The legal industry in the United States is a highly competitive and lucrative market, with top law firms constantly vying for the most talented lawyers and high-profile clients. In this article, we will take a closer look at the CEOs and chairpersons of the top 10 law firms in America, ranked by their 2021 revenue. These individuals are not only responsible for the overall success and growth of their respective firms, but also play a crucial role in shaping the legal landscape of the country.
Kirkland and Ellis
Kirkland and Ellis is currently the top law firm in America, with a reported revenue of $4.83 billion in 2021. Founded in 1909, the firm has grown to become one of the largest and most prestigious law firms in the world, with over 2,900 lawyers across 15 offices globally.
Chairman Profile – Jon A. Ballis
Personal Information
- Name: Jon A. Ballis;
- Law Firm: Kirkland & Ellis;
- Position: Chairman;
- Years in Position: 2 years;
- Practice Area: Private Equity.
Jon A. Ballis is the current chairman of Kirkland and Ellis, having taken on the role in February 2020. He is responsible for establishing and executing upon the firm’s strategic priorities, including advancing business initiatives and client engagement, and promoting a culture of performance, collaboration, and collegiality.
Leadership and Achievements
Under Jon’s leadership, Kirkland and Ellis has received numerous accolades and recognitions, including being named “Law Firm of the Year” by Chambers USA in 2020. The firm has also been recognized for its diversity and sustainability efforts, with Jon himself being named as one of the “Notable Diverse Leaders in Law” by Crain’s Chicago Business and one of the “Notable Leaders in Sustainability” by Crain’s Custom Media.
Aside from his professional achievements, Jon is also dedicated to giving back to the community. He is a member of Legal Aid Chicago’s Justice Circle, which provides pro bono legal services to low-income individuals and families. He also serves on the boards of various organizations, including the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, the Anti-Defamation League, and the Vision for Tomorrow Foundation, which focuses on providing resources and support for children with visual impairments.
Latham and Watkins
With a reported revenue of $4.33 billion in 2021, Latham and Watkins takes the second spot on our list of top law firms in America. Founded in 1934, the firm has grown to become one of the largest and most prestigious law firms in the world, with over 2,700 lawyers across 35 offices globally.
Chairman Profile – Richard Trobman
Personal Information
- Name: Richard Trobman;
- Law Firm: Latham and Watkins;
- Position: Chair and Managing Partner;
- Years in Position: 2 years;
- Practice Area: Corporate Transactions.
Richard Trobman is the current chair and managing partner of Latham and Watkins, having taken on the role in January 2020. He is responsible for overseeing the firm’s strategic direction and overall operations, as well as leading the firm’s corporate transactions practice.
Leadership and Achievements
Under Richard’s leadership, Latham and Watkins has received numerous accolades and recognitions, including being named “Law Firm of the Year” by Chambers USA in 2021. The firm has also been recognized for its diversity efforts, with Richard himself being named as one of the “Most Influential Minority Attorneys” by Law360.
Aside from his professional achievements, Richard is also dedicated to giving back to the community. He serves on the boards of various organizations, including the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles and the Constitutional Rights Foundation.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright takes the third spot on our list of top law firms in America, with a reported revenue of $2.31 billion in 2021. Founded in 2013 through a merger between Norton Rose and Fulbright & Jaworski, the firm has over 4,000 lawyers across 33 offices globally.
Global Chair Profile – Shauna Clark
Personal Information
- Name: Shauna Clark;
- Law Firm: Norton Rose Fulbright;
- Position: Global Chair;
- Years in Position: 1 year;
- Practice Area: Corporate Transactions.
Shauna Clark is the current global chair of Norton Rose Fulbright, having taken on the role in January 2020. She is responsible for overseeing the firm’s strategic direction and overall operations, as well as leading the firm’s corporate transactions practice.
Leadership
Under Shauna’s leadership, Norton Rose Fulbright has received numerous accolades and recognitions, including being named “Law Firm of the Year” by Chambers USA in 2020. The firm has also been recognized for its diversity efforts, with Shauna herself being named as one of the “Most Influential Women Lawyers” by National Law Journal.
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie takes the fourth spot on our list of top law firms in America, with a reported revenue of $2.9 billion in 2021. Founded in 1949, the firm has over 4,700 lawyers across 77 offices globally.
Chair Profile – Milton Cheng
Personal Information
- Name: Milton Cheng;
- Law Firm: Baker McKenzie;
- Position: Chair;
- Years in Position: 4 years;
- Practice Area: Corporate Transactions.
Milton Cheng is the current chair of Baker McKenzie, having taken on the role in October 2017. He is responsible for overseeing the firm’s strategic direction and overall operations, as well as leading the firm’s corporate transactions practice.
Leadership and Achievements
Under Milton’s leadership, Baker McKenzie has received numerous accolades and recognitions, including being named “Law Firm of the Year” by Chambers Global in 2021. The firm has also been recognized for its diversity efforts, with Milton himself being named as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential Asian Americans” by Asian Legal Business.
Aside from his professional achievements, Milton is also dedicated to giving back to the community. He serves on the boards of various organizations, including the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre and the Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom LLP
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom LLP takes the fifth spot on our list of top law firms in America, with a reported revenue of $2.8 billion in 2021. Founded in 1948, the firm has over 1,700 lawyers across 22 offices globally.
Executive Partner Profile – Eric J. Friedman
Personal Information
- Name: Eric J. Friedman;
- Law Firm: Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom LLP;
- Position: Executive Partner;
- Years in Position: 4 years;
- Practice Area: Corporate Transactions.
Eric J. Friedman is the current executive partner of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom LLP, having taken on the role in January 2017. He is responsible for overseeing the firm’s strategic direction and overall operations, as well as leading the firm’s corporate transactions practice.
White and Case
White and Case takes the sixth spot on our list of top law firms in America, with a reported revenue of $2.7 billion in 2021. Founded in 1901, the firm has over 2,200 lawyers across 44 offices globally.
Chair Profile – Hugh Verrier
Personal Information
- Name: Hugh Verrier;
- Law Firm: White and Case;
- Position: Chair;
- Years in Position: 14 years;
- Practice Area: Corporate Transactions.
Hugh Verrier is the current chair of White and Case, having taken on the role in 2007. He is responsible for overseeing the firm’s strategic direction and overall operations, as well as leading the firm’s corporate transactions practice.
Sidley Austin
Sidley Austin takes the seventh spot on our list of top law firms in America, with a reported revenue of $2.4 billion in 2021. Founded in 1866, the firm has over 2,000 lawyers across 20 offices globally.
Chair Profile – Larry Barden
Personal Information
- Name: Larry Barden;
- Law Firm: Sidley Austin;
- Position: Chair;
- Years in Position: 1 year;
- Practice Area: Corporate Transactions.
Larry Barden is the current chair of Sidley Austin, having taken on the role in January 2020. He is responsible for overseeing the firm’s strategic direction and overall operations, as well as leading the firm’s corporate transactions practice.
Hogan Lovells
Hogan Lovells takes the eighth spot on our list of top law firms in America, with a reported revenue of $2.3 billion in 2021. Founded in 2010 through a merger between Hogan & Hartson and Lovells, the firm has over 2,800 lawyers across 48 offices globally.
CEO Profile – Miguel Zaldivar
Personal Information
- Name: Miguel Zaldivar;
- Law Firm: Hogan Lovells;
- Position: CEO;
- Years in Position: 1 year;
- Practice Area: Corporate Transactions.
Miguel Zaldivar is the current CEO of Hogan Lovells, having taken on the role in July 2020. He is responsible for overseeing the firm’s strategic direction and overall operations, as well as leading the firm’s corporate transactions practice.
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP takes the ninth spot on our list of top law firms in America, with a reported revenue of $2.2 billion in 2021. Founded in 1873, the firm has over 2,200 lawyers across 31 offices globally.
Chair Profile – Jami McKeon
Personal Information
- Name: Jami McKeon;
- Law Firm: Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP;
- Position: Chair;
- Years in Position: 8 years;
- Practice Area: Corporate Transactions.
Jami McKeon is the current chair of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, having taken on the role in October 2014. She is responsible for overseeing the firm’s strategic direction and overall operations, as well as leading the firm’s corporate transactions practice.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper takes the tenth spot on our list of top law firms in America, with a reported revenue of $2.1 billion in 2021. Founded in 2005 through a merger between DLA, Piper Rudnick, and Gray Cary, the firm has over 4,000 lawyers across 90 offices globally.
Co-Chair Profile – Roger Meltzer
Personal Information
- Name: Roger Meltzer;
- Law Firm: DLA Piper;
- Position: Co-Chair;
- Years in Position: 3 years;
- Practice Area: Corporate Transactions.
Roger Meltzer is the current co-chair of DLA Piper, having taken on the role in January 2018. He is responsible for overseeing the firm’s strategic direction and overall operations, as well as leading the firm’s corporate transactions practice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the CEOs and chairpersons of the top 10 law firms in America are highly accomplished and respected individuals in the legal industry. They have not only achieved great success in their respective firms, but also have made significant contributions to the legal community through their leadership and dedication to pro bono work.
Their diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise demonstrate the importance of having a well-rounded team at the helm of a successful law firm. These leaders serve as role models for aspiring lawyers and showcase the potential for growth and impact within the legal profession.
As these firms continue to thrive and make a positive impact in the legal landscape, we can expect to see even more impressive achievements from their CEOs and chairpersons in the years to come.