Top law firms for pro bono experience

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In the 2026 survey, we identified the best-performing law firms for pro bono work

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 how important all these factors were when joining the profession and how those views change as they mature. Some questions involve a rating, which we agglomerate here for comparison. The Pro Bono scores are a combination of all topics that can affect the associate’s pro bono experience. 

The below results reflect responses from 1st to 4th year associates. 

 

The top law firms for Pro Bono 2026   

The Elite 

Akin | Arnold & Porter | Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton | Dechert | Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner | Fish & Richardson | Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher | Irell & Manella | Mayer Brown | Morgan, Lewis & Bockius | 

Excellent performer   

Alston & Bird | Clifford Chance | Debevoise & Plimpton | DLA Piper | Freshfields | Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer | Hunton Andrews Kurth | Jackson Walker | Jenner & Block | Katten | Munger, Tolles & Olson | Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe | Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler | Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton | White & Case | 

Strong performer   

Ashurst | Bracewell | Brown Rudnick | Cahill Gordon & Reindel | Cooley | Cozen O'Connor | Foley & Lardner | Goulston & Storrs | Greenberg Glusker | Haynes and Boone | Jones Day | Linklaters | McDermott Will & Schulte | Milbank | Norton Rose Fulbright | Perkins Coie | Proskauer Rose | Seyfarth Shaw | Simpson Thacher & Bartlett | Skadden,  Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom | Vedder | Wiley | Willkie Farr & Gallagher | Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati | Winston & Strawn | 

Endorsed

Axinn | Elsberg Baker & Maruri | Goodwin | Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian | King & Spalding | Latham & Watkins | Mintz | Morrison & Foerster | Paul Hastings | Polsinelli | Seward & Kissel | Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox | Sullivan & Cromwell | Venable | 

 

 

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