The New York Law Journal has released its annual NYLJ 100, ranking the largest law firms in New York by headcount for the year 2023. Notably, many Biglaw firms recorded an increase in their New York City headcounts this past year. The top 100 firms saw a cumulative 4% rise in attorney numbers compared to 2022, reflecting the continued growth in the New York legal market.
In total, about 25,736 attorneys were employed in these firms’ New York offices in 2023. Approximately three-quarters of these firms experienced some form of headcount growth, highlighting a positive trend in the expansion of their New York footprint. The leading 15 firms by number of attorneys in New York are as follows:
- Kirkland & Ellis: 842
- Paul Weiss: 803
- Davis Polk: 782
- Simpson Thacher: 735
- Latham: 717
- Skadden: 650
- Debevoise: 648
- Weil Gotshal: 603
- Sullivan & Cromwell: 535
- Fried Frank: 493
- Milbank: 481
- Willkie: 458
- Gibson Dunn: 454
- Ropes & Gray: 453
- Sidley: 448
- Cravath: 448
Kirkland & Ellis continues to lead the list with 842 attorneys, maintaining its position as the largest employer of lawyers in New York. For those interested in the full ranking and detailed headcounts, further information can be found on the New York Law Journal website.
To put these figures into perspective, nearly three-quarters of the listed firms witnessed headcount growth, indicating a robust demand for legal services in the Big Apple. This trend underlines New York as a pivotal hub for legal professionals, continuing to attract talent and business alike.
For the extended list of the NYLJ 100, including firms ranked 16 through 100, and a deeper dive into the data, visit the New York Law Journal.