In this article we are going to list the 5 largest law firms in the world by headcount. For a detailed coverage of this topic and a more comprehensive list please take a look at the 15 largest law firms in the world by headcount.
5. DLA Piper
Total headcount in 2021: 3,998
DLA Piper is the biggest law firm in London, and one of the largest law firms by headcount. DLA Piper has operations in over 40 countries and came into existence in 2005 through the merger of three major law firms. Historically, the first parent firm / ascendant of DLA Piper was actually formed more than 250 years ago in 1764.
4. Jingsh Law Firm
Total headcount in 2021: 4,682
Jingsh Law Firm is the second biggest law firm in China. Jingsh has more 47 offices across China and maintains alliances with more than 300 law firms in China. The company has also ” built cooperation with over 29 alliance law firms in nearly 23 countries such as France, Turkey, Greece, and Canada. Overseas branches in Germany, Poland, Singapore, Cambodia, and Toronto have already established and in New York, Washington, London, Sydney, and Warsaw will be in operation soon”.
3. Baker McKenzie
Total headcount in 2021: 4,699
Headquartered in Chicago, Baker McKenzie maintains operations in 46 countries where it has 77 offices. The firm earned over $3 billion in 2021. However, the company has also attracted controversy quite often especially being considered a go-to firm for the Kremlin in Russia, having represented many major Russian companies including sanctioned Russian companies. It is considered to be the biggest firm in the world by number of cross-border deals.
2. Yingke
Total headcount in 2021: 10,626
One of only law firms to have a headcount greater than 10,000 Yingke is the biggest Chinese law firm by number of employees. Yangke was established in 2001, and after opening officers in several cities in China, it expanded to Europe in 2010, opening its first office in Budapest. The company also has offices in several other European cities including Verona, Warsaw and Istanbul before moving on to the Americas, opening an office in New York City and then in Sao Paulo. The company engages in various segments including capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, commercial litigation, dispute resolution and financial services regulations among many others.
1. Dentons
Total headcount in 2021: 11,337
Topping the list of the 15 largest law firms by headcount is Dentons which is also counted among the biggest law firms in the world in terms of revenue, earning over $2.9 billion in 2021. The firm has operations in several countries globally with more than 190 offices in 77 countries, including China. In 2018, its profit per partner was over $1 million. The firm came into existence in 2015 through the merger of three major law firms but only became a global giant after its merger with Chinese legal company Dacheng in 2015.
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