Lateral partner hires at US law firms has a hit a five-year high, boosted by lawyers moving back to private practice from government agencies and regulatory bodies, according to a report by talent intelligence business Firm Prospects.
The 2025 AmLaw 200 Lateral Hiring Report showed there were 3,009 hires in 2025, a 10% increase from 2024. Government agencies accounted for 270 of those hires, with 67 leaving the US Attorney’s Office and 50 leaving the Department of Justice.
Litigation partners accounted for the most hires (26%), followed by corporate (16%) and IP (8%). The most active law firm in the lateral market was Kirkland & Ellis, making 116 hires, followed by Lewis Brisbois, which added 92 laterals in 2025.
Adam Braveman, CEO of Firm Prospects, said: “The record partner hiring over the past 12 months shows firms remain committed to strategic growth through acquiring experienced talent, a trend likely to continue as competition for rainmakers intensifies.”
Counsel hires also hit a five-year high, reaching 1,974 – a 12% gain on 2024. Gordon & Rees led counsel hires with 101, followed by Wilson Elser (92). Labour and employment specialists Ogletree Deakins, Littler Mendelson, Fisher Phillips and Jackson Lewis all ranked in the top 10.
Associate hiring also increased, rising 5% to 7,686 and continuing the recovery from 2023’s decline. Kirkland & Ellis led associate hiring with 279, followed by Latham & Watkins (215). Litigation specialists Lewis Brisbois, Wilson Elser and Gordon & Rees completed the top five.
Adam Oliver, president of Firm Prospects, said: “This year’s report shows a clear shift toward lateral partner recruitment as firms seek to strengthen their practice depth and expand client relationships.
“The rise in senior hires could be a response to decreased hires of junior and entry-level employees as firms recognise the capability of AI to handle many associate-level tasks. Hiring experienced partners with established books of business will always be a reliable strategy to drive revenue.”
The findings are based on Firm Prospects’ data, which tracks lateral moves across AmLaw 200 firms from publicly available sources.
A report last year published by legal recruiter Macrae found that London litigation hires in 2025 outpaced lateral moves in 2024.
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