Dentons is now comfortably the world's largest law firm by headcount, with almost 7,500 lawyers in 55 countries around the world – a figure that is unlikely to stop rising any time soon, as the firm continues to secure merger deals around the world.

Following its 2015 tie-up with Dacheng, more than 50% of Dentons' lawyers are based in China, where the second largest law firm by headcound is also based – Yingke. The Beijing-based firm is significantly less international, with almost 80% of its lawyers based in its home country.

Vereins dominate the top end of the headcount rankings, with Baker McKenzie, DLA Piper and Norton Rose Fulbright rounding out the top five. Clifford Chance is the highest-placed magic circle firm, with its 2,466 lawyers placing it ninth, just ahead of King & Wood Mallesons in 10th.