Newport Beach hosts a thriving legal market, driven by prominent law firms, financial institutions, and major corporations with specialized legal needs in areas like real estate, finance, and corporate litigation. California’s complex regulatory landscape attracts top legal talent, making Newport Beach ideal for attorneys pursuing challenging careers. Working with a recruiter can improve access to these major employers, whose influence spans both local and global markets.
Biggest Law Firms in Newport Beach
- Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth: Founded in 1975, Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth is a prominent law firm headquartered in Newport Beach, California. With over 130 attorneys across multiple offices, the firm specializes in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, business litigation, intellectual property, labor and employment, real estate, public law, and tax. Stradling has been recognized for its expertise in handling complex transactions and disputes, serving a diverse clientele ranging from emerging companies to established corporations.
- Rutan & Tucker, LLP: Established in 1955, Rutan & Tucker, LLP is one of California’s largest full-service law firms, headquartered in Irvine with a significant presence in Newport Beach. The firm offers a comprehensive range of legal services, including litigation and trial, corporate and tax, employment, government and regulatory, intellectual property, land use and entitlement, and real estate. Rutan & Tucker is known for its commitment to client service and has been involved in numerous high-profile cases and transactions across various industries.
- Newmeyer Dillion: Founded in 1984, Newmeyer Dillion is a full-service business law firm with offices throughout Newport Beach, Walnut Creek, and Las Vegas. The firm provides legal services in areas such as business litigation, construction, insurance, real estate, labor and employment, and environmental law. Newmeyer Dillion is recognized for its strategic approach to complex legal issues and has represented clients in significant cases, including construction defect litigation and insurance coverage disputes.
- Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP: Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, founded in 1890, is a global law firm with over 1,900 attorneys across 21 offices, including a significant presence in Newport Beach. The firm is renowned for its litigation practice, particularly in appellate law, and has been named the top “Litigation Department of the Year” by The American Lawyer multiple times. Gibson Dunn has represented clients in landmark cases, including Bush v. Gore and Citizens United v. FEC, and is recognized for its work in corporate transactions, real estate, and regulatory matters.
- Irell & Manella LLP: Established in 1941, Irell & Manella LLP is a law firm with approximately 70 attorneys, acclaimed for its expertise in complex business litigation and intellectual property litigation. The firm has a significant presence in Newport Beach and has been involved in high-stakes cases, including representing clients in patent infringement disputes and securities litigation. Irell & Manella is recognized for its high partner profits and selective hiring practices, maintaining a reputation for excellence in the legal community.
- Holland & Knight LLP: Holland & Knight LLP is a global law firm with more than 1,600 attorneys in 31 offices, including a presence in Newport Beach. The firm offers a wide range of legal services, including litigation, business, real estate, and governmental law. Holland & Knight is known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion and has been recognized for its pro bono work and community service. The firm’s Newport Beach office provides legal services to clients in various industries, including healthcare, technology, and finance.
- Bremer Whyte Brown & O’Meara LLP: Bremer Whyte Brown & O’Meara LLP, founded in 1997, is a full-service law firm with offices in California, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado, including a large presence in Newport Beach. The firm provides legal services in areas such as construction law, business litigation, employment law, and insurance defense. Bremer Whyte is recognized for its client-focused approach and has been involved in numerous high-profile cases, including complex construction defect litigation and employment disputes.
- Cummins & White, LLP: Established in 1951, Cummins & White, LLP is a full-service law firm based in Newport Beach, offering legal services in areas such as business and corporate law, insurance coverage, real estate, estate planning, and litigation. The firm is known for its personalized approach and long-standing client relationships, representing individuals, businesses, and insurance companies. Cummins & White has been involved in significant cases, including complex insurance coverage disputes and business litigation matters.
- Klein & Wilson: Klein & Wilson, founded in 1994, is a boutique litigation firm based in Newport Beach, specializing in business and commercial litigation, legal malpractice, and intellectual property disputes. The firm is known for its trial experience and has achieved numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for its clients. Klein & Wilson has been recognized for its excellence in litigation and is committed to providing high-quality legal representation to businesses and individuals.
- Ringstad & Sanders LLP: Ringstad & Sanders LLP is a law firm based in Newport Beach, specializing in bankruptcy, insolvency, and business litigation. The firm provides legal services to creditors, debtors, trustees, and other parties involved in bankruptcy proceedings. Ringstad & Sanders is known for its expertise in complex bankruptcy cases and has represented clients in various industries, including real estate, healthcare, and manufacturing. The firm’s attorneys are recognized for their in-depth knowledge of bankruptcy law and commitment to client service.
Newport Beach
Newport Beach’s legal market thrives on its connections to finance, real estate, and luxury industries. Lawyers in Newport Beach often specialize in corporate law, real estate transactions, and trusts and estates, serving affluent clients and high-profile businesses. The city’s strong economic base and upscale community provide legal professionals with opportunities to work on complex financial deals, property developments, and estate planning, making it a sought-after destination for legal expertise.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Securing a legal position with Newport Beach’s leading employers often requires the assistance of a skilled legal recruiter, as these companies are selective and frequently seek candidates with specialized expertise. Known for a strong business environment, Newport Beach is home to corporations in finance, real estate, healthcare, and technology that provide significant opportunities for legal professionals. Here are some of the top companies in Newport Beach that employ in-house legal teams:
- Pacific Life Insurance Company: Founded in 1868, Pacific Life is a major player in the financial services and insurance industry, headquartered in Newport Beach. The company has over 4,000 employees and a substantial legal department responsible for handling insurance regulations, investment law, and corporate governance. Pacific Life has been recognized for its customer-centric approach and commitment to community development, providing lawyers the opportunity to work on impactful financial and regulatory matters.
- PIMCO (Pacific Investment Management Company): Established in 1971, PIMCO is one of the world’s largest asset management firms, with its headquarters in Newport Beach and approximately 3,000 employees globally. PIMCO’s legal team addresses complex regulatory compliance, investment contracts, and international financial regulations, given the firm’s significant influence in global markets. PIMCO’s reputation for financial innovation and market insights makes it a prestigious employer for legal professionals with expertise in securities law.
- Allergan (now part of AbbVie): Allergan, founded in 1948 and integrated with AbbVie in 2020, is a pharmaceutical leader with a strong focus on aesthetics and eye care products. Allergan’s Newport Beach operations have a dedicated legal team that handles regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and pharmaceutical litigation. Known for innovations like Botox, Allergan offers unique opportunities for attorneys interested in healthcare and intellectual property law.
- Acorns: Acorns, a financial technology company founded in 2012, has become a key player in the micro-investing market with its popular app-based investment platform. Based in Irvine with a strong presence in Newport Beach, Acorns employs legal professionals to manage compliance, privacy law, and financial technology regulations. The company’s rapid growth and focus on democratizing investment make it an attractive destination for lawyers interested in fintech and consumer finance law.
- Chipotle Mexican Grill: While headquartered in Newport Beach since 2018, Chipotle is a major brand with over 100,000 employees across its locations. Chipotle’s in-house legal team handles employment law, franchise compliance, real estate transactions, and regulatory matters related to food safety. Known for its ethical supply chain initiatives, Chipotle is a high-profile employer for legal professionals passionate about corporate responsibility and compliance in the food industry.
- Moss Adams LLP: Moss Adams, an accounting, consulting, and wealth management firm, has a Newport Beach office with a legal team focused on tax law, business compliance, and consulting for high-net-worth individuals. Founded in 1913, Moss Adams has approximately 3,200 employees. The company’s legal professionals often work on tax-related cases and strategic financial planning, making it a prime employer for lawyers skilled in tax and business law.
- Irvine Company: Founded in 1864, Irvine Company is a major real estate developer and landlord in Southern California, managing retail, office, and residential properties. With around 3,000 employees, Irvine Company’s legal team deals with complex real estate transactions, zoning issues, and corporate compliance. Known for its impact on Newport Beach’s development, Irvine Company provides opportunities for attorneys specializing in real estate and corporate law.
- Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian: Hoag Memorial Hospital, a prominent healthcare provider in Newport Beach, employs legal professionals to manage healthcare compliance, patient privacy issues, and medical liability. Founded in 1952, Hoag has over 6,500 employees and is known for its top-rated medical services in Orange County. Legal professionals at Hoag engage with healthcare regulations and corporate governance, making it a reputable choice for lawyers in the healthcare sector.
- Pacific Premier Bank: Established in 1983, Pacific Premier Bank is a regional bank headquartered in Irvine with a strong presence in Newport Beach. The bank employs legal professionals to oversee banking regulations, lending compliance, and corporate governance. With over 1,000 employees, Pacific Premier Bank provides legal professionals the chance to work on regional and national regulatory matters, making it an ideal environment for lawyers experienced in financial and banking law.
- St. Joseph Health: Part of the Providence health system, St. Joseph Health operates healthcare facilities throughout Southern California, including a significant presence in Newport Beach. Founded in 1982, the organization has thousands of employees and an active legal team addressing healthcare compliance, employment law, and hospital governance. Lawyers at St. Joseph Health contribute to maintaining high standards in patient care and regulatory compliance within the healthcare industry.
