Pittsburgh boasts a thriving legal market supported by a diverse range of employers, from top-tier law firms to corporate legal departments and public sector organizations. Known for its rich industrial history and a burgeoning technology sector, the city provides ample opportunities for legal professionals specializing in various fields, including corporate law, intellectual property, and environmental law.
Many of Pittsburgh’s largest employers are nationally recognized, offering both prestige and stability for those seeking legal careers. Securing a position with one of these leading organizations often requires strategic networking and specialized guidance, making the expertise of a legal recruiter invaluable for navigating this competitive market.
Biggest Law Firms in Pittsburgh
- Reed Smith LLP: Founded in 1877, Reed Smith is an international powerhouse with over 1,500 lawyers across 30 offices worldwide. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, the firm specializes in areas such as financial services, energy, life sciences, and healthcare. As part of the Am Law 50, Reed Smith is recognized for its cutting-edge legal solutions and global reach. Notable work includes advising Fortune 500 companies on complex litigation and regulatory matters. The firm’s commitment to diversity and innovation makes it a leader in the legal field.
- K&L Gates LLP: Established in 1946, K&L Gates has grown into a global law firm with approximately 1,800 attorneys across 45 offices. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, it is a leading name in corporate, intellectual property, and litigation practices. Ranked among the Am Law 100, the firm has a history of representing high-profile clients, including in groundbreaking energy-sector disputes and mergers. K&L Gates is celebrated for its multidisciplinary approach, combining deep industry knowledge with innovative solutions.
- Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC: Tracing its roots back to 1850, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney is a Pittsburgh-based firm with over 450 attorneys spread across 15 offices. Known for its strength in corporate law, intellectual property, healthcare, and energy, the firm has a significant impact on the national legal market. Buchanan has been involved in landmark cases, including high-stakes intellectual property litigation and healthcare regulations. Its legacy of excellence and deep community ties position it as a key player in Pennsylvania’s legal ecosystem.
- Dentons Cohen & Grigsby P.C.: Dentons Cohen & Grigsby, founded in 1981, became part of Dentons—the world’s largest law firm—in 2020. The firm operates from Pittsburgh with additional offices in Naples, Florida, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, employing approximately 140 attorneys. Known for its corporate, tax, and estate planning expertise, it also offers services in intellectual property and litigation. The firm’s integration into Dentons has expanded its global capabilities while maintaining a strong regional presence.
- Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C.: Established in 1889, Dickie McCamey is a full-service firm headquartered in Pittsburgh, with approximately 190 attorneys across 21 offices nationwide. Renowned for its insurance defense and litigation practices, the firm also offers expertise in employment law and corporate transactions. With a reputation for successfully representing large insurers and corporations, Dickie McCamey continues to provide exceptional service backed by more than a century of experience.
- Dinsmore & Shohl LLP: Founded in 1908, Dinsmore & Shohl has become a national leader with over 750 attorneys across 30 offices, including a significant presence in Pittsburgh. The firm’s practice spans corporate law, litigation, and labor and employment, serving clients in industries such as healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing. Known for its strategic growth through mergers, Dinsmore consistently ranks among the top firms for client satisfaction and innovative legal strategies.
- Leech Tishman Fuscaldo & Lampl, LLC: Leech Tishman is a Pittsburgh-based firm recognized for its commitment to client-focused service and comprehensive legal expertise. Founded in 1995, the firm has steadily grown, offering services in corporate law, litigation, intellectual property, and environmental law. It is highly regarded for its ability to handle complex legal challenges for businesses of all sizes, particularly in the Pittsburgh region’s evolving industries.
- Babst, Calland, Clements and Zomnir, P.C.: Specializing in environmental and energy law, Babst Calland is a prominent regional firm headquartered in Pittsburgh. Established in 1986, the firm is known for its expertise in navigating complex regulatory frameworks and litigation for clients in the energy, construction, and manufacturing sectors. Its strong focus on the Marcellus and Utica Shale plays has positioned it as a go-to firm for energy companies operating in the region.
- Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC: Founded in Pittsburgh in 1958, Eckert Seamans is a national law firm with over 300 attorneys across 15 offices. Known for its work in litigation, corporate law, and real estate, the firm serves clients ranging from startups to multinational corporations. It has handled high-profile cases involving intellectual property disputes and product liability defense. Eckert Seamans’ ability to combine local expertise with national reach makes it a standout firm in the region.
- Clark Hill PLC: Clark Hill, an international law firm with a robust presence in Pittsburgh, provides a wide range of legal services, including real estate, corporate law, and litigation. Founded in 1890, the firm has grown to over 650 attorneys across multiple offices in the U.S. and abroad. Clark Hill is known for its innovative approach and commitment to diversity and inclusion, offering tailored solutions for clients across industries such as healthcare, construction, and finance.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh’s legal market is driven by its thriving healthcare, technology, and education sectors. Lawyers in Pittsburgh often specialize in healthcare law, intellectual property, and corporate transactions, serving prominent medical institutions, research universities, and tech startups. The city’s industrial heritage and ongoing revitalization also provide opportunities in real estate law and commercial litigation, making Pittsburgh a dynamic environment for diverse and impactful legal work.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Securing a legal position at one of Pittsburgh’s top companies often requires specialized knowledge of the market and a strategic approach. Working with a legal recruiter can significantly improve your chances of landing a role that aligns with your expertise and career goals. Pittsburgh’s thriving industries – including healthcare, technology, energy, and finance – support a range of corporate legal opportunities. Below are some of the largest companies employing lawyers in Pittsburgh, known for their impactful work and industry leadership.
- UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center): Founded in 1893, UPMC is a world-renowned healthcare provider and insurer with over 92,000 employees across its network. Its legal team handles complex issues related to healthcare regulations, mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property. UPMC’s significant contributions to medical innovation and its global reach make it a top employer for attorneys specializing in healthcare law and compliance.
- PNC Financial Services Group: Established in 1845, PNC is one of the largest banks in the United States, with over 60,000 employees and operations in 48 states. The company’s legal department addresses banking regulations, corporate transactions, and financial litigation. As a key player in the financial sector, PNC offers exceptional opportunities for attorneys with expertise in banking law, securities, and risk management.
- Alcoa Corporation: Founded in 1888, Alcoa is a global leader in aluminum production and operates in over 10 countries. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, its legal team manages international trade law, environmental compliance, and intellectual property. Alcoa’s focus on sustainability and innovation makes it a compelling employer for attorneys seeking roles in environmental and corporate law.
- Highmark Health: As one of the largest integrated healthcare organizations in the U.S., Highmark Health employs over 37,000 individuals. Its legal department focuses on healthcare compliance, insurance law, and corporate governance. With its commitment to advancing healthcare solutions, Highmark Health provides diverse opportunities for lawyers in a rapidly evolving industry.
- EQT Corporation: Established in 1888, EQT is a leading natural gas producer with a strong presence in the Appalachian Basin. The company’s legal team plays a critical role in managing energy law, environmental compliance, and litigation. EQT’s prominence in the energy sector offers attorneys the chance to work on impactful cases shaping the future of clean energy.
- Westinghouse Electric Company: Founded in 1886, Westinghouse is a global leader in nuclear energy technology and innovation. Its legal department handles intellectual property, international trade, and environmental regulations. With a focus on sustainable energy solutions, Westinghouse provides unique opportunities for attorneys passionate about technology and energy law.
- American Eagle Outfitters: Headquartered in Pittsburgh since 1977, American Eagle Outfitters is a major player in retail fashion with over 46,000 employees worldwide. The legal team focuses on intellectual property, corporate transactions, and employment law, offering roles that intersect creativity and business strategy.
- Kennametal Inc.: Founded in 1938, Kennametal is a global leader in manufacturing tools and materials. The company’s legal team specializes in intellectual property, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance. Its innovative work in aerospace, defense, and energy sectors provides attorneys with diverse and challenging legal issues to navigate.
- Giant Eagle, Inc.: Founded in 1931, Giant Eagle is one of the largest privately-held grocery and retail chains in the U.S., employing over 32,000 people. Its legal team focuses on corporate law, real estate transactions, and compliance. As a key player in the retail industry, Giant Eagle offers rewarding opportunities for attorneys in diverse practice areas.
- Arconic Corporation: Arconic, a spin-off from Alcoa in 2016, specializes in lightweight metals engineering and manufacturing. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, its legal team handles intellectual property, corporate governance, and environmental compliance. The company’s cutting-edge innovations in aerospace and automotive industries make it an exciting employer for attorneys with a passion for technology-driven law.
