January 7, 2026


2025 Outside Counsel Rankings Unveil Top Law Firms Across Diverse Organizations

As the comprehensive 2025 Outside Counsel Rankings come to a close, this week's highlight features law firms that have earned top marks from in-house counsel across various types of organizations. This detailed survey involved over 500 in-house attorneys who evaluated the law firms their entities engage with, scaling them based on the complexity and value of the legal tasks performed.

The survey categorized legal services into four distinct levels: cost-efficient, bulk tasks; routine matters; high-value, complex matters; and critical “bet-the-company” matters. These responses were then averaged to compile a list of the top-ranking outside counsel.

This year’s ratings not only spotlight general excellence but also delve into industry-specific rankings, providing a granular view of which firms excel in sectors represented by the surveyed in-house lawyers.

In terms of organizational type, the rankings are segmented into eight categories, ranging from Fortune 250 to nonprofit institutions. Notably, Sidley Austin emerges as a versatile leader, appearing across six different organizational types. Other firms showing strong versatility include Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, Cooley, DLA Piper, and Morgan Lewis, each scoring multiple mentions across various categories.

Here’s a brief insight into the firms that consistently resonate across multiple types of organizations: - Sidley Austin shines in six categories including Fortune 500 and midsize private companies. - Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins each secure four spots with strong performances in sectors like large private companies and other public companies. - Cooley stands out in three categories, notably including nonprofit institutions. - DLA Piper and Morgan Lewis also impress with three appearances each, demonstrating their robust presence in both the Fortune 250 and large private sectors.

For those interested in a deeper dive into the specific rankings and to see which firms are leading in various organizational categories, the full organization rankings are available [here](https://abovethelaw.com/top-outside-counsel-rankings-2025/#organizations).

This detailed segmentation and ranking not only guide corporations in selecting the ideal law firms for their specific needs but also highlight the adaptability and expertise of law firms that manage to meet the diverse and dynamic demands of different organizational types.

The complete findings and additional details can be accessed through the comprehensive ranking list provided by Above the Law, promising invaluable insights for businesses and law firms alike.