#USA #Los Angeles #O'Melveny & Myers #Morgan Lewis #Vault Rankings

O'Melveny & Myers Again Dominates Vault Law's Rankings

The prestigious Vault Law ranking for 2026 has once again solidified O'Melveny & Myers LLP's position as the Best Overall Law Firm to Work For. This Los Angeles-based firm has consistently ranked among the top three law firms for the past decade, a clear testament to its employee satisfaction and supportive workplace culture. The rankings are based on assessments from associates across various law firms, with approximately 20,000 participants contributing to this year’s survey.

Survey Insights

The survey ran from January 28 to March 21, 2025, encapsulating the sentiments of associates regarding their work experiences. Participants rated multiple facets of their jobs, including satisfaction levels regarding their career paths, the adequacy of work assignments, hours spent at work, and overall well-being. O'Melveny excelled in numerous categories, notably in Satisfaction, Firm Culture, Hours, Career Outlook, and Wellness.

Furthermore, the firm received the highest ratings for its Summer Associate Program, famous for providing junior associates with substantive work experiences and fostering significant interactions with seasoned attorneys. This focus on mentorship has contributed to a robust pipeline of legal talent at O'Melveny, making it a desirable workplace for new lawyers entering the field.

Competitors on the Rise

Following closely behind O'Melveny is Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP, retaining the second position in this year's rankings. Known for its commitment to fostering strong Associate/Partner relations and providing an innovative work environment, Morgan Lewis also outperformed in other categories such as Quality of Work, Technology Innovation, and Diversity and Inclusion efforts, notably as one of the largest law firms led by a woman.

Another notable mention is Clifford Chance US LLP, ranked third overall. This firm has long been recognized for its global presence and commitment to excellence in legal service delivery. Other significant competitors include McDermott Will & Emery and Eversheds Sutherland, rounding out the top five firms in the rankings. Eversheds notably made a significant leap, moving up eight spots to secure the fifth position.

The Importance of Rankings

These rankings from Vault Law are not merely an accolade but serve as valuable insights for law students and legal professionals looking to make informed career choices. According to Eric Stutzke, SVP and General Manager of Vault, the competition between O'Melveny and Morgan Lewis was particularly fierce, embodying the high standards and expectations associates have for their firms.

Associates highlighted the open-door policies at O'Melveny, which facilitate a clear path to partnership, while at Morgan Lewis, the emphasis on mentoring and community involvement resonated with many participants.

Conclusion

In summary, the results of Vault’s 2026 Best Law Firms survey showcase a competitive landscape where talent development, inclusive cultures, and responsiveness to associate needs are key differentiators. O'Melveny & Myers continues to shine in this competitive arena, fostering a work environment that not only attracts top legal talent but also supports their development within the firm. As O'Melveny demonstrates, success in the legal field relies heavily on employee satisfaction, mentorship, and a commitment to pro bono initiatives.