In the 2026 survey, we identified the best performing law firms for associate satisfaction.
Methodology
For every firm taking part in our annual interview-based research, we invite their associates to respond to an online survey covering every aspect of law firm life. They complete a series of questions asking about everything from their initial views on the firm and its competitors, to their relationships with partners and clients, to the firm’s handling of work allocation and career development support. We also ask them about their expectations, aspirations, and exit plans. Some questions involve a rating, which we agglomerate here for comparison. The General Satisfaction scores are a combination of all topics that can determine job satisfaction.
The below results reflect responses from 1st to 4th year associates.
The top law firms for Associate Satisfaction 2026
The Elite
Clifford Chance | Dechert | Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher | Jackson Walker | Jenner & Block | Mayer Brown | Morgan, Lewis & Bockius | Norton Rose Fulbright | Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe | Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton |
Excellent performer
Alston & Bird | Arnold & Porter | Ashurst | Cahill Gordon & Reindel | Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton | Elsberg Baker & Maruri | Freshfields | Irell & Manella | Linklaters | Perkins Coie | Seyfarth Shaw | Simpson Thacher & Bartlett | White & Case | Wiley | Willkie Farr & Gallagher |
Strong performer
Akin | Bracewell | Brown Rudnick | Cozen O'Connor | Debevoise & Plimpton | DLA Piper | Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner | Fish & Richardson | Foley & Lardner | Goulston & Storrs | Greenberg Glusker | Haynes and Boone | Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer | Hunton Andrews Kurth | Katten | King & Spalding | McDermott Will & Schulte | Morrison & Foerster | Munger, Tolles & Olson | Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler | Proskauer Rose | Seward & Kissel | Vedder | Venable | Winston & Strawn |
Endorsed
Axinn | Cooley | Goodwin | Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian | Jones Day | Latham & Watkins | Milbank | Mintz | Paul Hastings | Polsinelli | Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom | Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox | Sullivan & Cromwell | Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati |
Explore our other satisfaction tables:
The most satisfied junior associates
The best firms for career development
The best firms for benefits and quality of life
The best firms for pro bono
The best firms for culture
The best firms for AI integration
The best firms for work allocation & autonomy