Photo: ShutterstockThe Early Reports: 2019 Am Law 100/200 Financials
As we publish our early reports on Am Law 100 and 200 firm financials, we'll update this page, so follow along.
April 22, 2019 at 10:00 AM
19 minute read
Early financial data is beginning to pour in on how the Am Law 100 and Second Hundred firms fared in 2018. The expectation among banking consultants and those following the industry closely is that the numbers will prove to be as strong as they've been in years. We'll be watching to see how it all plays out for individual firms across the market, and updating this page regularly with new articles as they come in.
Strategic Growth Propels Spencer Fane Into Big Law's Big Leagues
The strategy launched by managing partner Patrick Whalen six years ago has the Kansas City-based firm's revenue hitting $111 million in 2018.
Brown Rudnick Posts Financial Records as New Leader Takes Reins
The Boston-based firm boasts that most of its revenue is generated by its younger partners, promising an even rosier future ahead.
The firm continued its run of growth in revenue and partner profits amid a merger with 100-lawyer New York firm Fitzpatrick Cella.
After a down year, Cahill Gordon's chairman said the firm is considering steps to diversify and expand its footprint.
Greenspoon Marder Posts Its Third Consecutive Year of Double-Digit Revenue Growth
Explosive growth has been the norm for the firm, whose presence was confined to Florida only six years ago.
After Strong Year, Katten Sets Sights on Greater Growth, Brand Recognition
Katten's partnership last week approved a new three-year strategic plan, which focuses on building out groups that dovetail with the firm's finance practice.
Mintz Hits New Revenue, Profit Highs After a Decade Under NY Leader
A deep focus on client service brought another consecutive year of growth to the Boston-based firm, said managing partner Robert Bodian.
The firm tracked at least $10 million in new work that resulted from the April 2018 merger.
After Netting Nearly $100M in Contingency Fees, Winston Sees More Revenue Growth
The firm's work this year could allow the firm to reach $1 billion in revenue, a 2019 goal set by chair Thomas Fitzgerald.
With a slightly smaller partnership in the second year after its merger with Kaye Scholer, the firm posted slight gains in revenue and partner profits in 2018.
Drinker Biddle Feels Profit Pinch in 2018, Following Defections
The firm saw gross revenue decline by 2.6 percent, while profits per equity partner were down slightly.
Miles & Stockbridge Took a Hit in 2018 But Sees Promise in DC
CEO Joe Hovermill says the Baltimore-based firm has aggressive growth goals in a tough lateral market.
A Year After Merging, Hunton Andrews Kurth Close to Marks at Legacy Firms
Hunton Andrews Kurth posted revenue of $748 million in its first year, after the merger of Texas firm Andrews Kurth Kenyon and Virginia firm Hunton & Williams.
Holland & Hart Reports Drops in Revenue, Profits and Head Count
“We're trying to anticipate what the changing needs of our clients are and partnering with them in ways that they love,” said firm chair Liz Sharrer.
Morris Manning Posts Big Revenue Jump While Bulking Up in DC
Managing partner Simon Malko, who succeeded Louise Wells this year, said the firm is determined to grow on its own terms.
The firm saw a slight decline in the number of equity partners, while its total head count remained flat.
Loeb & Loeb Sees Double-Digit Revenue Growth in Big Hiring Year
Loeb & Loeb saw revenue and head count both increase by 12.6 percent last year.
Partner Compensation Changes at Morrison & Foerster Lead to Equity Partner Drop, PEP Surge
Morrison & Foerster said it modified its partnership compensation structure at the start of 2018, following a year of consultation with its partners.
Shook Hardy & Bacon Sees Flat Revenue Amid Big Lateral Hires in 2018
Despite a flat year, Shook Hardy was successful in attracting some blockbuster talent to the firm.
Bankruptcies, Deals and Litigation Push Weil Gotshal to New Highs
The firm had major roles in six of the top 10 Chapter 11 filings of 2018.
Fried Frank Keeps Up Growth, Doubling Partner Profits Over Five-Year Span
Chairman David Greenwald said 2019 is shaping up to be another strong year.
Kirkland Poised to Keep Top Am Law 100 Rank After Another Stellar Year
Kirkland & Ellis added $592 million in revenue to its top line, or about the size of the 61st largest law firm in the U.S. last year.
After Record Year, Wilmer Teases New San Francisco Office, Fresh Hires
Wilmer's Bob Novick says the firm's D.C. savvy is key to clients everywhere, since they know “if they don't deal with Washington, Washington is going to deal with them.”
Schulte Roth Sees Profits Rise in 2018 as Transition Approaches
The firm grew revenue and partner profits as it paves the way for generational change and new leadership.
The firm's gross revenue grew 2.7 percent, while profits per equity partner grew 1.6 percent in 2018.
As Revenue Dips, Schiff Hardin Leader Focuses on Core Practices, PEP Growth
Managing partner Marci Eisenstein said the firm embraced some practice areas that other larger firms have downplayed, such as trusts and estates.
Profits Per Partner Hit $5 Million at Paul Weiss, Redefining Richest Tier
The firm had a “gangbusters” 2018, said chairman Brad Karp, propelling it closer to the elusive Wachtell in the stratosphere of partner profits.
Chairman Phil Inglima said the firm surpassed its own budget and revenue expectations last year.
A jump in demand fueled the national labor and employment firm's profit rebound.
Armstrong Teasdale Nudges Revenue Higher Amid East Coast Debut
The St. Louis-based firm, now with two offices in the Northeast, saw declining partner profits and a modest bump in revenue last year.
Gross revenues saw a smaller increase of 4.4 percent
Revenue at the Texas firm improved by 5.4 percent, while profits per equity partner jumped by 16.8 percent in 2018.
Despite the departures of prominent rainmakers at the end of 2017, the firm saw big increases in 2018.
Baker McKenzie Boosts Revenues and Profits, Buoyed by Global Deals
The mega-firm said cross-border transactions and litigation fueled solid growth.
Mayer Brown Revenue Jumps as Firm Boosts New York Practice, International Work
The firm grew revenue for the sixth straight year on the back of a boost in its New York office and client work across borders.
The Seattle-based firm saw its gross revenue jump by 9.6 percent, while profits per equity partner grew by 9.7 percent.
On Modest Revenue Growth, V&E Posts Third Record Year in 2018
Vinson & Elkins' saw gross revenue increase 2.7 percent, while profits per equity partner were up 6.6 percent.
The firm grew gross revenue 7.3 percent to $1.05 billion, as PEP increased by 6.8 percent to $1.99 million last year.
Fish & Richardson Grows Profits, Revenue Amid Patent Litigation Headwinds
The firm saw modest revenue growth and a 7.2 percent rise in profits per equity partner in 2018.
GrayRobinson Posts Flat Revenue as Firm Streamlines Operations
GrayRobinson president Mayanne Downs said the firm's new Washington, D.C., office is “a serious long bet on the part of the firm.”
Akerman Sees Income, Revenue Rise in Year of Unexpected Leadership Shift
For 2019, Smulian said the firm will continue the strategies that brought success last year.
Jenner & Block's Revenue Slips for Third Straight Year as PEP, RPL Rebound
The firm's financial fortunes have taken a number of turns over the past five years.
The firm's investments in global integration are paying off, said global co-CEO and Americas co-chairman Jay Rains.
Ballard Spahr Sees Big Revenue Gain, Slight Profit Dip After Midwest Merger
Gross revenue was up 17.4 percent while profits per equity partner dipped 2.8 percent from 2017 to 2018, as the firm completed a major merger.
As Its Chair Leaves for Big GC Role, Davis Polk Posts Best Year Ever
As Thomas Reid readies to leave for a GC role at Comcast, Davis Polk is left in strong financial health.
Baker Botts Again Posts Weaker Revenue, Profits, on Fewer Contingency Fees
Gross revenue for Baker Botts dropped 7.3 percent to $678.2 million, and profits per equity partner fell 9.6 percent to $1.66 million.
Latham pulled in nearly $3.4 billion in its 10th straight year of revenue growth, as the firm's leadership says clients are seeking out its lawyers in more places than ever.
Fueled by Hires and 'Happiness Factor,' McDermott Revenue Hits $1 Billion
A string of lateral hires from DLA Piper and elsewhere “exceeded even our optimistic expectations,” said chair Ira Coleman, helping to boost revenue by nearly 14 percent last year.
As the firm settles into the $1 billion club, CEO Henry Nassau said it had a “milestone” year with high expectations for 2019.
“The firm hit on all cylinders in the last year,” said New York-based chair Bradley Butwin.
The increases come as overall head count and the number of equity partners has declined.
Wilson Sonsini Grew Revenue, Profits as It Chased Startup Culture's Geographic Spread
Gross revenue at the Palo Alto, California-based firm rose 7.5 percent to $857 million in 2018, while profits per equity partner (PEP) rose by 6.3 percent to $2.35 million.
The firm's revenue and profits per equity partner hit new heights in 2018—for the eighth straight year.
The firm saw declines in profits per equity partner as the number of equity partners remained flat and its overall head count rose 3.5 percent.
Profits Spike at Milbank as Firm Exceeds $1 Billion Revenue Mark
While 2018 was another banner financial year for Milbank, the firm is less enthusiastic about the lack of diversity in its all-male new partner class last month.
LeClairRyan Names New Practice Leaders as Revenue and Head Count Slide
After four straight years of revenue and head count declines, LeClairRyan said it's successfully positioning itself as a “next generation” law firm.
Partner Profits Pass $1M at Duane Morris as Growth Streak Continues
Gross revenue at the Philadelphia-based firm was up 5.5 percent, as profits per equity partner passed the $1 million mark for the first time.
The firm said one of the firm's strongest-performing practice areas in the past year has been intellectual property, an area in which it has made a critical investment.
Chairman Seth Zachary outlined a strategy that's simple, at least on its face: Win more work, and more complex work.
Lowenstein Sandler followed a strong 2017 with an even better 2018, with marked increases in firmwide and per-lawyer financial metrics, as well as lawyer head count growth.
Revenue at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld grew by 3.1 percent in 2018, directly in-line with head count growth, as other metrics came in flat.
Hinshaw's New Chairman Seeks to Reverse Head Count, Revenue Declines
Peter Sullivan, Hinshaw's new leader, wants to grow the firm in more practice areas and cities, after three years of revenue and head count declines.
Revenue per lawyer dipped modestly, however, as the firm's head count approaches 1,000 lawyers.
Partner Profits Outpace Revenue at Bracewell in 'Outstanding' 2018
Bracewell hit $300 million in revenue in 2018, while profits per equity partner jumped by 11.3 percent to $1.45 million.
Revenue, Profits on the Rise for Transatlantic Hogan Lovells
With revenue up but head count slightly down, CEO Steve Immelt said the firm had a strong year across key regions.
A 'Different Firm,' Pepper Hamilton Posts Declines in Revenue, Profits
The firm attributed the declines to right-sizing revenue with head count, citing an uptick in revenue per lawyer.
The firm, which specializes in the representation of governments and public agencies, prospered in FY 2018.
The mid-market law firm made modest gains with affordable services.
Nelson Mullins' Tie-Up Boosts Revenue While Partner Profits Dip
The firm's acquisition of a 150-lawyer Florida firm increased its size by almost a third, while the combination contributed to a decline in profits per equity partner.
Profits per equity partner also increased, but the firm's equity partnership declined 2.8 percent from a year earlier.
Gibson Dunn Posts Double-Digit Revenue Gain in 23rd Straight Year of Growth
“We look for sustained performance, not just wonderful years,” said chairman Ken Doran.
Strong LatAm, Private Equity Performances Push Up Profits for Greenberg Traurig
The firm's Mexico City office had its best year to date.
Haynes and Boone exceeded $400 million in gross revenue and $1 million in profits per equity partner for the first time in 2018.
Covington Surpasses $1 Billion in Revenue, Capping a Decade of Rapid Growth
Chairman Tim Hester said Covington & Burling has achieved “a real, fundamental shift in the firm's competitive position” in the last 10 to 12 years.
Revenue per lawyer and profits per equity partner both rose in the year after a merger with Arnstein & Lehr.
Cozen O'Connor Sees Revenue Outpace Profit Growth in Investment Year
The firm boosted revenue by nearly 14 percent in 2018, but profits rose more modestly amid spending on technology and talent.
The firm saw revenue grow 5 percent, while profits per equity partner increased by 7 percent.
After Retrenchment, Cadwalader Reverses Revenue Slide and Boosts Profits
Cadwalader saw its first firmwide revenue increase in several years despite a 13 percent drop in London.
King & Spalding Posts Double-Digit Revenue Increase to $1.26B
The firm's profits per equity partner jumped to almost $2.85 million as it expanded head count.
Mandatory Budgets? At a Law Firm? You Have Got to Be … Thompson Hine
The Am Law 200 firm overcame internal resistance to a new budgeting tool, which it credits for a strong 2018 financial performance.
Managing partner Steve Sonberg reflects on the past year and discusses the outlook for 2019.
Profits per equity partner at Dallas-based Thompson & Knight jumped 15.9 percent in 2018 compared with 2017.
Proskauer Nears $1B Revenue Mark as It Posts New Profit Highs
The firm saw gross revenue grow by 9.8 percent, while profits per equity partner jumped 12.4 percent.
As its revenue surpassed a half-billion dollars for the first time, Nixon Peabody's profits per partner surged to $1.5 million.
Goodwin Procter Sees Revenues Soar on Tech, Life Sciences Deals
Citing its private equity work for life sciences and technology clients, chairman David Hashmall says the firm has been focused on “the convergence of capital and innovation.”
Cooley saw net income skyrocket 23.9 percent to $535.6 million as revenue surged 14.4 percent to $1.23 billion.
Sills Cummis & Gross Moves Up in Legal World With Strong 2018 Performance
The midmarket law firm has not yet broken into the Am Law 200 but that could change in the next few years if it continues its steady growth.
White & Case Breaks $2 Billion in Revenue as Profit Growth Continues
Since implementing a strategic five-year plan in 2015, the firm's gross revenue has climbed 35 percent in just three years.
Revenue per lawyer hit $800,000 in 2018, and profits per equity partner topped the seven-figure mark.
Partner Profits Spike at McGuireWoods as Equity Partnership Grows
The firm fared particularly well in what's shaping up to be a very good year for the Am Law 100.
Shutts & Bowen Posts 11 Percent Growth in Revenue and Profits Amid Increased Head Count
2018 marks the fifth straight year of growth for the Florida firm.
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman grew revenue by 9.6 percent, while profits per equity partner jumped 17.6 percent.
Fenwick & West Revenue Hits All-Time High Despite 2018 Defections
The Silicon Valley firm boosted its revenue by 14.6 percent to $429.69 million, while profits per equity partner grew by 20.2 percent to $1.82 million.
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