New York City is home to some of the most prestigious law firms and companies in the world, offering a wide range of opportunities for legal professionals. From large multinational corporations to industry-leading financial institutions, securing a position in this competitive market can be challenging. Working with a legal recruiter can significantly improve your chances of placement by providing tailored guidance and insider knowledge of the city’s top employers.
- Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP: Cravath, founded in 1819, is an iconic law firm known for its top-tier corporate practice and trailblazing influence in the legal industry. The firm consistently ranks as one of the most prestigious in the U.S., holding the number one position in Vault’s Law 100 for several years. Cravath has played a pivotal role in industry-defining mergers, such as Paramount’s $28 billion deal with Skydance, and remains a leader in corporate governance and litigation.
- Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP: Founded in 1948, Skadden is one of the world’s largest law firms, with over 1,700 attorneys across 22 offices. It is renowned for its work on high-profile mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and corporate restructuring deals, such as its involvement in major antitrust cases and advisory roles in industries like energy and defense. Skadden is a leader in regulatory compliance and innovation, advising companies on topics ranging from artificial intelligence to global sanctions.
- Sullivan & Cromwell LLP: Sullivan & Cromwell, founded in 1879, has long been recognized for its expertise in corporate law and high-stakes transactional work. The firm’s global reach and ability to handle complex cross-border M&A deals have earned it a spot among the top elite law firms. It regularly advises industry leaders in pharmaceuticals, technology, and consumer goods, with notable work on joint ventures and corporate governance issues. The firm has a strong presence in both the U.S. and abroad, with offices in key financial centers.
- Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP: Simpson Thacher, established in 1884, is one of the foremost law firms in private equity and M&A, representing a roster of leading companies from the financial services, technology, and energy sectors. The firm has been pivotal in advising private equity giants like Blackstone and KKR, managing multi-billion-dollar deals across the globe. Its litigation and corporate departments are consistently ranked among the best in the world, offering a broad array of services, from complex cross-border M&A to shareholder activism.
- Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP: Founded in 1875, Paul, Weiss has a distinguished reputation for both its litigation and corporate practices. The firm is recognized for its work in the technology, media, and life sciences industries, and its expertise spans from shareholder activism defense to public and private M&A. Paul, Weiss has a robust pro bono program and is widely praised for its commitment to diversity and social justice, often handling high-profile civil rights cases alongside its corporate work.
- Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP: Davis Polk, founded in 1849, is a top-tier global law firm known for its work in capital markets, corporate law, and litigation. The firm regularly advises Fortune 500 companies and financial institutions on regulatory issues, M&A, and complex litigation. Davis Polk’s clients span industries like pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and defense, with the firm playing a critical role in many high-profile IPOs and cross-border deals. Its expertise in regulatory and transactional matters makes it one of the most respected firms worldwide.
- Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP: Weil Gotshal, established in 1931, is a leading law firm with a strong reputation for its work in private equity, M&A, and bankruptcy law. The firm is a go-to advisor for high-profile public and private transactions and frequently works with clients in the healthcare, insurance, and telecommunications sectors. Weil Gotshal is also recognized for its litigation practice, particularly in shareholder activism, making it a key player in corporate governance issues.
- Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP: Cleary Gottlieb, founded in 1946, is a prominent global firm known for its expertise in cross-border transactions, especially in Latin America. The firm handles complex mergers, antitrust, and regulatory matters for multinational corporations in industries such as pharmaceuticals, retail, and finance. Cleary’s multidisciplinary approach, which combines corporate law with tax, antitrust, and employment law, offers clients a holistic legal solution, making it a trusted advisor for global companies.
- Kirkland & Ellis LLP: Founded in 1909, Kirkland & Ellis is a legal giant, particularly known for its private equity, litigation, and corporate law practices. The firm has been involved in landmark cases defending Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) and is a key player in billion-dollar mergers and high-stakes litigation. Kirkland’s influence extends globally, with over 3,000 lawyers working across 18 offices worldwide, and it continues to set industry standards in compensation and deal structuring.
- Debevoise & Plimpton LLP: Debevoise & Plimpton, founded in 1931, is well-known for its M&A and private equity expertise, with a focus on industries like media, technology, healthcare, and telecommunications. The firm’s corporate and litigation practices are globally recognized, often advising clients on high-value cross-border transactions and complex regulatory issues. Debevoise’s international presence and specialized industry knowledge make it a leading choice for clients dealing with intricate legal challenges.
New York City
New York City’s legal market is one of the largest and most diverse in the world, driven by its status as a global financial hub. Lawyers in New York frequently specialize in corporate law, securities, intellectual property, and international arbitration, serving major banks, multinational corporations, and tech companies. The city’s vibrant economy and global influence provide legal professionals with opportunities to work on high-stakes mergers, complex litigation, and cross-border transactions. New York also has a strong presence in entertainment, real estate, and media law, making it a dynamic and competitive environment for lawyers.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Finding placement with some of the biggest companies employing lawyers in New York City is highly competitive and often requires tailored guidance from a legal recruiter. Whether it’s working in-house for a major corporation or taking on roles in regulatory compliance or intellectual property, a recruiter can help navigate the hiring process, providing you with insights and access to opportunities that are not always publicly listed. Below are some of the largest companies employing lawyers in New York City:
- JPMorgan Chase & Co.: As one of the largest financial institutions in the world, JPMorgan Chase, founded in 1799, employs a substantial team of legal professionals. With over 250,000 employees globally, its legal department manages issues ranging from regulatory compliance to mergers and acquisitions. The company is frequently involved in high-profile financial litigation and settlements, making it a significant employer for lawyers with expertise in banking and securities law.
- Pfizer, Inc.: Headquartered in New York City and founded in 1849, Pfizer is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies globally. Pfizer employs hundreds of legal professionals who handle everything from intellectual property and patents to global regulatory compliance. The company played a critical role in the COVID-19 pandemic by developing the first approved vaccine, which led to new legal challenges in distribution and international partnerships. Its legal department continues to grow as it navigates the complex landscape of pharmaceutical regulations and intellectual property law.
- Citigroup, Inc.: Founded in 1812, Citigroup is another global financial giant based in New York City with a substantial legal department. The legal team works on a wide range of issues, including corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and litigation involving complex financial products. With over 200,000 employees worldwide, Citigroup provides in-house legal professionals the opportunity to work on both domestic and international legal challenges, especially in matters related to banking and securities regulations.
- Verizon Communications, Inc.: Verizon, founded in 1983 and headquartered in New York, is a leading telecommunications company with a large legal department. The company’s legal team handles regulatory compliance, intellectual property issues, and mergers and acquisitions, among other things. Verizon’s role in building out 5G networks has led to an increase in legal needs related to infrastructure development and privacy concerns, making it an attractive employer for lawyers with expertise in telecommunications law and regulatory affairs.
- American International Group (AIG)
AIG, founded in 1919, is a multinational insurance company headquartered in New York City. With more than 45,000 employees globally, AIG employs a significant number of lawyers to handle its complex insurance and financial regulatory issues. The legal team is involved in managing high-profile insurance claims, settlements, and litigation, particularly in areas like reinsurance and corporate governance. - IBM Corporation: IBM, headquartered in nearby Armonk, NY, but with a significant legal presence in New York City, employs legal professionals specializing in intellectual property, data privacy, and regulatory compliance. Founded in 1911, IBM is a leader in technology and innovation, with a legal team that plays a critical role in managing the company’s global patent portfolio and data security issues. As the company shifts further into AI and cloud computing, its legal department continues to expand in these specialized areas.
- Morgan Stanley: A global financial services firm founded in 1935, Morgan Stanley employs a large team of legal professionals to manage regulatory, litigation, and corporate governance issues. Headquartered in New York City with over 75,000 employees worldwide, its legal department has been involved in numerous high-profile cases, particularly surrounding financial compliance and securities law. Lawyers at Morgan Stanley work on complex matters related to investment banking and asset management.
- Time Warner Inc.: Now part of Warner Bros. Discovery, Time Warner has been a media and entertainment powerhouse since its founding in 1985. The company’s legal department handles intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory matters related to the media industry. Lawyers at Time Warner are often involved in high-profile cases concerning content distribution, copyright, and entertainment law.
- The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.: Founded in 1869, Goldman Sachs is one of the most prestigious investment banks in the world, employing a vast number of legal professionals. Headquartered in New York, the legal team handles regulatory matters, litigation, and complex financial transactions. Goldman’s legal department is often involved in advising on high-profile mergers and managing legal risks in global markets, making it an attractive option for lawyers specializing in financial regulations.
- NBCUniversal Media, LLC: NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast, is a global leader in media and entertainment. Its legal department manages a broad array of issues, including intellectual property, privacy law, and regulatory compliance, with significant involvement in content distribution and media law. NBCUniversal employs hundreds of legal professionals and continues to expand its legal team as streaming services and new content platforms evolve.
