Seattle is home to some of the nation’s most prominent employers, offering exceptional opportunities for legal professionals across diverse industries. With its thriving technology sector, anchored by global giants like Amazon and Microsoft, and a strong presence in healthcare, aerospace, and finance, the city provides a dynamic environment for attorneys specializing in corporate law, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.
Public sector roles are also abundant, thanks to Seattle’s role as a regional hub for government and nonprofit organizations. The competitive nature of Seattle’s job market, coupled with its unique career and lifestyle mix, makes working with a legal recruiter invaluable for securing high-quality placements in this sought-after city.
Biggest Law Firms in Seattle
- Perkins Coie LLP: Founded in 1912, Perkins Coie has grown into an international law firm with over 1,200 attorneys across more than 20 offices. Headquartered in Seattle, the firm is renowned for representing technology giants such as Amazon and Google. Perkins Coie has been recognized among the top law firms in the 2024 Chambers USA rankings and was named the 2025 “Law Firm of the Year” in Land Use and Zoning Law.
- Davis Wright Tremaine LLP: Established in 1908, Davis Wright Tremaine is a full-service law firm with approximately 500 attorneys in eight offices nationwide. The Seattle office is particularly noted for its strong corporate practice, focusing on M&A and financings, and serves a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies. The firm has a significant presence in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and life sciences.
- K&L Gates LLP: K&L Gates, formed through a merger in 2007, is a global law firm with over 1,800 lawyers in nearly 45 offices worldwide. The Seattle office offers comprehensive services across various practice areas, including corporate, environmental, and litigation. The firm has received Tier 1 national rankings in multiple practice areas and is recognized for its strong presence in the Pacific Northwest.
- Stoel Rives LLP: Founded in 1907, Stoel Rives is a business law firm headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with a significant presence in Seattle. The firm has over 300 attorneys across ten offices and is recognized for its expertise in energy, environmental, and natural resources law. Stoel Rives has been ranked among the nation’s top law firms for client service and industry knowledge.
- Lane Powell PC: With roots dating back to 1875, Lane Powell is a Pacific Northwest law firm with more than 200 attorneys in offices in Seattle, Portland, and Anchorage. The firm offers services in business, employment, and litigation, and is known for its work in the corporate and commercial sectors. Lane Powell has been recognized for its commitment to client service and legal excellence.
- Foster Garvey PC: Formed in 2019 through the merger of Foster Pepper PLLC and Garvey Schubert Barer, Foster Garvey is a full-service law firm with offices in Seattle and other major cities. The firm provides legal services in areas such as corporate law, litigation, and real estate, serving a diverse range of clients, including public and private entities. Foster Garvey is known for its deep roots in the Pacific Northwest and its commitment to community involvement.
- Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP: Orrick is an international law firm with a strong presence in Seattle, focusing on technology, energy, and infrastructure sectors. The firm has been recognized for its innovative approach to legal services and has received accolades for its work in intellectual property and litigation. Orrick is committed to diversity and inclusion, consistently ranking high in related metrics.
- Miller Nash LLP: Miller Nash is a Pacific Northwest law firm with offices in Seattle and Portland, offering services in business, litigation, and employment law. The firm is recognized for its work in the corporate sector and has been ranked among the top firms in the region. Miller Nash is committed to providing personalized legal services tailored to meet the unique needs of its clients.
- Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt PC: Schwabe is a full-service law firm with a significant presence in Seattle, providing legal services in areas such as corporate law, intellectual property, and real estate. The firm is known for its industry-focused approach, serving clients in sectors like healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. Schwabe has been recognized for its commitment to client success and innovative legal solutions.
Seattle
Seattle’s legal market is fueled by its thriving technology, aviation, and healthcare sectors. Lawyers in Seattle often specialize in intellectual property, corporate transactions, and environmental law, serving tech giants, aerospace companies, and the city’s robust medical community. Seattle’s focus on innovation and sustainability also creates opportunities in regulatory compliance, real estate, and commercial litigation, offering legal professionals a dynamic and forward-thinking environment for practice.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Securing a legal role at one of Seattle’s top employers is highly competitive, as these companies offer prestigious opportunities in a thriving market. Working with a legal recruiter can significantly improve your chances of landing one of these sought-after positions, as recruiters provide specialized insights and connections to navigate this competitive landscape. Below are some of the largest companies employing lawyers in Seattle, spanning industries like technology, healthcare, and aerospace.
- Amazon: Founded in 1994, Amazon is one of the world’s largest technology companies, with over 1.5 million employees globally. Headquartered in Seattle, its extensive legal team addresses corporate governance, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. Notable legal work includes navigating antitrust investigations and protecting the company’s innovative technologies.
- Microsoft: Based in nearby Redmond, Microsoft employs thousands of legal professionals to handle intellectual property, technology law, and global compliance. Founded in 1975, the company is a pioneer in software and cloud computing. Its legal team has been instrumental in significant cases, including antitrust litigation and data privacy policy development.
- Starbucks: Founded in 1971, Starbucks is a global leader in coffee retail, with over 400,000 employees worldwide. Its legal department handles a wide range of issues, from franchise agreements to labor law. Notable work includes its sustainability initiatives and navigating global trade regulations.
- Costco Wholesale: Headquartered in Issaquah, Costco was founded in 1983 and is one of the largest retailers in the world. Its legal team focuses on corporate governance, real estate transactions, and compliance. The company’s international presence requires extensive legal expertise to manage its global operations.
- Providence Health & Services: As one of the largest healthcare providers in the Pacific Northwest, Providence employs a significant legal team to handle healthcare compliance, malpractice defense, and corporate governance. Founded in 1856, Providence’s legal work often addresses evolving healthcare regulations and patient privacy concerns.
- Zillow Group: Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Seattle, Zillow revolutionized the real estate industry with its online platform. Its legal team manages intellectual property, real estate transactions, and data privacy issues. Zillow’s innovative work in real estate technology provides dynamic opportunities for attorneys.
- Weyerhaeuser: Founded in 1900, Weyerhaeuser is one of the largest timberland owners in the world, with a strong presence in Seattle. Its legal department handles environmental law, corporate governance, and real estate transactions. The company’s sustainability initiatives often intersect with complex regulatory frameworks, creating challenging legal scenarios.
- Alaska Airlines: As one of the largest airlines in the U.S., Alaska Airlines employs a dedicated legal team to handle aviation law, labor relations, and regulatory compliance. Founded in 1932, the company’s commitment to innovation and customer service frequently requires cutting-edge legal solutions.
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center: Fred Hutch, founded in 1975, is a world-renowned cancer research center based in Seattle. Its legal professionals focus on healthcare law, intellectual property, and grant compliance. The organization’s groundbreaking research often involves navigating complex legal and ethical considerations.
