July 28, 2026


Diving Deep into Biglaw: ATL's Shark Week Infographic Unveils Top Law School Sources

In the spirit of Shark Week, Above the Law (ATL) has launched an engaging new infographic, giving us a novel dive into where the titans of the legal world, commonly referred to as 'Biglaw', source their sharpest minds. This year's feature, themed around the adrenaline-pumping excitement of Shark Week, provides a detailed look at the law school pipelines supplying attorneys to five of the most prestigious law firms globally: Gibson Dunn, Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, Paul, Weiss, and Skadden.

The infographic, inspired and informed by Dr. Adam Feldman's meticulous analysis of associate-level headcount data as of June 28, 2026, offers a comprehensive view of the recruitment landscape within these legal behemoths. Dr. Feldman, a respected figure in legal analytics, provides a detailed breakdown that ATL has transformed into an easily digestible visual format.

While the primary graphic consolidates data across all five firms, additional insights such as geographical distribution, specific practice areas, and detailed firm-specific analyses are available through Dr. Feldman’s original post on his Legalytics platform. This deeper dive can provide prospective lawyers and industry analysts with a clearer understanding of hiring trends and the strategic focus areas of each firm.

The infographic itself, which can be viewed in full detail via a link on ATL’s website, is a visually striking representation that not only educates but also entertains. Shaped by the theme of Shark Week, it cleverly integrates elements of the oceanic predator’s environment, making a typically dry subject matter more accessible and engaging for a broader audience.

This innovative approach not only highlights the competitive and predatory nature of recruiting in the legal field but also marks an evolution in how industry insights are presented to the public — making it less of a barrister’s brief and more of a visual feast fitting for Shark Week.

For those interested in the specifics of where these top law firms source their legal talents or for anyone curious about the dynamics of Biglaw hiring practices, ATL’s latest infographic offers a unique portal into this high-stakes world. Check out the full infographic and detailed analysis on Above the Law’s official website or directly through Dr. Adam Feldman’s Legalytics post.