In the bustling heart of New York, size isn't just an attribute — it's a declaration of capability and influence, particularly when it comes to the legal sector. The New York Law Journal's latest release, the NYLJ 100, has provided a comprehensive ranking of the largest law firms based in New York for the year 2024, spotlighting those that not only dominate in numbers but also underscore the city's status as a global legal hub.

The NYLJ 100, basing its rankings on headcount, reveals that the legal landscape in New York has continued to grow robustly. The top 20 firms alone boast a collective attorney count of approximately 12,000, with nearly every firm recording an uptick in numbers from the previous year.

Among the titans, Kirkland & Ellis leads the pack with a staggering 969 attorneys in their New York office, closely followed by Paul, Weiss with 925, and Davis Polk with 865. These firms, along with others in the top ten like Simpson Thacher and Latham & Watkins, exemplify the massive scale and extensive reach of New York’s premier law practices.

The list of top firms reads as a who's who of the legal profession: 1. Kirkland & Ellis: 969 2. Paul, Weiss: 925 3. Davis Polk: 865 4. Simpson Thacher: 789 5. Latham & Watkins: 770 6. Debevoise & Plimpton: 667 7. Skadden: 649 8. Weil Gotshal: 598 9. Sullivan & Cromwell: 564 10. Milbank and Fried Frank, each with 504 attorneys, share the tenth spot.

Kirkland & Ellis deserves a special nod for not only topping the list but also for setting the benchmark for what it means to be big in Biglaw within the Big Apple.

For those curious about the firms that rank from 11 to 100, further details can be explored through the New York Law Journal’s dedicated coverage on this subject. The continued expansion of these law firms is not just a testament to their legal prowess but also reflects the dynamic growth and the ever-increasing demand for top-tier legal services in New York City.

The listings extend beyond mere numbers, providing insights into the operations and strategic growth approaches of these legal behemoths, and are a crucial resource for anyone looking to understand the current landscape of New York’s legal sector.

For more detailed insights into the rankings and the stories behind these powerful institutions, you can visit the NYLJ’s coverage of the top 25 New York law firms by headcount and their feature on the new titans of New York’s legal scene.

The immense scale of these law firms underscores not only their legal acumen but also their significant role in shaping the legal, business, and even socio-political contours of New York and beyond.