Following on the heels of a surprisingly successful pandemic year in 2020, the Am Law 100 hit another gear in 2021. The gains were bigger and more universal than ever before, resulting in the group\'s best financial results in a generation.
The country\'s largest firms collectively grew revenue 14.8%, paced by two titans at the top of the rankings, Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins. The Am Law 100 also boasted 12.5% growth in revenue per lawyer and a 19.4% spike in profits per equity partner.
Those numbers are stunning, but they only tell a small part of the story. How will firms fare when surging demand starts to slow down? Will they invest their extraordinary profits in building for the future? Will client pressure force them to halt the rate increases that have helped drive so much of their growth? In this year\'s Am Law 100 report, we answer those questions and more.
April 26, 2022
The Am Law 100 Caught a Wave in 2021, but Sustaining the Ride Will Be a Challenge
Patrick Smith
From top to bottom, the Am Law 100 cruised to unbelievable heights in 2021. But not everyone is set to keep cruising over the next year.
April 26, 2022
After a Windfall of Profits, How Will the Am Law 100 Invest in Future Success?
Dan Packel
"Investments in laterals, technology, business professionals—all of those things should be on the table any time there is an abundance of resources," Fairfax Associates' Lisa Smith says.
April 26, 2022
The 2022 Am Law 100: Ranked by Average Partner Compensation
ALM Staff
The top five firms on this year's list have only equity partners.
April 26, 2022
Lawyers Burned the Candle at Both Ends in 2021. Faltering Demand Could Cost Jobs Anyway.
Dan Roe
Firms are already looking at stealth layoffs as demand tails off, one recruiter said.
April 26, 2022
The 2022 Am Law 100: At a Glance
ALM Staff
Key financial information about the entire Am Law 100, from A to Z.
April 26, 2022
The 2022 Am Law 100: Ranked by Gross Revenue
ALM Staff
For the fifth year in a row, Kirkland takes the top spot with a staggering new record for gross revenue.
April 26, 2022
Kings of the Hill: Power Ranking the Am Law 100 Based on Momentum, Profit and Prestige
Jae Um
As firms fight for Big Law standing, a segmentation analysis of the Am Law 100 reveals shifts in the pecking order.
April 26, 2022
The 2022 Am Law 100: Ranked by Profits Per Equity Partner
ALM Staff
Wachtell remains on top, but it's now one of three firms with at least $7 million in PEP.
April 26, 2022
As Billing Rates and Client Pressure Collide, a Turning Point Looms
Andrew Maloney
The tension could alienate clients, cut into law firms' profits and force talent out the door.
April 26, 2022
The 2022 Am Law 100: Ranked by Profits Per Lawyer
ALM Staff
Wachtell was the only firm above $2 million and more than doubled its closest competitor.
April 26, 2022
The Once-Exclusive Super Rich Club Welcomed More Members Than Ever for 2022
Ben Seal
Widespread prosperity across the Am Law 100 contributed to the Super Rich list expanding from 31 firm to 40.
April 26, 2022
The 2022 Am Law 100: Ranked by Revenue Per Lawyer
ALM Staff
Wachtell led the way again with RPL nearly 75% higher than its closest competitor.
April 26, 2022
The 2022 Am Law 100: By the Numbers
ALM Staff
A closer look at the numbers that mattered most for the Am Law 100—in visual form.