
- Contact: Kelly Dermody, (415) 956-1000.
- Website: www.lieffcabraser.com
- Specialties: Personal injury, environmental toxic torts, insurance claims
- Contact: (213) 977-0211
- Website: www.girardikeese.com
- Specialties: Civil rights, employment, consumer class actions
- Contact: (415) 421-7100
- Website: www.schneiderwallace.com
Florida
1. Morgan & Morgan, PA
- Specialties: Personal injury, employment law, consumer protection
- Contact: (855) 300-4453
- Website: www.forthepeople.com
- Specialties: Medical malpractice, personal injury, civil rights
- Contact: (888) 296-1681
- Website: www.grossmanroth.com
1. Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC
- Specialties: Civil rights, employment discrimination, consumer protection
- Contact: Megan Fullem, (202) 408-4600
- Website: www.cohenmilstein.com
- Specialties: Personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability
- Contact: (212) 605-6200
- Website: www.lpklaw.com
- Specialties: Employment discrimination, wage and hour, civil rights
- Contact: (212) 490-2992
- Website: www.sanfordheisler.com
- Specialties: Employment law, whistleblower cases, class actions
- Contact: (212) 245-1000
- Website: www.outtengolden.com
1. Relman Dane & Colfax PLLC
- Specialties: Civil rights, fair housing, police accountability
- Contact: Taryn Scott, (202) 730-0330
- Website: www.relmanlaw.com
- Specialties: Antitrust, civil rights, consumer protection
- Contact: Brian Ratner, (202) 540-7200
- Website: www.hausfeld.com
1. Loevy & Loevy
- Specialties: Civil rights, police misconduct, wrongful convictions
- Contact: Jon Loevy, (312) 243-5900
- Website: www.loevy.com
- Specialties: Civil rights, environmental justice, affordable housing
- Contact: Jeffrey Cummings, (312) 751-1170
- Website: www.lawnbg.com
- Specialties: Civil rights, personal injury, police misconduct
- Contact: (312) 458-1000
- Website: www.rblaw.net
- Specialties: Personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability
- Contact: (312) 313-0202
- Website: www.powerrogers.com
Pennsylvania
1. Kline & Specter, PC
- Specialties: Personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability
- Contact: (215) 772-1000
- Website: www.klineandspecter.com
- Specialties: Antitrust, securities fraud, whistleblower cases
- Contact: (215) 875-3000
- Website: www.bergermontague.com
1. The Champion Firm, PC
- Specialties: Personal injury, employment law, civil rights
- Contact: (678) 780-5000
- Website: www.thechampionfirm.com
- Specialties: Personal injury, product liability, environmental litigation
- Contact: (404) 998-8847
- Website: www.hlmlawfirm.com
Washington
1. Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
- Specialties: Consumer class actions, antitrust, environmental litigation
- Contact: (206) 623-7292
- Website: www.hbsslaw.com
- Specialties: Consumer protection, environmental justice, employment law
- Contact: (800) 776-6044
- Website: www.krcomplexlit.com
1. Thornton Law Firm LLP
- Specialties: Asbestos litigation, personal injury, whistleblower cases
- Contact: (888) 632-0108
- Website: www.tenlaw.com
- Specialties: Personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability
- Contact: (617) 542-1000
- Website: www.sugarman.com
1. The Donahey Law Firm
- Specialties: Personal injury, medical malpractice, consumer protection
- Contact: (614) 224-8166
- Website: www.donaheyohio.com
- Specialties: Personal injury, civil rights, environmental litigation
- Contact: (216) 696-3232
- Website: www.spanglaw.com
1. Goodman Acker, PC
- Specialties: Personal injury, medical malpractice, civil rights
- Contact: (248) 793-2010
- Website: www.goodmanacker.com
- Specialties: Personal injury, civil rights, wrongful death
- Contact: (800) 294-6637
- Website: www.fiegerlaw.com
1. Bachus & Schanker, LLC
- Specialties: Personal injury, civil rights, employment law
- Contact: (303) 333-8000
- Website: www.coloradolaw.net
- Specialties: Personal injury, class actions, employment law
- Contact: (800) 716-9032
- Website: www.fdar.com
1. Knapp & Roberts, PC
- Specialties: Personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability
- Contact: (480) 991-7677
- Website: www.krattorneys.com
- Specialties: Employment law, civil rights, whistleblower cases
- Contact: (602) 254-6071
- Website: www.bmtlaw.com
1. Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben, PA
- Specialties: Personal injury, product liability, wrongful death
- Contact: (612) 377-7777
- Website: www.schwebel.com
- Specialties: Employment law, whistleblower cases, civil rights
- Contact: (612) 605-4098
- Website: www.halunenlaw.com
1. Stark & Stark, PC
- Specialties: Personal injury, employment law, consumer protection
- Contact: (609) 896-9060
- Website: www.stark-stark.com
- Specialties: Civil rights, employment law, personal injury
- Contact: (732) 414-0300
- Website: www.lomurrolaw.com
1. D’Amore Law Group
- Specialties: Personal injury, employment law, civil rights
- Contact: (503) 222-6333
- Website: www.damorelaw.com
- Specialties: Civil rights, employment law, personal injury
- Contact: (503) 228-5222
- Website: www.stc-law.com
1. Baron & Budd, PC
- Specialties: Environmental litigation, consumer protection, whistleblower cases
- Contact: (800) 222-2766
- Website: www.baronandbudd.com
- Specialties: Commercial litigation, antitrust, intellectual property
- Contact: (713) 651-9366
- Website: www.susmangodfrey.com
- Specialties: Pharmaceutical litigation, environmental toxic torts, personal injury
- Contact: (800) 827-0087
- Website: www.baumhedlundlaw.com
- Specialties: Asbestos litigation, environmental justice, whistleblower cases
- Contact: (866) 295-4518
- Website: www.waterskraus.com
1. Sugarman and Sugarman, PC
- Specialties: Personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability
- Contact: Janice Hayes, (617) 542-1000
- Website: www.sugarman.com
- Specialties: Employment law, civil rights, whistleblower cases
- Contact: Jonathan Margolis, (617) 742-7010
- Website: www.theemploymentlawyers.com.
Conclusion
Private public interest and plaintiffs’ law firms offer a unique opportunity to combine a passion for justice with a successful legal career. Whether you’re fighting for civil rights, environmental justice, or fair labor practices, these firms provide a platform to make a meaningful impact. Use this guide to explore top firms, understand their specialties, and take the first step toward a rewarding career in public interest law.
For more career advice and job opportunities, visit BCG Attorney Search.
Additional Insights and Tips
1. Understanding the Culture: These firms often have a close-knit, collaborative environment. It’s essential to align with their mission and values.
2. Case Selection: Firms are selective about the cases they take, focusing on those with strong merits and potential for significant impact.
3. Pro Bono Work: While these firms are for-profit, many still engage in pro bono work to further their social justice goals.
4. Career Growth: Many attorneys in these firms rise through the ranks quickly, taking on leadership roles and high-profile cases early in their careers.
Firm Spotlights
Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, PC
Located in Montgomery, Alabama, Beasley Allen is one of the largest plaintiffs’ firms in the country. With over 70 attorneys, the firm handles complex litigation, including product liability, environmental cases, and employment disputes. Their commitment to social justice is evident in their high-profile cases and significant settlements.
Loevy & Loevy
Based in Chicago, Loevy & Loevy is renowned for its work in civil rights and police misconduct cases. The firm has a strong track record of securing justice for individuals wrongfully convicted or mistreated by law enforcement. Their dedication to civil rights makes them a standout in the field.
Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC
With offices in Washington, D.C., and New York, Cohen Milstein specializes in class-action lawsuits and civil rights litigation. The firm has been instrumental in landmark cases involving employment discrimination, consumer protection, and environmental justice.
Final Thoughts
Private public interest and plaintiffs’ law firms are at the forefront of social justice, offering attorneys the chance to make a real difference while building a successful legal career. By understanding the landscape, networking effectively, and gaining relevant experience, you can position yourself for a rewarding role in this dynamic field.
For more resources and job opportunities, visit BCG Attorney Search.
About Harrison Barnes
No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.
A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter
Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:
- Immigration Law
- Workers Compensation
- Insurance
- Family Law
- Trust and Estate
- Municipal law
- And many more...
This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.
Proven Success at All Levels
With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:
- Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
- Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
- Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
- Growing firms in small and rural markets
He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.
Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search
Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.
The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys
Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.
- His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
- He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
- His placement success is unmatched-see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
- He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.
Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes
If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.
Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here
With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.
A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success
Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.
Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:
- Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
- Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
- Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.
This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.
A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives
Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.
He has worked with:
- Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
- Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
- Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
- Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.
For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.
Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation
If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.
Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.
Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.
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.
Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays
You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts
You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives
Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.
Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.
To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.
