California, known for its laid-back vibe and scenic views, hosts a competitive legal market where Biglaw firms vie for prestige and top talent. The latest regional rankings from Vault have just unveiled which firms are leading the pack in the Golden State this year.

Based on a survey where associates rated firms on a scale from 1 to 10, the results highlight the most prestigious law firms in both Northern and Southern California. These rankings provide valuable insights for aspiring lawyers and industry insiders looking to understand the dynamics of California’s legal landscape.

In Northern California, the race was tight at the top with Cooley and Latham & Watkins sharing the first spot. They were closely followed by Morrison Foerster and Wilson Sonsini, showcasing their strong presence in the region. Other firms that made the top ten include Kirkland & Ellis, Skadden, Gibson Dunn, Orrick, Fenwick, and Davis Polk. To see the full Northern California list, you can visit Vault's dedicated [page](https://vault.com/best-companies-to-work-for/law/best-law-firms-in-each-us-region/northern-california).

Turning to Southern California, Latham & Watkins claimed the crown, with Gibson Dunn and Kirkland & Ellis not far behind. The list also featured prominent names such as O’Melveny & Myers, Skadden, Munger Tolles & Olson, Paul Hastings, Sidley Austin, Quinn Emanuel, and Milbank, reflecting the robust competitive spirit in the region. You can view the complete Southern California rankings [here](https://vault.com/best-companies-to-work-for/law/best-law-firms-in-each-us-region/southern-california#rankings-group-0).

Congratulations to all the firms that have made it to Vault’s esteemed California rankings this year. If you are part of one of these firms or have insights to share about the rankings, you are encouraged to get in touch through various means provided, including email and social media.

For further details and updates on the best law firms across different U.S. regions, you can check out Vault's [2026 Best Law Firms in Northern California](https://vault.com/best-companies-to-work-for/law/best-law-firms-in-each-us-region/northern-california) and [Southern California](https://vault.com/best-companies-to-work-for/law/best-law-firms-in-each-us-region/southern-california#rankings-group-0) listings.