Philadelphia is a city rich in history and economic diversity, hosting a variety of significant employers across key sectors such as healthcare, education, finance, and technology. This economic diversity drives the city’s vibrant job market and offers ample career opportunities for professionals across different fields.
The presence of prestigious universities, leading healthcare institutions, and innovative tech companies not only contributes to the city’s economic strength but also attracts a skilled workforce from across the country. With its strategic location on the East Coast and a robust infrastructure, Philadelphia provides a dynamic environment for both established professionals and newcomers seeking to advance their careers in a thriving metropolitan area.
Biggest Law Firms in Philadelphia
- Morgan Lewis: Founded in 1873, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is a global law firm headquartered in Philadelphia with over 2,200 lawyers across 31 offices worldwide. Renowned for its work in corporate law, energy, and intellectual property, the firm represents 75% of the Fortune 100 companies. Morgan Lewis is also recognized for its significant pro bono efforts, contributing over 115,000 hours annually. The firm has handled notable cases like the Obergefell v. Hodges amicus brief supporting same-sex marriage.
- Dechert: Established in 1875, Dechert LLP is an international law firm based in Philadelphia with more than 1,000 lawyers in 22 offices. Known for its expertise in financial services, litigation, and corporate law, Dechert frequently appears on the Am Law 100 list. The firm has been involved in high-profile cases, including representing pharmaceutical companies in complex litigation and handling significant mergers and acquisitions.
- Duane Morris: Founded in 1904, Duane Morris LLP has grown to over 800 attorneys in 29 offices worldwide. The firm is recognized for its work in intellectual property, business litigation, and corporate law. Duane Morris is known for its entrepreneurial culture and significant contributions to pro bono work, earning accolades for its community service initiatives. The firm has a strong presence in the healthcare and energy sectors.
- Cozen O’Connor: Founded in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has expanded to more than 775 attorneys across 31 offices. The firm is well-regarded for its litigation and insurance practices, consistently ranking high on the Am Law 100 list. Cozen O’Connor represents a diverse range of clients, from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses, in areas such as real estate, labor and employment, and intellectual property.
- Ballard Spahr: Established in 1885, Ballard Spahr LLP is a national firm with over 650 lawyers in 15 offices. The firm excels in public finance, real estate, and litigation, and has been involved in significant legal matters such as the restructuring of municipal bonds and high-profile real estate developments. Ballard Spahr is known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, regularly earning recognition for its inclusive workplace initiatives.
- Blank Rome: Blank Rome LLP was founded in 1946 and has grown to more than 600 attorneys in 14 offices. The firm is distinguished by its maritime law practice, one of the largest in the United States, as well as its strengths in litigation, corporate law, and government contracts. Blank Rome is also known for its robust pro bono program and community involvement.
- Fox Rothschild: Founded in 1907, Fox Rothschild LLP is a full-service law firm with more than 950 lawyers in 29 offices nationwide. The firm is recognized for its work in family law, entertainment law, and intellectual property. Fox Rothschild has a strong reputation for providing personalized client service and maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment.
- Pepper Hamilton: Pepper Hamilton LLP, established in 1890, merged with Troutman Sanders in 2020 to form Troutman Pepper. The firm has a strong presence in litigation, corporate law, and regulatory matters, with a particular focus on the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Pepper Hamilton is known for its innovative legal solutions and commitment to client service.
- Drinker Biddle & Reath: Founded in 1849, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP merged with Faegre Baker Daniels in 2020 to become Faegre Drinker. The firm has over 1,300 attorneys across 22 offices, offering a wide range of services including corporate, litigation, intellectual property, and regulatory advice. Drinker Biddle is noted for its strong client relationships and extensive pro bono efforts.
- Reed Smith: Reed Smith LLP, established in 1877, is an international law firm with more than 1,800 lawyers in 30 offices. The firm is renowned for its work in financial services, life sciences, and media and entertainment law. Reed Smith has a global reach and provides comprehensive legal services to some of the world’s largest companies. The firm is also committed to diversity and pro bono work, frequently earning accolades for its efforts.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s legal industry benefits from its historical significance and proximity to major East Coast markets. Known for its strong healthcare, education, and biotech sectors, the city provides lawyers with diverse opportunities in corporate law, intellectual property, and litigation, supported by a rich legal tradition.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Securing a legal position at one of Philadelphia’s top companies often requires strategic networking and expertise, which can be significantly enhanced by working with a legal recruiter. Here are some of the biggest companies employing lawyers in Philadelphia, including general information, employment statistics, and notable details about their operations and legal needs.
- Comcast Corporation: Founded in 1963, Comcast Corporation is one of the largest broadcasting and cable television companies in the world. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Comcast employs over 190,000 people globally. The company’s legal department handles a broad range of issues, including media law, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and corporate governance. Comcast’s notable legal work includes mergers and acquisitions, such as the acquisition of NBCUniversal, and ongoing regulatory negotiations with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
- Aramark: Aramark, founded in 1959, is a global provider of food, facilities, and uniform services, with approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Aramark’s legal team manages labor and employment law, contract negotiations, compliance, and corporate transactions. The company is known for its large-scale service agreements with institutions like schools, hospitals, and sports arenas.
- Independence Blue Cross: Founded in 1938, Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurance provider in the Philadelphia region, employing around 10,000 people. The legal department at Independence Blue Cross deals with healthcare regulations, compliance issues, corporate governance, and litigation. The company has been involved in significant legal matters related to healthcare reform and insurance coverage disputes.
- PECO (Philadelphia Electric Company): PECO, founded in 1881, is the largest electric and natural gas utility in Pennsylvania, serving more than 2.5 million customers. The company employs over 2,500 people. PECO’s legal team focuses on regulatory compliance, environmental law, and corporate governance. Notable legal work includes managing compliance with state and federal energy regulations and addressing environmental impact issues.
- Lincoln Financial Group: Founded in 1905, Lincoln Financial Group is a Fortune 500 company that provides a variety of financial services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement plan services, and group protection. The company employs over 12,000 individuals. Its legal department is responsible for managing securities law, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and litigation. Lincoln Financial has played a crucial role in handling significant legal matters involving financial regulations and corporate mergers.
- AmerisourceBergen: AmerisourceBergen, founded in 2001 through the merger of AmeriSource Health Corporation and Bergen Brunswig Corporation, is a global pharmaceutical sourcing and distribution company. The company employs around 21,000 people. Its legal department focuses on pharmaceutical regulations, corporate transactions, compliance, and intellectual property. Notable legal work includes managing complex supply chain agreements and compliance with global pharmaceutical regulations.
- FMC Corporation: Founded in 1883, FMC Corporation is an agricultural sciences company employing approximately 6,500 people globally. Headquartered in Philadelphia, FMC’s legal team handles environmental law, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and corporate transactions. The company has been involved in significant legal matters related to agricultural product regulations and environmental sustainability initiatives.
- Toll Brothers: Toll Brothers, founded in 1967, is a leading national homebuilder with around 5,100 employees. The company’s legal department manages real estate law, land use and zoning, corporate governance, and litigation. Notable legal work includes handling large-scale residential development projects and navigating complex zoning regulations.
- Urban Outfitters, Inc.: Founded in 1970, Urban Outfitters, Inc. is a multinational lifestyle retail corporation with over 24,000 employees. Headquartered in Philadelphia, the company’s legal team deals with intellectual property, commercial contracts, employment law, and compliance. Urban Outfitters has been involved in notable legal matters regarding intellectual property rights and retail compliance.
- Jefferson Health: Jefferson Health, part of Thomas Jefferson University, employs over 30,000 people and is a major healthcare provider in the region. The legal team at Jefferson Health handles healthcare regulations, corporate transactions, compliance, and litigation. The organization has been involved in significant legal work related to healthcare mergers and acquisitions and regulatory compliance.