Several firms that just missed the cut for this year's A-List are in prime position to rise up the ranks next year if they continue to improve their financial and cultural health.

21. Williams & Connolly. By participating in this year's Associate Satisfaction Survey (and getting a sparkling score of 95 in that category), Williams & Connolly made a 35-spot jump up the rankings to fall just shy of the A-List. The firm also has top-tier scores in revenue per lawyer (89.5) and pro bono (90.5), and improved in four of five categories.


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22. Manatt, Phelps & Phillips. On the back of double-digit rises in its female equity partner and associate satisfaction scores, Manatt put itself on the cusp of the A-List. The firm rose eight places on this year's ranking, as it made gains in four of five categories.

23 (tie). Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld. Akin Gump was one of four firms to drop off the A-List this year. It improved its pro bono score, but a decline on the diversity front contributed to a 10-spot slide after the firm ranked 13th last year.