Washington, D.C. is home to some of the largest and most prestigious legal employers in the country. The nation’s capital offers a dynamic legal market driven by government agencies, prominent law firms, multinational corporations, and influential nonprofit organizations. With a high demand for legal expertise, Washington, D.C. attracts top legal talent from across the nation. Whether you are an experienced attorney or a recent law school graduate, understanding the major players in this vibrant legal landscape can help you navigate your career and seize opportunities in one of the most competitive and rewarding legal markets in the world. Working with a legal recruiter can give you a significant advantage by connecting you with the right opportunities and providing valuable insights into the hiring practices of these top employers.
Biggest Law Firms in Washington D.C.
- Covington & Burling LLP: Founded in 1919, Covington & Burling LLP is a prominent law firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. With over 1,300 attorneys, the firm is known for its expertise in regulatory, litigation, and transactional matters. Covington has represented high-profile clients like Microsoft and the NFL, and it played a significant role in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill litigation. The firm is consistently ranked among the top 50 in the Am Law 100.
- Hogan Lovells US LLP: Hogan Lovells US LLP was established in 1904 and has grown into a global legal powerhouse with more than 2,600 lawyers. The firm is a result of the 2010 merger between Hogan & Hartson and Lovells. Known for its work in corporate, litigation, and regulatory areas, Hogan Lovells has advised clients such as General Electric and Ford Motor Company. It regularly features in the top 10 of the Am Law 100 rankings.
- WilmerHale LLP: WilmerHale LLP, formed through the merger of Wilmer Cutler Pickering and Hale and Dorr in 2004, boasts a strong presence in Washington, D.C. With over 1,000 attorneys, the firm is renowned for its work in litigation, securities enforcement, and intellectual property. Notable clients include Apple and Facebook. WilmerHale is a top-tier firm in the Am Law 100, frequently recognized for its pro bono efforts.
- Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, founded in 1945, is a leading global law firm with more than 900 attorneys. The firm is known for its strength in public law and policy, energy, and corporate practices. Akin Gump has represented major clients like AT&T and Amazon. The firm consistently ranks in the top 25 of the Am Law 100, reflecting its significant influence and reach.
- Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP: Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP was established in 1946 and merged with Kaye Scholer in 2017, creating a formidable legal entity with over 1,000 lawyers. The firm is highly regarded for its regulatory, litigation, and transactional work. Notable cases include representing the tobacco industry in landmark litigation. Arnold & Porter is regularly listed in the top 50 of the Am Law 100.
- Sidley Austin LLP: Founded in 1866, Sidley Austin LLP is one of the oldest and largest law firms in the world, with over 2,000 attorneys. The firm excels in corporate, litigation, and regulatory practices. Sidley Austin has represented clients such as Goldman Sachs and Pfizer in significant legal matters. It is consistently ranked in the top 10 of the Am Law 100, highlighting its prestigious reputation.
- Latham & Watkins LLP: Latham & Watkins LLP, established in 1934, is a global law firm with more than 3,000 attorneys. Known for its expertise in corporate, finance, and litigation matters, the firm has advised high-profile clients like Walt Disney and Uber. Latham & Watkins is frequently ranked in the top 5 of the Am Law 100, underscoring its global influence and financial success.
- Steptoe & Johnson LLP: Steptoe & Johnson LLP was founded in 1913 and has a strong presence in Washington, D.C. The firm, with over 500 attorneys, is well-regarded for its work in litigation, regulatory, and international law. Steptoe & Johnson has represented notable clients such as Google and Chevron. The firm is a respected member of the Am Law 100, recognized for its specialized expertise.
- Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP: Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, founded in 1873, is a leading global law firm with more than 2,200 lawyers. The firm is known for its work in labor and employment, corporate, and litigation matters. Morgan Lewis has represented significant clients like ExxonMobil and JPMorgan Chase. It is consistently ranked in the top 20 of the Am Law 100, reflecting its robust practice and extensive reach.
- Venable LLP: Established in 1900, Venable LLP is a prominent law firm headquartered in Washington, D.C., with over 800 attorneys. The firm excels in regulatory, corporate, and litigation practices. Venable has advised clients such as Marriott International and Under Armour. It is regularly featured in the top 75 of the Am Law 100, known for its strong government affairs and lobbying capabilities.
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Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
In Washington, D.C., some of the largest and most influential companies employ many legal professionals to handle their complex legal needs. These companies span various industries, including technology, finance, energy, and healthcare. Navigating the job market within these prestigious organizations often requires the expertise of a legal recruiter, who can provide invaluable insights and connections to secure a placement.
- Amazon: Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Seattle, WA, with significant operations in Washington, D.C., employs over 1.3 million people worldwide. Amazon’s legal team in D.C. focuses on regulatory issues, government affairs, and compliance, especially concerning its cloud computing services (AWS) and e-commerce operations. With its rapid expansion and diverse business interests, Amazon offers numerous opportunities for legal professionals to work on groundbreaking projects.
- Lockheed Martin: Established in 1995 through the merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta, is headquartered in Bethesda, MD, and has approximately 110,000 employees. As a leading aerospace and defense company, Lockheed Martin employs a large legal team to manage contracts, compliance, and intellectual property issues. Lawyers here work on cutting-edge projects, such as the F-35 Lightning II and various space exploration missions, contributing to national security and technological advancements.
- The Carlyle Group: Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., has over 1,800 employees managing $276 billion in assets. This global investment firm relies heavily on its legal department to navigate complex financial transactions, regulatory matters, and international law. Lawyers at The Carlyle Group are involved in high-stakes deals and strategic planning, supporting investments in sectors like aerospace, healthcare, and technology.
- Georgetown University: Founded in 1789 and located in Washington, D.C., has over 19,000 students and 4,500 faculty and staff. Georgetown employs a significant number of legal professionals to handle academic compliance, employment law, and intellectual property matters. Its legal team plays a crucial role in maintaining the university’s prestigious reputation and supporting initiatives like the Georgetown Law Center, a top-ranked law school.
- Fannie Mae: Established in 1938 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., employs approximately 7,500 people. As a government-sponsored enterprise, Fannie Mae’s legal department is integral in managing regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and mortgage law. Legal professionals here contribute to the stability of the housing finance system, working on significant issues like affordable housing and mortgage-backed securities.