Boston, a hub of innovation and education, boasts some of the largest and most influential employers in the nation. The city’s robust economy thrives on its world-renowned universities, leading healthcare institutions, and cutting-edge tech companies. These organizations not only contribute significantly to the local economy but also provide vast employment opportunities across various sectors.
The presence of prominent financial institutions, top-tier research facilities, and dynamic startups further fuels Boston’s growth. This blend of diverse industries makes Boston an attractive destination for professionals seeking opportunities in a vibrant and forward-thinking urban environment.
Biggest Law Firms in Boston
- Ropes & Gray: Founded in 1865, Ropes & Gray is a leading global law firm with over 1,400 lawyers across 11 offices worldwide. Known for its expertise in private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property, Ropes & Gray consistently ranks among the top law firms in the Am Law 100. The firm has handled notable cases such as the representation of Bain Capital in its acquisition deals and has a strong commitment to pro bono work.
- WilmerHale: WilmerHale was formed in 2004 through the merger of Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering and Hale and Dorr, with origins dating back to 1918. With more than 1,000 attorneys across 13 offices, the firm is renowned for its litigation, regulatory, and securities law practices. It is an Am Law 100 firm and has been involved in significant cases, including representing Apple in its patent battles and advising the U.S. government on various regulatory issues.
- Goodwin Procter: Established in 1912, Goodwin Procter is a prominent Am Law 100 firm with over 1,600 lawyers. The firm excels in private equity, real estate, technology, and life sciences sectors. Goodwin Procter has been instrumental in high-profile deals such as the IPO of biotech companies and advising on significant real estate transactions. The firm’s innovative approach and sector-specific expertise make it a leader in the legal industry.
- Kirkland & Ellis: Established in 1909, Kirkland & Ellis stands as one of the premier global law firms, renowned for its expertise in corporate law, intellectual property, litigation, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity, and restructuring. Boasting over 3,500 attorneys worldwide, the firm consistently ranks at the top of the Am Law 100. Kirkland & Ellis has been instrumental in high-profile cases, including guiding General Motors through its bankruptcy and advising on some of the most significant private equity transactions in history.
- Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom: Skadden, founded in 1948, is one of the most prestigious law firms globally, with more than 1,700 lawyers. The firm is renowned for its M&A prowess, having handled some of the largest and most complex transactions worldwide. Skadden was the first law firm to report over $1 billion in annual revenue, a testament to its significant influence and success in the legal field.
- Choate, Hall & Stewart: Since its founding in 1899, Choate Hall & Stewart has maintained its status as a premier Boston-based law firm. With a smaller, more focused team of about 200 attorneys, the firm excels in areas such as private equity, insurance, intellectual property, and litigation. Choate’s collaborative environment and client-centric approach have earned it a strong reputation in the legal community.
- Mintz Levin: Mintz Levin, established in 1933, is a powerhouse in litigation and a catalyst for business innovation. The firm has over 500 attorneys working across multiple practice areas, including health law, intellectual property, and employment law. Mintz Levin’s growth is driven by its strategic presence in financial markets and regulatory hubs, making it a critical player in the legal landscape.
- Foley Hoag: Founded in 1943, Foley Hoag is a respected law firm with a strong commitment to public interest work. The firm has about 300 lawyers and is known for its environmental law, corporate law, and international litigation practices. Foley Hoag has a notable history of handling high-stakes cases, including international arbitrations and major environmental litigation.
- Goulston & Storrs: Goulston & Storrs, established in 1900, is a leading law firm with a focus on real estate, corporate law, and litigation. With over 200 attorneys, the firm is recognized for its work in complex real estate transactions and development projects. Goulston & Storrs’ collaborative culture and client-focused approach have positioned it as a key player in the Boston legal market.
- Nixon Peabody: Nixon Peabody, founded in 1999 through the merger of several firms, is an Am Law 100 firm with more than 600 attorneys. The firm offers a wide range of services, including corporate law, intellectual property, and healthcare law. Nixon Peabody is known for its innovative legal solutions and has been involved in significant transactions and litigation, making it a prominent name in the legal industry.
Boston
Boston’s legal market is renowned for its focus on education, healthcare, and technology sectors. As home to prestigious universities and leading biotech companies, the city offers lawyers opportunities in intellectual property, healthcare law, and venture capital. With a strong tradition of legal excellence, Boston provides a rich environment for legal professionals to engage in complex corporate transactions, litigation, and cutting-edge legal work.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Getting placement in Boston’s top legal departments often requires strategic networking and guidance, which can be significantly enhanced by working with a legal recruiter. Boston hosts numerous major companies across diverse industries that demand extensive legal expertise to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and business operations.
- General Electric (GE): Founded in 1892, General Electric is a multinational conglomerate with significant operations in Boston. GE employs a large team of in-house lawyers who handle a broad range of legal issues, from corporate governance and mergers & acquisitions to intellectual property and regulatory compliance. The company’s legal team plays a crucial role in managing its diverse business units, which include aviation, healthcare, power, and renewable energy.
- Liberty Mutual Insurance: Liberty Mutual, established in 1912, is one of the largest property and casualty insurers globally, with its headquarters in Boston. The company employs a substantial legal team to manage claims, regulatory compliance, and corporate legal matters. Liberty Mutual’s lawyers are involved in litigation, contract management, and advising on insurance laws, providing comprehensive legal support for the company’s extensive operations.
- State Street Corporation: Founded in 1792, State Street Corporation is a leading financial services and bank holding company headquartered in Boston. The company’s legal department handles issues related to asset management, investment services, and financial regulations. State Street’s legal professionals ensure compliance with global financial laws and provide strategic advice on mergers, acquisitions, and corporate governance.
- Biogen: Biogen, a pioneering biotech company founded in 1978, is based in Cambridge, near Boston. Biogen’s legal team is instrumental in managing intellectual property, regulatory affairs, and corporate transactions. The company’s lawyers support its research and development activities by securing patents, navigating FDA regulations, and handling collaborations and licensing agreements.
- Boston Scientific: Boston Scientific, established in 1979, is a global medical device manufacturer with significant legal needs. The company employs a robust legal team to manage regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and litigation. Lawyers at Boston Scientific play a vital role in ensuring the company’s products meet legal and safety standards, and they handle complex patent and trademark issues.
- Fidelity Investments: Founded in 1946, Fidelity Investments is one of the largest financial services companies in the world. Its Boston headquarters houses a substantial legal team that addresses regulatory compliance, securities law, and corporate transactions. Fidelity’s legal professionals provide crucial support in areas such as investment management, brokerage services, and retirement planning.
- Iron Mountain: Iron Mountain, founded in 1951, is a global leader in information management and storage services. The company’s legal department oversees a wide range of issues, including data privacy, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. Iron Mountain’s lawyers are essential in managing contracts, mergers and acquisitions, and ensuring compliance with international data protection laws.
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals: Established in 1989, Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company based in Boston, focusing on developing innovative therapies for serious diseases. Vertex’s legal team is heavily involved in intellectual property management, regulatory compliance, and corporate transactions. The lawyers at Vertex support the company’s R&D efforts by securing patents and navigating complex FDA regulations.
- Partners HealthCare (Mass General Brigham): Founded in 1994, Partners HealthCare is one of the largest healthcare providers in Massachusetts. Its legal team handles a variety of issues, including healthcare law, compliance, and medical malpractice defense. The lawyers at Partners HealthCare provide critical support in managing the legal aspects of patient care, research, and hospital administration.
- Raytheon Technologies: Raytheon Technologies, established in 2020 through the merger of Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation, is a major aerospace and defense conglomerate. Headquartered in Waltham, near Boston, the company employs a significant number of legal professionals. Raytheon’s legal team manages defense contracts, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property, playing a pivotal role in the company’s operations and strategic initiatives.
