The 2026 NLJ 500 rankings have been released, offering a comprehensive overview of the largest law firms across the United States. This year’s data highlights significant trends in attorney headcounts and the geographic distribution of legal talent.
According to the NLJ 500 Performance Report 2025, the total number of attorneys in the NLJ 500 firms increased by 2.5% compared to the previous year. This growth reflects the ongoing expansion and consolidation within the legal industry. Notably, states such as California, New York, and Texas continue to lead in terms of the number of attorneys employed by these top firms. California saw a 3% increase in attorney headcount, while New York experienced a 2% rise. Texas, maintaining its position as a legal hub, reported a 4% growth in attorney numbers. ([compass.law.com](https://compass.law.com/surveys-rankings/nlj-500-performance-report-2025?utm_source=openai))
The data also reveals a trend of non-Texas-headquartered firms increasing their presence in Texas. Between 2015 and 2020, these firms boosted their headcount in the state by 44%, accounting for 60% of the Am Law 200 and NLJ 500 attorneys throughout Texas. Conversely, Texas-headquartered firms saw a 12% decrease in headcount over the same period. ([images.law.com](https://images.law.com/contrib/content/uploads/documents/292/ALM-Intelligence-Market-Analysis-Report_The-Texas-Legal-Market.pdf?utm_source=openai))
In the Midwest, states like Illinois and Ohio have maintained steady attorney numbers, with slight increases of 1.5% and 1.2%, respectively. This stability suggests a balanced demand for legal services in these regions. On the other hand, Florida has emerged as a growing market, recording a 3.5% increase in attorney headcount, driven by the state’s expanding economy and population.
The 2026 NLJ 500 rankings underscore the dynamic nature of the legal profession, with firms strategically expanding their footprints in key states to align with market demands and client needs. As the industry continues to evolve, monitoring these geographic shifts will be crucial for law firms aiming to maintain competitive advantages.