Top law firms for associate quality of life

Associate Satisfaction Surveys Header.png

In our latest survey, we identified the best-performing law firms for associate quality of life.

We weigh up the perks and the demands of life in BigLaw and assess which firms find the best balance.

Methodology

For every firm taking part in our annual interview-based research, we also invite their junior associates to respond to an online survey covering every aspect of law firm life. They complete 40 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 D&I and pro bono. 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. Each question involves a rating, which we agglomerate here for comparison. The quality of life scores are a combination of all topics that can affect personal fulfillment at a law firm, from salary, to hours, to flexible working, to parental policy. 

 

Quality of life: law firm rankings 2025  

The Elite

Bracewell | CahillCleary GottliebClifford Chance | Cooley | Irell & Manella | Linklaters | Mayer Brown | Morrison & Foerster | Simpson Thacher |

 

Excellent Performer

Akin | Arnold & Porter | Debevoise & Plimpton | Freshfields | Fried Frank | Holland & Knight | K&L Gates | McDermott | Paul Hastings | Proskauer Rose | Ropes & Gray | Sheppard Mullin | Skadden | Vinson & Elkins | Willkie Farr |

 

Strong Performer

A&O Shearman | Alston & Bird | Axinn | Baker Botts | Brown Rudnick | Davis Polk & Wardwell | Dechert | Faegre Drinker | Gibson Dunn | Goulston & Storrs | Haynes and Boone | Jenner & Block | Katten | King & Spalding | Kramer Levin | Latham & Watkins | Mintz Levin | Morgan Lewis | Munger, Tolles & Olson | Pillsbury | Schulte Roth & Zabel | Sullivan & Cromwell | Weil | White & Case | Wilson Sonsini |

Endorsed

Cadwalader | Covington & Burling | Cozen O'Connor | Cravath | DLA Piper | Duane Morris | Finnegan | Fish & Richardson | Foley & Lardner | Foley Hoag | Fox Rothschild | Goodwin | Greenberg Glusker | Greenberg Traurig | Gunderson | Hogan Lovells | Holwell Shuster | Hunton Andrews Kurth | Jackson Walker | Jones Day | Milbank | Norton Rose Fulbright | Orrick | Paul, Weiss | Perkins Coie | Polsinelli | Reed Smith | Richards, Layton & Finger | Seward & Kissel | Sterne Kessler | Vedder Price | Wiley | WilmerHale |

 

 

undefined

 

The most satisfied associates

Career development survey

Retention survey

Benefits and quality of life survey

The best firms for pro bono