BigLaw Litigation Hiring Surge
The largest law firms are shifting their focus to litigation due to its profitability.
According to Bloomberg Law, top firms like Kirkland & Ellis, Paul Weiss, Davis Polk, and Paul Hastings have increased their litigation teams by at least 22% since early 2024.
Litigation pays, and it doesn't evaporate when the dealmakers take a sabbatical.
- Kirkland & Ellis added over 100 litigators in 2025 alone.
- These firms previously focused on corporate transactions, but are now prioritizing litigation.
BigLaw's most profitable firms are hiring litigators aggressively as M&A stagnates.
Author's summary: BigLaw firms prioritize litigation hiring.