Atlanta boasts a thriving legal market shaped by its role as a major economic and cultural hub in the Southeast. Home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, influential law firms, and government agencies, the city offers extensive opportunities for legal professionals.
From corporate legal departments at global enterprises to specialized boutique practices, Atlanta’s legal employers span diverse industries, including finance, healthcare, technology, and real estate. With its robust business landscape and competitive salaries, Atlanta attracts top legal talent and fosters a dynamic professional environment.
Biggest Law Firms in Atlanta
- Alston & Bird LLP: Founded in 1893, Alston & Bird is a leading Am Law 100 firm with over 800 attorneys across 13 offices, including Atlanta. The firm offers comprehensive legal services in areas such as corporate law, intellectual property, litigation, and tax. Notably, Alston & Bird has been recognized among Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” since 2000, reflecting its commitment to a positive workplace culture.
- King & Spalding LLP: Established in 1885, King & Spalding is an international law firm headquartered in Atlanta, with over 1,300 attorneys in 23 offices worldwide. The firm specializes in corporate law, litigation, and regulatory matters, serving a diverse clientele that includes numerous Fortune 500 companies. In 2023, The American Lawyer named King & Spalding “Law Firm of the Year,” highlighting its excellence in legal services.
- Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP: Formed in 2020 through the merger of Troutman Sanders and Pepper Hamilton, Troutman Pepper is a national law firm with more than 1,200 attorneys in 23 U.S. cities. The firm offers a wide range of legal services, including litigation, transactional, and regulatory practices, with significant expertise in sectors such as energy, financial services, and healthcare.
- Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP: Kilpatrick Townsend, founded in 1860, is renowned for its intellectual property practice, representing high-profile clients like Google and Sony. With over 650 attorneys across 22 offices, the firm also provides services in construction, corporate, and banking law. Its longstanding history and diverse practice areas make it a significant player in the legal industry.
- Arnall Golden Gregory LLP: Established in 1949, Arnall Golden Gregory is an Atlanta-based law firm with over 180 attorneys. The firm offers services in areas such as healthcare, real estate, and litigation, serving clients ranging from startups to multinational corporations. Arnall Golden Gregory is recognized for its deep industry knowledge and client-focused approach.
- Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP: Founded in 1976, Morris, Manning & Martin is a full-service law firm with over 200 attorneys. The firm specializes in real estate, corporate, and litigation services, with a strong focus on technology and healthcare sectors. Its commitment to client service and innovative solutions has earned it a prominent position in the legal community.
- Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP: Smith, Gambrell & Russell, established in 1893, is a full-service law firm with over 200 attorneys across multiple offices. The firm provides comprehensive legal services in areas such as corporate law, litigation, and intellectual property, serving a diverse client base that includes international corporations and emerging businesses.
- Parker, Hudson, Rainer & Dobbs LLP: Founded in 1981, Parker Hudson is a mid-sized law firm with a strong presence in Atlanta. The firm offers specialized services in areas like commercial finance, healthcare, and litigation, providing personalized attention and expertise to its clients. Its focused practice areas and client-centric approach distinguish it in the legal market.
- Taylor English Duma LLP: Established in 2005, Taylor English Duma is a full-service law firm with a unique business model that emphasizes efficiency and value. The firm offers a wide range of legal services, including corporate law, litigation, and intellectual property, serving clients from various industries. Its innovative approach and commitment to client service have contributed to its rapid growth and recognition.
- Fisher & Phillips LLP: Founded in 1943, Fisher & Phillips is a national labor and employment law firm with a significant presence in Atlanta. The firm specializes in representing employers in all aspects of labor and employment law, including litigation, compliance, and workplace safety. Its extensive experience and focus on employment law make it a trusted advisor for businesses nationwide.
Atlanta
Atlanta’s legal market is a hub for corporate law, litigation, and real estate, driven by its status as a major business and transportation center. Lawyers in Atlanta often specialize in corporate transactions, intellectual property, and employment law, serving the city’s Fortune 500 companies and growing tech sector. The city’s dynamic economy and diverse industries provide legal professionals with opportunities to work on high-profile cases and complex regulatory matters, making Atlanta a key market for ambitious lawyers.
Top Companies Hiring Legal Talent in Atlanta
Securing a legal position with one of Atlanta’s top employers often requires navigating a competitive and highly specialized market. Working with a legal recruiter can significantly improve your chances of landing a role at a prestigious company by providing insights into job openings, company cultures, and hiring practices. Atlanta’s largest companies offer diverse opportunities, from in-house counsel roles to compliance and regulatory positions.
- The Coca-Cola Company: Founded in 1886, The Coca-Cola Company is a global leader in the beverage industry, with headquarters in Atlanta. Employing over 79,000 people worldwide, its legal team handles intellectual property, marketing compliance, international trade, and litigation. The company’s extensive operations require a dynamic legal department to navigate global markets and regulatory challenges.
- Delta Air Lines: Delta, one of the world’s largest airlines, has been based in Atlanta since 1941. The company employs approximately 90,000 people and has a robust legal team managing aviation regulations, employment law, and corporate compliance. Legal professionals at Delta play a critical role in shaping policies for one of the most complex industries.
- UPS (United Parcel Service): Founded in 1907, UPS is a logistics powerhouse with global operations. Headquartered in Atlanta, the company employs more than 500,000 people worldwide. Its legal department focuses on commercial contracts, international trade compliance, and labor issues, making it a prime employer for lawyers specializing in logistics and corporate law.
- The Home Depot: Atlanta is home to The Home Depot, the largest home improvement retailer in the United States. With over 2,300 stores and 500,000 employees, the company’s legal team oversees contracts, intellectual property, and compliance matters. Notable for its impact on retail law and e-commerce, The Home Depot is a top employer for in-house counsel.
- Southern Company: As one of the largest energy providers in the U.S., Southern Company employs a legal team well-versed in environmental law, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance. Founded in 1945 and based in Atlanta, the company is instrumental in shaping energy policies and offers exciting opportunities for legal professionals in the utilities sector.
- NCR Corporation: NCR Corporation, a leader in digital banking and payment solutions, is headquartered in Atlanta. Founded in 1884, the company employs over 35,000 people globally. Its legal team is heavily involved in technology transactions, data privacy, and intellectual property, making it a compelling choice for lawyers with a tech focus.
- Cox Enterprises: Established in 1898, Cox Enterprises is a media, communications, and automotive conglomerate headquartered in Atlanta. With 50,000 employees, the company’s legal team addresses media law, intellectual property, and corporate governance. Cox offers opportunities for lawyers seeking to work in a dynamic and innovative environment.
- Georgia-Pacific: A leading manufacturer of paper and building products, Georgia-Pacific was founded in 1927 and is based in Atlanta. With more than 30,000 employees, its legal department handles environmental law, contracts, and labor issues. Lawyers here contribute to critical industry developments and compliance initiatives.
- Equifax: Equifax, a global data analytics and technology company, has been headquartered in Atlanta since 1899. Employing approximately 12,000 people worldwide, its legal team focuses on data privacy, cybersecurity, and corporate compliance. Notably, the company played a pivotal role in shaping regulations surrounding consumer credit and data protection.
