Which AM Law 101-150 Firms Hire The Most Partners From The Top 50?
The Volume of Lateral Moves From AM Law 1-50 to 101-150 Firms has Increased by +45% Over the Last 3 Years
Global, AM Law 101-150, All Lateral Partner Hires From AM Law 1-50, January 2023 - January 2026
Benesch and Honigman Have Made the Most Lateral Partner Hires From Top 50 Firms
For Benesch, hiring from the AM Law top 50 is a key part of their growth strategy. Over the last 3 years, the firm has recruited over 20 Partners from 1-50 firms. These joiners account for 35% of all lateral Partner hires.
Honigman also seem to actively target lateral hires from the AM Law top 50. Over the last 3 years, almost 50% of all Partner hires have come from firms ranked 1-50.
"Benesch's growth strategy has always been intentional. We are
focused on attracting high-caliber attorneys whose experience aligns with the needs of our clients and the trajectory and culture of our firm."
Gregg Eisenberg
Managing Partner, Benesch
"Our ability to recruit significant talent from the Am Law 50 reflects the strength of our culture, our collaborative model and the opportunity we offer laterals to build and expand practices in a way that is both entrepreneurial and fully supported. Lawyers are looking for a firm where they can do sophisticated work, grow with intention and feel genuinely invested in. We are proud to be that destination."
Lauren Tapper
Chief Talent Officer, Benesch
Which AM Law 1-50 Firms do the 101-150 Firms Target the Most for Lateral Hires?
Perkins Coie has lost the most Partners to 101-150 firms over the last 3 years, this includes a 7-Partner team move to Dorsey Whitney in 2025.
Reed Smith (14) and
Kirkland & Ellis (13) have been the next most common source of lateral hires.
Most of the Lateral Hires Made by 101-150 Firms Have Been Litigation Partners
34% of the lateral hires from AM Law top 50 firms were Litigation Partners. Corporate (16%) was the next most common practice focus.
Note on methodology
Source: Publicly-available data tracked by Pirical Legal Professionals (PLP)
Timeframe: Jan 2023 - Jan 2026
Analysis powered by Pirical Legal Professionals (PLP)
Pirical Legal Professionals is the largest attorney database built with the most comprehensive data on the market. Specifically designed for legal recruitment and legal market research. It is used by over 100 law firms worldwide including 75% of the AM Law 20 and 80% of the UK top 50 law firms.
Pirical seamlessly aggregates data from a wide range of public sources, tracking over 700,000 attorney profiles worldwide. Our data helps law firms source lateral talent quicker, identify candidates with key client relationships, map competitor firm strategies & team structures, and much more.
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