When people ask whether Foley & Lardner qualifies as Big Law, they are typically referring to a specific category of large, high-revenue law firms that are known for handling complex legal matters, employing hundreds of attorneys, and serving major corporate clients. This question leads to an exploration of what Big Law really means, how Foley & Lardner fits into that definition, and what characteristics distinguish it as a major player in the legal industry. To answer the question fully, we need to look at the firm’s size, reach, practice areas, reputation, and how it compares to other firms considered part of Big Law.
Understanding the Concept of Big Law
Big Law is not an official designation, but rather an informal term that generally refers to the largest and most prestigious law firms in the United States. These firms are often headquartered in major cities, have hundreds or even thousands of attorneys, and maintain multiple offices both domestically and internationally. Their clients are typically large corporations, financial institutions, and government entities.
Key Features of Big Law Firms
- High attorney headcount
- Multiple offices in major markets
- Significant annual revenue
- Prestigious law school hiring
- Structured associate-to-partner tracks
- High-profile clients and cases
Law firms considered part of Big Law usually appear on rankings such as the Am Law 100 or Vault Law 100, which measure firms by revenue, prestige, or associate satisfaction. Being on these lists often indicates Big Law status.
Who Is Foley & Lardner?
Foley & Lardner LLP, commonly known simply as Foley, is a full-service law firm founded in 1842 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It has grown considerably over the decades and now operates in numerous U.S. cities as well as a few international locations. With over 1,000 attorneys and a broad client base, Foley is consistently ranked among the top 100 law firms in the country.
Key Facts About Foley & Lardner
- Founded 1842
- Headquarters Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Offices Over 20, including locations in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, and Washington, D.C.
- Attorneys More than 1,000
- Annual Revenue Typically in the billions
- Practice Areas Corporate law, intellectual property, litigation, health care, labor and employment, regulatory, and more
These characteristics align closely with what is typically expected of a Big Law firm.
Does Foley & Lardner Meet Big Law Criteria?
Given the established definition of Big Law, Foley & Lardner clearly meets many of the criteria. Its size, client base, and ranking among the top firms in the United States make it a solid example of a Big Law firm. Here are some of the reasons Foley fits the mold.
National and International Reach
Foley has expanded far beyond its Milwaukee roots. It maintains offices in major U.S. legal markets such as Boston, Miami, San Diego, and Houston, and has an international presence with offices in locations like Mexico City and Tokyo. This widespread coverage is a typical feature of Big Law firms that serve national and global clients.
High Revenue and Growth
Foley regularly appears on the American Lawyer’s Am Law 100 list, which tracks the highest-grossing law firms in the United States. This confirms that its financial performance is comparable to other elite law firms. The firm has also grown through mergers and lateral hiring, expanding its capabilities in key areas like health care, sports law, and intellectual property.
Diverse Practice Areas
Another hallmark of Big Law is the ability to offer comprehensive legal services. Foley does this across a broad range of practice groups, including
- Corporate and M&A
- Intellectual Property
- Business Litigation
- Health Care Law
- Real Estate
- Energy
- Environmental Law
This full-service approach is attractive to major corporate clients that need reliable, scalable legal solutions across various jurisdictions and issues.
Comparing Foley to Other Big Law Firms
While Foley may not be as large or globally dominant as firms like Kirkland & Ellis or Latham & Watkins, it is still very much a Big Law firm by most standards. It ranks competitively in size, revenue, and geographic coverage. One difference, however, may lie in public visibility and media coverage, where New York- or D.C.-based firms often have higher profiles. Nonetheless, within many sectors, particularly health care and sports, Foley is a recognized leader.
Associate Experience and Recruitment
Big Law is also associated with highly structured recruiting and career development paths. Foley recruits from top law schools and offers traditional associate-to-partner tracks. The firm provides training, mentoring, and advancement opportunities consistent with what is expected in Big Law environments. While work-life balance remains a challenge in this sector, Foley is known for slightly more humane expectations compared to some of the most intense Big Law firms.
Why Big Law Status Matters
Being categorized as Big Law affects everything from a firm’s ability to attract clients to its competitiveness in hiring the best legal talent. Clients often prefer Big Law firms for complex litigation, high-value transactions, and regulatory challenges. Similarly, law students looking for long-term prestige or lucrative opportunities may prioritize firms with Big Law status. Foley & Lardner’s inclusion in this elite group enhances its appeal in both respects.
Benefits for Clients
- Access to large, specialized teams
- Resources for handling cross-border legal issues
- Reputation for quality and reliability
Benefits for Legal Professionals
- Higher starting salaries and bonuses
- Exposure to high-stakes legal work
- Structured training and development
All of these benefits are tied closely to a firm’s position within the Big Law ecosystem.
Foley & Lardner clearly fits the mold of a Big Law firm. With over 1,000 attorneys, a wide array of practice areas, a national and international footprint, and a place on key industry rankings, it shares all the core attributes of other elite law firms. While it may not always have the same media presence as some New York or global giants, its impact, scale, and influence in American legal practice are undeniable. Whether you are a potential client, a law student, or just someone exploring the legal profession, understanding Foley’s place in the Big Law landscape provides valuable insight into how the upper tier of the legal world operates.