Top law firms for mid to senior 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 5th to 8th year associates. 

The top law firms for Mid to Senior Associate Satisfaction 2026   

The Elite 

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton | Clifford Chance | Dechert | Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher | Jackson Walker | Mayer Brown | Morgan, Lewis & Bockius | Norton Rose Fulbright | Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe | Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton | 

Excellent performer   

Akin | Alston & Bird | Ashurst | Cahill Gordon & Reindel | Elsberg Baker & Maruri | Fish & Richardson | Freshfields | Jenner & Block | Linklaters | Munger, Tolles & Olson | Perkins Coie | Simpson Thacher & Bartlett | White & Case | Wiley | Willkie Farr & Gallagher | 

Strong performer   

Arnold & Porter | Axinn | Bracewell | Brown Rudnick | Cooley | Cozen O'Connor | Debevoise & Plimpton | DLA Piper | Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner | Goulston & Storrs | Greenberg Glusker | Haynes and Boone | Hunton Andrews Kurth | Irell & Manella | Katten | Latham & Watkins | McDermott Will & Schulte | Morrison & Foerster | Paul Hastings | Proskauer Rose | Seward & Kissel | Seyfarth Shaw | Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox | Vedder | Winston & Strawn | 

Endorsed

Foley & Lardner | Goodwin | Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian | Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer | Jones Day | King & Spalding | Milbank | Mintz | Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler | Polsinelli | Skadden,  Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom | Sullivan & Cromwell | Venable | Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati |