August 13, 2025

Another day, another ranking for lawyers to eagerly dissect, seeking validation that their firm is indeed the pinnacle of excellence. This constant quest for status is a hallmark of a Biglaw attorney's life, marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence across various metrics. For those steeped in this competitive milieu, the American Lawyer's annual A-List ranking offers the latest insights into the most elite firms in the nation.
For those new to this prestigious list, the A-List measures Biglaw firms on various crucial aspects, both financial and cultural. These include revenue per lawyer, pro bono commitment, associate satisfaction, racial diversity, and gender diversity, specifically the percentage of equity partners who are women. Notably, revenue per lawyer and pro bono activities carry double weight in the evaluation. Performance is scaled on a 100-point metric, comparing each firm against the Am Law 200's overall performance.
The top 10 firms for 2025 have been revealed, showcasing leaders that not only excel in legal practice but also embody significant commitments to diversity and community service. Munger Tolles & Olson leads with an impressive score of 96.1, followed by Ropes & Gray at 90.7, and WilmerHale closely behind at 89.2. Other firms in the top 10 include Jenner & Block, Morgan Lewis, Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer, O’Melveny & Myers, Orrick, Covington & Burling, and Debevoise & Plimpton, both tied at ninth place with a score of 83.9.
This ranking not only highlights the firms' prowess in legal expertise but also underscores their dedication to creating impactful pro bono work and fostering a workplace environment that values diversity and inclusion. These firms set benchmarks for the industry, proving that success in the legal field transcends financial performance and touches upon the core values of justice and equality.
Congratulations to all the firms making it to this year’s A-List. For those interested in a more comprehensive view, the full top 20 list is available on the American Lawyer website. This detailed listing provides a broader scope of how firms stack up in the quest for excellence and societal impact.