Vault Reveals 2027 BigLaw Rankings for California Firms
·2 min read·Sources: Above the Law
Vault released its 2027 rankings, naming Latham & Watkins and Cooley top firms in California.
Why it matters: California’s legal market is a key battleground for top firms. These rankings shape perceptions, impact recruitment, and signal shifts in the region’s competitive landscape.
- Vault’s 2027 rankings were published on April 8, 2026.
- Latham & Watkins led as the most prestigious firm in Southern California.
- Cooley was ranked top in Northern California.
- Vault surveyed more than 20,000 law firm associates to determine the rankings.
Vault published its 2027 BigLaw rankings for California on April 8, 2026, spotlighting major shifts among elite firms across the state’s key legal markets.
- Latham & Watkins was named the most prestigious firm in Southern California and took the No. 1 spot in the national Securities/Capital Markets and Clean Tech/Renewable Energy practice rankings.
- Cooley led the rankings in Northern California, confirming its market dominance in the region’s competitive tech and innovation-driven sectors.
- The Vault 100—a national benchmark—based its results on feedback from over 20,000 associates, reflecting firms’ reputation, profitability, and regional presence.
- Beyond California, Cravath, Swaine & Moore held its title as the most prestigious U.S. firm for an 11th consecutive year, lauded for its elite work across litigation and transactional areas.
- Gibson Dunn notably climbed from No. 11 to No. 8 nationally, while Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison fell from No. 8 to No. 13—signaling notable movement among heavyweights.
These results matter for partners pursuing lateral moves, recruiters mapping market shifts, and clients seeking the most sought-after counsel in California’s evolving legal arena.
By the numbers:
- 20,000+ — Number of law firm associates surveyed by Vault
- 11 — Number of consecutive years Cravath has led the Vault 100
- 3 — Gibson Dunn's rise from No. 11 to No. 8 in the Vault 100 national ranking
Yes, but: Specific rankings for firms beyond Latham & Watkins and Cooley in California were not detailed.