In 2025, legal professionals navigating Biglaw need to focus on areas with the highest demand. Here's the takeaway:
- Corporate/M&A: High-stakes transactions remain a key revenue driver, with demand fueled by private equity activity, ESG compliance, and cross-border complexities. Hotspots: New York, California, Texas.
- Private Equity: A booming practice area with premium compensation. New hubs like Denver and Nashville are emerging alongside traditional markets.
- Litigation: A consistent performer, driven by regulatory scrutiny and complex disputes. New York, D.C., and Delaware remain litigation strongholds.
- Intellectual Property: Tech and life sciences industries fuel demand, especially in Silicon Valley and Boston. AI-related issues are creating new opportunities.
- Labor & Employment: Federal uncertainty and shifting state-level regulations are driving demand, especially in heavily regulated states like California.
- Technology & Data Privacy: Data breaches, privacy laws, and AI risks make this a fast-growing field. California and Massachusetts lead the charge.
- Tax Law: Stable and counter-cyclical demand, amplified by complex global corporate tax reform and high-stakes M&A structuring..
Quick Comparison
| Practice Area | Demand Level | Geographic Hotspots |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate/M&A | Moderate | New York, California, Texas |
| Private Equity | High | New York, Denver, Nashville |
| Litigation | Very High | New York, D.C., Delaware |
| Intellectual Property | Very High | Silicon Valley, Boston |
| Labor & Employment | Growing | California, Rhode Island |
| Technology & Data Privacy | Very High | California, Massachusetts |
| Tax Law | Steady | Nationwide |
Litigation stands out as recession-resistant, while fields like technology, data privacy, and private equity offer lucrative opportunities. Location matters, but building expertise in high-demand areas ensures career longevity.
The Richest Areas of Law to Practice
1. Corporate/M&A
Corporate/M&A remains a cornerstone of Biglaw revenue, fueled by the steady need for expertise in high-stakes transactions, evolving regulations, and cross-border deals.
Demand Level
This practice area is a magnet for top legal talent, requiring deep knowledge of complex transactions and specialized industries. The demand extends into areas like corporate governance, securities, and restructuring, making it a critical focus for firm-wide recruitment efforts.
Geographic Hotspots
The action is centered in key markets. New York dominates with its high-profile deals, while California and Texas thrive on tech innovation and energy sector developments. States like Delaware, known for their business-friendly laws, also play a pivotal role, attracting companies seeking advantageous legal frameworks.
Key Trends Driving Demand
Several trends are reshaping Corporate/M&A work:
- A surge in private equity activity is driving deal volume.
- Stricter ESG requirements, regulatory oversight, and evolving antitrust scrutiny are raising the stakes for compliance and successful deal closure.
- Cross-border transactions are becoming more intricate, demanding expertise in navigating international complexities.
- Digital due diligence tools add pressure for legal teams to excel in regulatory reviews and securities compliance.
On top of that, digital tools like advanced data management and digital due diligence are revolutionizing how deals are executed. However, they also bring added pressure for legal teams to excel in regulatory reviews, antitrust issues, and securities compliance.
These dynamics are not just transforming Corporate/M&A but also influencing demand patterns across other legal practice areas.
2. Private Equity
Private equity has become one of the most sought-after and profitable practice areas in Biglaw, with firms dedicating specialized teams to meet the growing needs of this market.
Demand Level
The demand for private equity legal expertise has skyrocketed. Law firms are on the lookout for attorneys skilled in fund formation, portfolio transactions, and regulatory compliance. This area uniquely combines corporate and securities law, allowing firms to command premium fees. The surge in demand is reflected in higher compensation levels across the board.
Compensation Ranges (USD)
Attorneys specializing in corporate M&A, including private equity, earn between $310,000 and $580,000, with a median of $385,000. This represents an 18% pay bump compared to general practice attorneys. Equity partners at larger firms averaged $1.9 million annually in 2024, while non-equity partners earned about $558,000. For Biglaw partners deeply involved in private equity work, yearly compensation can exceed $3 million.
Geographic Hotspots
While traditional financial centers continue to dominate, new markets are emerging as key players. Denver, for instance, has become a growing hub for private equity legal work, fueled by investments in private equity and technology. This trend was highlighted when Reed Smith launched a new Denver office in February 2025. Similarly, Nashville is gaining traction as a center for healthcare-related private equity legal services, with McDermott Will & Emery expanding their healthcare private equity teams there in early 2025. Additionally, states like Arizona, Utah, and Washington are embracing Alternative Business Structures (ABS), which allow private equity firms to invest directly in law firms.
Key Trends Driving Demand
Several forces are reshaping the private equity legal landscape. Biglaw firms are strategically opening offices in regional cities to tap into sector-specific opportunities. Regulatory changes permitting non-attorney ownership of law firms are also paving the way for private equity investments. These shifts are prompting firms to assemble specialized teams to handle complex transactions in industries like healthcare and technology.
3. Litigation
Litigation has long been a cornerstone of Biglaw, standing alongside Corporate/M&A and Private Equity as one of its key practice areas. Firms consistently rely on skilled litigators to tackle high-stakes disputes and navigate regulatory hurdles.
Demand Level
The need for litigation expertise remains steady, driven by growing regulatory scrutiny and increasingly intricate commercial disputes. Firms place a premium on attorneys with experience in areas like white-collar defense, securities litigation, and antitrust cases. These specialties offer a level of predictability and stability that many transactional practices can't always guarantee.
Compensation Ranges (USD)
Litigation roles in Biglaw come with competitive pay, reflecting the specialized expertise and high demands of this field.
Geographic Hotspots
New York and Washington, D.C. continue to dominate as hubs for high-profile litigation. Other cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and key Texas markets also see strong demand for litigation services. Additionally, regions like Delaware, known for its specialized judicial forums, remain essential players in the litigation landscape.
Key Trends Driving Demand
Several factors are shaping demand in litigation. Regulatory enforcement continues to escalate, and commercial disputes are becoming more complex. Firms are seeking litigators who can effectively navigate both federal and state court systems. Moreover, as cross-border challenges and international regulatory issues grow, expertise in handling disputes across multiple jurisdictions is increasingly in demand.
4. Intellectual Property
As technological advancements surge, intellectual property (IP) law has become a cornerstone for firms aiming to safeguard innovations. IP law stands out as one of the most profitable areas in Biglaw, drawing attention for its high earning potential. Lawyers in this field play a critical role in protecting creative and technological breakthroughs, which contributes to its reputation as one of the best-paying specialties in the legal industry.
Demand Level
The need for IP expertise is particularly strong in tech-heavy regions like Silicon Valley and Boston, where innovation fuels a steady stream of patent disputes and licensing complexities. This demand extends across various areas, including patent prosecution, trademark protection, and high-stakes IP litigation. Industries such as technology and life sciences are especially reliant on skilled IP attorneys.
Compensation Ranges (USD)
IP lawyers enjoy some of the most competitive salaries in the legal profession. The combination of the field's profitability and the technical expertise often required - such as backgrounds in engineering or science - commands premium compensation, particularly in major markets.
Geographic Hotspots
Silicon Valley and Boston remain at the forefront of IP legal work, thanks to their dense networks of tech companies and research institutions. Other major hubs include New York and Washington D.C., with growing activity in emerging tech centers like Austin and Seattle.
Key Trends Driving Demand
Several factors are shaping the growth of IP law. The rapid pace of technological advancement continually sparks new patent disputes and creates opportunities for licensing agreements. Furthermore, there is a rising emphasis on protecting trade secrets and navigating the complexities of international IP laws, driving demand for lawyers with specialized, cross-border expertise.
5. Labor & Employment
The field of labor and employment law is experiencing a boom as businesses navigate the complexities of shifting federal and state regulations. With federal regulatory uncertainty looming, companies are increasingly seeking legal advice to ensure compliance and plan strategically.
Demand Level
The uncertainty surrounding federal regulations is pushing businesses to prioritize compliance and seek strategic legal guidance to avoid potential risks.
Geographic Hotspots
Certain states stand out as key areas of activity. California, known for its strong employee protection laws, continues to lead the way. Meanwhile, Rhode Island is emerging as a new focal point due to its recent workplace speech regulations, which are sparking demand for specialized legal expertise.
"Practices in labor-friendly states like California may not be directly affected by the change in administrations".
Rhode Island’s new workplace speech laws, in particular, have heightened demand for legal counsel. Attorney Jillian Folger-Hartwell of Littler Mendelson highlighted the choices businesses face in this evolving landscape:
"We are not in the habit of advising you lightly that you should challenge laws... But if you are a bit more risk tolerant, and you want to continue to hold the meetings, that is a choice that you can make".
Key Trends Driving Demand
The combination of federal uncertainty and state-level legislative changes is fueling the need for labor and employment legal services. This shift is creating an imperative for employers to seek counsel on proactive compliance and risk tolerance strategies regarding issues like union organizing and state-specific workplace speech laws
"Mandatory employee education meetings are one of the most effective ways for employers to communicate with employees freely to correct misperceptions and combat union propaganda".
6. Technology & Data Privacy
The field of technology and data privacy law is growing rapidly in Biglaw, as businesses navigate a maze of regulations, increasing data breaches, and the challenges brought on by AI advancements.
Demand Level
The demand for legal expertise in this area has surged, particularly in 2025, as companies face a constantly changing regulatory environment. The rise in data breaches, stricter privacy rules, and AI-related risks have heightened the need for skilled counsel. Adding to the pressure, coordinated pre-suit demand letters targeting privacy and consumer protection issues now require companies to conduct swift legal assessments and craft response strategies.
Geographic Hotspots
California stands out as the leading hub for technology and data privacy work. This is largely due to its robust state privacy laws, including the "Shine the Light" Law, CCPA, UCL, and CIPA.
Massachusetts has also become a key player in this space, thanks to its specific consumer protection and wiretap statutes, which are driving demand for legal services in privacy and consumer law.
Key Trends Driving Demand
Plaintiffs' firms are increasingly leveraging state-specific statutes to amplify legal exposure and settlement pressure, a tactic particularly common in California. Meanwhile, the rapid evolution of AI is pushing companies to rethink their privacy frameworks, creating a growing need for legal professionals who can address both traditional privacy concerns and the risks tied to emerging technologies.
7. Tax Law
Tax law remains a steady and reliable field, offering consistent opportunities no matter the state of the economy. This stability is now amplified by the rise of new industries, such as cannabis, that bring unique challenges and opportunities.
Demand Level
Tax law is often seen as a cornerstone of the legal profession. Valerie Fontaine, Co-founder of SeltzerFontaine, emphasizes its enduring relevance:
"Tax law is an area that always needs lawyers".
The cannabis industry, in particular, is creating fresh opportunities. Businesses in this sector require legal expertise for everything from business formation and structuring to negotiating agreements and navigating complex tax regulations.
Geographic Hotspots
The demand for tax attorneys is especially strong in states where cannabis is legalized. In these regions, lawyers play an essential role in helping cannabis businesses address legal and tax-related challenges tied to their operations.
Key Trends Driving Demand
While traditional tax matters remain a staple, the complexity of international tax structuring, BEPS 2.0 implementation, and post-M&A integration are driving consistent demand. Additionally, the expansion of the cannabis market provides an additional niche opportunity for specialized regulatory and tax planning.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Every legal practice area comes with its own set of trade-offs, influencing career planning and referral opportunities. Knowing these differences can help attorneys make smarter decisions about where to focus their expertise. The table below highlights some of the key factors to consider for various practice areas:
| Practice Area | Demand Level | Geographic Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate/M&A | Moderate (recovering from 2023–2024 slowdown) | New York, Silicon Valley |
| Private Equity | High (despite broader M&A cooling) | New York, Boston, San Francisco |
| Litigation | Very High (most consistent demand driver) | Major metropolitan areas |
| Intellectual Property | Very High (significant hiring increases) | Silicon Valley, Boston, Austin |
| Labor & Employment | Growing (emerging high-demand area) | All major markets |
| Technology & Data Privacy | Very High (AI and cybersecurity-driven) | Tech hubs nationwide |
| Tax Law | Steady | Nationwide |
Among these, litigation stands out as one of the most recession-resistant areas. For instance, Quinn Emanuel's impressive revenue growth to nearly $2.5 billion last year - propelling it to the 18th largest law firm by revenue - illustrates the earning potential in this field. Litigation has experienced steady growth, with demand increasing for 10 consecutive quarters, averaging 2.8% growth per quarter.
On the other hand, Corporate M&A and Private Equity faced challenges during 2023–2024 due to macroeconomic factors. However, Private Equity fund formation remains a key driver of lateral hiring in this area.
For mid-level associates in their 3rd to 5th year, opportunities are particularly strong in high-demand fields like litigation, regulatory work, and restructuring. This career stage strikes a sweet spot where attorneys have developed specialized skills but remain more cost-effective compared to senior colleagues.
Geography also plays a role in career flexibility. While litigation opportunities are widespread in major metropolitan areas, specialized fields like technology and data privacy tend to cluster in tech hubs, which can affect mobility. For example, Intellectual Property continues to see steady patent work and hiring growth, with emerging AI-related legal issues opening new doors for IP attorneys to build expertise.
Interestingly, litigation headcount at the top 50 U.S. law firms grew by 5.3% between January 2024 and Q3 2025. This trend highlights litigation's countercyclical nature, making it an appealing choice for attorneys seeking stability during uncertain economic times. These insights help attorneys align their career paths with market trends to ensure long-term success.
Key Takeaways
The evolving Biglaw market presents new opportunities for attorneys who are proactive about refining their skills and expanding their expertise. Location plays a big part in career flexibility - major cities tend to offer more concentrated opportunities, while attorneys in smaller or less central regions can thrive by focusing on building transferable, nationwide skills. In this dynamic environment, having a strong, targeted referral network becomes an invaluable asset.
FAQs
Why is litigation in Biglaw in such high demand, and what makes it resilient during economic downturns?
Litigation continues to be one of the most sought-after practice areas in Biglaw, largely because of the growing complexity of legal disputes. Cases like bet-the-company lawsuits, mass torts, and large-scale environmental cases require top-notch legal expertise, ensuring a steady need for skilled litigators. High-stakes matters like these often push companies to seek the best possible representation, driving demand in this field.
What sets litigation apart is its countercyclical nature - it thrives even during economic downturns. Legal disputes don’t pause for recessions; in fact, they often increase as businesses face lawsuits, regulatory pressures, or other challenges. This makes litigation a dependable source of revenue for law firms, no matter the state of the economy.
How are growing cities like Denver and Nashville influencing the demand for private equity legal services?
The booming expansion of cities such as Denver and Nashville is driving a rise in private equity activity, which, in turn, is creating a heightened need for legal expertise in areas like mergers and acquisitions (M&A), deal structuring, and regulatory compliance. These cities are quickly evolving into key hubs for regional investment and deal-making, presenting exciting opportunities for legal professionals to work with growing businesses and investors.
With firms increasingly exploring these dynamic markets, lawyers who specialize in private equity transactions are uniquely positioned to guide clients through the intricacies of complex deals and ever-changing regulations. This not only paves the way for professional growth but also ensures clients achieve their business goals effectively.
What challenges and opportunities do lawyers face in technology and data privacy law, especially with the rise of AI?
Lawyers working in technology and data privacy face a tough set of challenges. They must stay ahead of constantly shifting AI regulations, tackle ethical dilemmas, and address the rising threats of cybersecurity breaches. To handle these complexities, staying updated on ever-evolving legal frameworks is essential.
But there’s also a silver lining. The increasing reliance on AI has sparked a surge in demand for legal expertise in areas like AI regulation, data privacy compliance (think CCPA and GDPR), intellectual property tied to AI advancements, and cybersecurity protocols. By honing their knowledge in these fields, lawyers can establish themselves as go-to advisors for businesses navigating this rapidly changing environment.
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