#USA #New York #Legal Rankings #Vault Law #Midsize Law Firms

Vault Law Releases 2026 Rankings for Midsize Law Firms

Vault Law recently concluded its 2026 rankings, shedding light on the most esteemed midsize law firms and their quality of life for employees. The announcement also included the much-anticipated Top 150 Under 150 list, spotlighting America's leading small and midsize law firms.

The Midsize Regional Prestige Rankings are an essential aspect of these evaluations. They reflect the perceptions and opinions of associates at various firms. This insight allows firms to gauge their reputation based on peer opinions rather than internal metrics.

Conversely, the Overall Best Midsize Law Firms to Work For rankings, as well as the Midsize Quality of Life metrics, derive from direct assessments made by associates who rate their own firms. Ratings consider various aspects such as career outlook, quality of work assignments, work-life balance, and overall satisfaction. The survey period for these rankings was conducted between January 28 and March 21, 2025.

Key Highlights from the 2026 Rankings

1. Susman Godfrey Leads in New York and Texas: The litigation firm continues to hold the top prestige rankings in both New York and Texas. This year has been significant for them, particularly due to their success in notable cases, including a groundbreaking $1.6 billion judgment against China Construction America as well as a challenging defamation lawsuit that resulted in a substantial settlement for Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News.
2. Changes in Chicago: Bartlit Beck LLP has claimed the No. 1 spot in Chicago, signifying a shift in prestige rankings. The firm, with offices in Chicago and Denver, has gained recognition for its formidable trial lawyers and a robust corporate practice.
3. Elsberg, Baker Maruri Named Best Midsize Firm: The standout firm in terms of workplace satisfaction is Elsberg, Baker Maruri, an elite litigation practice established in 2024. The firm not only ranked first in creating opportunities for associates to engage in trial practice but also excelled in crucial factors such as compensation, associate/partner dynamics, and overall firm culture. Following closely is Reid Collins Tsai LLP, a litigation boutique based in Austin, recognized as the second-best midsize firm to work for.

According to Eric Stutzke, SVP and General Manager of Vault, the latest rankings reflect a consistent trend of high performance from elite litigation firms. He emphasized that despite their smaller size in terms of attorney count, these firms manage to secure remarkable victories for their clients. Working at these firms often means being involved in landmark legal cases with accomplished colleagues, along with enjoying competitive financial rewards.

About Vault Law

Vault Law, a segment of Infobase, serves as a premier resource for law students and lateral hires seeking in-depth insights into law firms. It provides an insider's perspective that is invaluable for making informed career decisions in the legal domain.

The release of these rankings not only serves as a guide for potential law firm recruits but also sheds light on the evolving landscape of legal practice, emphasizing the significance of work environment and employee satisfaction in the legal field.