Brief History of Law Firms in Boston
Boston is home to a grandeur of legal intellect, featuring nearly 6,000 lawyers across over 2,000 law firms. Many of the nation’s superstars in the industry got their start right here and have established their law practices in the "hub of legal excellence". Drawing on its Bostonian roots as a center for education and learning , it boasts a strong stable of HR & Employment attorneys (whose parents are likely Harvard grads), along with many of the top rated Corporate Law firms in the country. So whether you’re looking for a sophisticated firm to help you structure your business, or a boutique to help you battle a workplace harassment claim, the Boston legal industry has the experience and expertise to support it all.
How Boston’s Law Firms are Ranked
We’ve analyzed several hundred law firms in the area and compiled data on the following factors to determine our rankings:
Firm Size
A good law firm in Boston will consist of a large group of associates and support staff as well as partners. With ample staffing, the firm can ensure a higher rate of quality across the board. The firms that make our list of the 100 best law firms in Boston are all large to very large law firms.
Specialties
Different lawyers and law firms specialize in different areas of the law, which is why law firms will often hire attorneys from similar backgrounds. For instance, the top-ranked firms in the list below tend to be very specialized. Many of the top 100 best law firms in Boston are recognized for their concentration on personal injury law, while others are focused solely on criminal defense.
Client Reviews
Partnering with a large personal injury law firm can be a great way to obtain a larger settlement, but it does not guarantee that the attorney with whom you are paired will be a top-level law firm. We only included the best law firms in Boston who have clients and colleagues speak positively of their services.
Impact
The top 100 law firms in Boston are the firms that have made the biggest impact on the city’s legal community over the years. They’re also some of the largest employers in downtown Boston. If you’ve ever wondered why there always seem to be new cases, new litigants, new associates and new partners at these firms, it’s because these Boston law firms are never stagnant. They’re always moving, and they always use their influence in the local community to land more and better clients.
Top-Ranked Law Firms
Our top-ranked listed firms have demonstrated exceptional levels of performance across all disciplines surveyed. All have received top marks from clients, lawyers, and third-party references. These firms are not only recognised for their expertise in most practice areas but also for their commitment to providing the highest level of business-focused legal advice. Lawyers in these firms can boast bench strength – a number of lawyers competent to handle work in a specific area and able to draw on one another’s expertise when necessary. In addition, these firms’ ability to assemble teams with particular knowledge and skill across a range of practice areas is central to their ability to provide sophisticated advice. The strength of our top-ranked listed firms is reflected in their client bases which tend to include household names in the public and private sector, as well as many of Boston’s leading art institutions and various national and international charities and NGOs. In addition, a number of these firms are based in buildings of historical importance, some located within the city’s historic Leather District; several have been officially recognised by state authorities as part of districts of local decorations or recognised as such in the National Register of Historic Places. As the country’s oldest continuously practised law firm in Boston, Sullivan & Worcester remains at the top of its game following a number of commendations in the US research of The Legal 500. Ranked Tier 1 for Corporate law, General Commercial Dispute Resolution, White Collar Criminal Defense and General Commercial Litigation, the firm also garners mention in the latter’s International Arbitration section. According to the firm, its "dedication, diligence and sheer determination" to achieve results for clients underlies its ongoing success. Large Boston-based firm Foley Hoag ranks first tier in no less than six areas across the US research, including Corporate and M&A, Environmental and Clinical Trials. The firm maintains its standing as a top-rated destination for corporate investors, and the firm has also earned accolades from peers and clients for offering "the most vigorous and exacting guidance". Boston-based law firm Seegel Lipshulz & Weinberg ranks first tier in the US research alongside Sullivan & Worcester for General Commercial Litigation. Well-known in the Greater Boston area for its knowledge of the District Court’s bankruptcy division, Dunne, DePietro & Leopold was also awarded first tier ranking in Bankruptcy law for the state and the metropolitan area as part of the US research. Sullivan & Worcester, Foley Hoag and Dunne, DePietro & Leopold are all ranked as leading firms in the Massachusetts jurisdiction.
Up and Coming Law Firms
Several of Boston’s law firms have started showing up on the Am Law 100 even though they have only been around for a couple of years. Adams and Reese, Baker Donelson and Davis Wright Tremaine, and next year maybe BuckleySandler and Vincente Sederberg will be right there along with them.
These firms are doing very well in their earliest stages of development, probably because they’re either getting a lot of business or their expenses are low enough to make them automatically profitable. It’s rare that we get to see the numbers from which we could definitively sort them into new, rapidly rising, and established.
Without putting too much speculation into it, these seem to be at least some of the reasons behind the early success of these firms.
Early Recognition — In other words, they get known fairly quickly. We’ve seen several instances in which the firm took several year-long steps as it gained its recognition, going through several stages during which it had major successes and failures. By the time they became an established name, they went through most of what the firm needed to go into being an emerging firm .
Personality — This is one of those things that can go either way: personality can generate obnoxiousness as easily as it can generate respectability. With these firms, the emerging personality focuses on presenting an image of professional conduct, along with having a bit of a sense of humor. It’s enough to become memorable.
Focus On Affordability – Some of these firms found their starting clientele in the middle class, so they have to keep their rates low to ensure that their business clients continue to come back. This means they need to provide the top-quality help at a lower price than their competitors. In some instances, they found that they had more clients than they needed to have to keep the lights on and to make a profit, and in those instances, they were able to keep more affordable than their competitors.
But while these firms are doing very well, they’re under no impression that they’ll defeat the Clifford Chansters and the Skadden Arps in the near future. But the only way to get to firm number five on the Am Law list is to start with firm number 1000.
Getting Legal Services in Boston
The landscape of legal services in Boston is diverse, with numerous law firms catering to a wide range of legal needs. When it comes to choosing a law firm, individuals and businesses should consider the firm’s reputation, areas of expertise, and the specific legal services needed. Some firms may specialize in litigation, while others may focus on transactional work or intellectual property. Depending on the complexity of the legal matter, it may be necessary to work with a firm that offers a particular niche or specialty.
For those who need a broad range of legal services, full-service law firms in Boston can offer a one-stop-shop for their legal needs. These firms may house multiple departments with specialized attorneys, allowing them to take on a variety of legal issues under one roof. On the other hand, boutique firms may provide a more personalized level of service in a specific area of law.
When selecting the right law firm, individuals and businesses should consider the size of the firm, the number of attorneys who will be working on their case, and the firm’s overall experience. They should also look at the firm’s past successes in similar cases and their level of commitment to their clients. It is important to find a firm that they feel comfortable with and that is willing to be a true partner in their legal journey.
The Future of the Legal Industry in Boston
The legal industry in Boston is as dynamic and complex as the city itself. The need for diverse legal services has led to the flourishing of a diverse range of law firms. Whether large, medium, or small, all Boston law firms have had to adapt to a rapidly evolving legal market. As technology continues to transform the way businesses operate, law firms must also adjust their practices to remain competitive.
One of the most critical trends affecting the legal field in Boston is the rise of alternative legal service providers. These companies typically offer lower-cost legal services through innovative technologies and streamlined processes. As a result, traditional law firms have been forced to reassess their pricing models and identify new areas where they can provide unique value. Some firms have begun incorporating technology-focused solutions into their offerings, providing clients with a more efficient and cost-effective experience.
Another important development is the increasing emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Boston is home to several organizations dedicated to promoting diversity and advancing the careers of underrepresented minorities and women. Law firms are also becoming more transparent about their diversity statistics and are actively working to create a more inclusive workplace . This shift is not only crucial for attracting a more diverse range of clients, but also for broadening the talent pipeline to address the long-standing shortage of qualified lawyers in certain fields.
The use of artificial intelligence is also impacting the natural trajectory of the Boston legal market. Law firms in other cities have already begun utilizing AI-driven technologies to streamline research and discovery processes. Although the uptake of AI in Boston has been slower, several local firms have begun experimenting with this technology and exploring its benefits.
Finally, new generations of lawyers are demanding more flexible work arrangements, work-life balance, and opportunities for professional development. In response, some Boston firms have started offering shorter work weeks, sabbatical programs, and increased support for mental health. These adjustments reflect a broader shift in attitudes about employee welfare and performance in the legal field, potentially positioning Boston law firms as leaders in attracting top talent.
In conclusion, Boston’s legal landscape is a fast-evolving domain where law firms must continuously adapt to stay ahead of the curve. From embracing new technologies to redefining their workplace culture, firms are navigating an array of challenges and opportunities. The future of Boston’s legal market appears poised for ongoing change, and those who can effectively predict and respond to trends will be most successful.