What Practice Areas Do US Attorneys Work In? A Sector Breakdown

Litigation remains the dominant practice area across all major cities, with New York City (8.9k) and Washington, D.C. (6.6K) leading by a large margin. 

Corporate and Finance roles are still heavily concentrated in New York City. Notably, the Banking & Finance attorney headcount in NYC has nearly doubled since our 2023 article, reflecting the city’s ongoing role as the country’s financial center.

Cybersecurity & Data Protection is also on the rise, particularly in Washington DC, where 471 attorneys now specialize in the field. This growth likely suggests the increasing demand for legal expertise in privacy and data regulation, as more firms look to adopt new technologies whilst also working to safeguard sensitive information, especially following a record number of data breaches at law firms in 2024.

Who’s Leading the U.S. Legal Market? The Largest Firms Today

Kirkland & Ellis lead the way with 1,453 US-based Partners, up from 1,263 in 2023, showcasing their continued dominance at the top of the US legal market. Close behind are Greenberg Traurig (1,184) and Holland & Knight (1,155).

One of the most significant developments this year has been the formation of Troutman Pepper Locke, the product of a merger between Troutman Pepper and Locke Lord. The newly combined firm has climbed the Partner headcount ranks to now have 734 US-based Partners. Strategic mergers like this continue to reshape the legal landscape, as firms prioritize regional expansion and practice depth, signaling that scale and adaptability remain essential in today’s competitive legal market.

What’s the Current States of Gender Diversity Across US Legal Roles?

As of March 2025, women make up a slight majority of Associates in the AM Law 200, accounting for 52% of the talent pool. This aligns with national trends, according to the American Bar Association women have outnumbered men in law school enrollment for several years and now represent the majority of law school graduates. That influx is likely driving the female majority Associate headcount seen in the data.

However, gender diversity remains less equal in more senior roles, with women making up just 40% of Counsel and 30% of Partner roles. Women continue to face barriers to advancement, despite balanced representation early in their careers, emphasising the persistent challenges US law firms face in retaining and promoting women into leadership roles.