Vault 2027: Clifford Chance, Morgan Lewis Top Law Firm Rankings
Vault's 2027 law firm rankings put Clifford Chance at #1 for summer programs and Morgan Lewis as Best Law Firm to Work For, with O'Melveny dropping to second.
Why it matters: Vault's annual survey shapes law student decision-making and firm recruiting, directly influencing the next wave of legal talent. The shifts in top spots among leading firms highlight changes in workplace culture and priorities, underscoring heightened competition for associate talent.
- Clifford Chance US LLP earned #1 ranking for its summer associate program, praised for attorney access and social engagement.
- Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP took the top spot as Overall Best Law Firm to Work For for 2027, surpassing 2026's leader, O'Melveny & Myers LLP.
- Vault's 2027 rankings are based on surveys from over 20,000 associates, collected October 2025–January 2026.
- Lowenstein Sandler, Dorsey & Whitney, Ogletree Deakins, and Carlton Fields received distinction for innovation, pro bono work, diversity, and regional strength.
Vault has released its 2027 rankings spotlighting the law firms preferred by junior legal talent in the US. The rankings, covering 2025–2026 programs, cite input from more than 20,000 law firm associates surveyed from October 2025 through January 2026—a record participation level shaping key industry benchmarks for the forthcoming recruiting cycle.
- Clifford Chance US LLP topped the list as the Best Summer Associate Program, with survey feedback highlighting stand-out mentorship and the firm’s vibrant social events that encourage interaction between summer associates and partners.
- Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP took #1 in the Overall Best Law Firms to Work For ranking, moving up from its prior #2 position and knocking 2026’s leader O’Melveny & Myers LLP to second place. Law students and junior lawyers closely monitor these annual shifts to guide their summer application choices—a key step in securing full-time placement at top firms (typically called “BigLaw”).
- Lowenstein Sandler was recognized for excellence in multiple categories, including pro bono work (legal services for the public good), technology and innovation, diversity and inclusion, and for its own summer program.
- Dorsey & Whitney LLP ranked among top regional firms for prestige, while Ogletree Deakins placed in the top five for labor and employment specialty. Carlton Fields claimed 6th in overall diversity—measured by inclusion, gender, and LGBTQ+ representation.
Eric Stutzke, Vault’s CEO, said, “The largest increases were in Technology and Innovation and Wellness. Firms are investing more in AI-powered tools and technologies. They are also paying more attention to the mental and physical well-being of associates.” (Above the Law)
The Vault report not only informs law students but also sets internal benchmarks for law firms seeking to recruit and retain top candidates amid intensifying competition across the industry. While full ranking data is paywalled, published highlights confirm a dynamic reshuffling at the top and reinforce the critical role of workplace investment in tech, diversity, and wellness initiatives.
By the numbers:
- 20,000+ associates — Vault’s 2027 survey sample size.
- 1 spot — Morgan Lewis rose to #1 as Best Law Firm to Work For, surpassing O’Melveny.
- 6th — Carlton Fields’ position in Vault’s overall diversity rankings.
Yes, but: Vault pays limited public attention to detailed rank changes beyond the top firms, so the full impact of year-over-year movement is harder to assess for most firms.
What's next: Law students and recruiting teams will use the 2027 Vault rankings for the upcoming summer associate application season, opening in late 2026.