Best Law Firms Announces 2027 U.S. Rankings as AI Implementation More Than Doubles
AUGUSTA, Ga., Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Best Lawyers® today released the 2027 Best Law Firms® rankings in the United States, recognizing 15,671 law firms across 127 practice areas and 188 geographic markets. Now in its 17th edition, the rankings represent the top 3.41% of U.S. firms.
The 2027 rankings highlight firms that have demonstrated professional excellence through a comprehensive research process, including participation from 30,024 lawyers who cast more than 3.8 million votes, evaluating firms nationwide. The process also incorporated feedback from 109,963 client references and 1,053 interviews with law firm and practice group leaders.
"Together, those perspectives show not only which firms are standing out, but how excellence takes shape across different practice areas and markets, from highly specialized local firms to those with a national presence," said Valerie Smith, senior research manager at Best Law Firms.
AI Implementation More Than Doubles as Law Firms Strengthen Safeguards
Alongside the rankings, the third annual Best Law Firms U.S. Legal Market Report, drawing on survey responses from 5,753 law firms across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, reveals significant shifts in how the legal profession is adopting emerging technologies, managing client relationships and navigating financial pressures.
Among firms with 20 or more lawyers, 28% reported fully implementing generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools across multiple practice areas, up from just 11% in the previous year's survey. Adoption has accelerated particularly among larger firms, with 56% of firms employing 150 or more lawyers reporting full implementation, compared with 23% the previous year.
AI is also becoming a competitive differentiator. Among firms with 150 or more lawyers, 43% reported making AI part of their value proposition to clients, up from 23% the previous year.
As adoption increases, law firms are strengthening safeguards around AI use. The share of firms providing training on the limitations and risks of GenAI climbed from 22% to 63%, while those establishing clear policies for AI use in client matters increased from 14% to 47%.
However, a significant divide remains between firms of different sizes. Among firms with 150 or more lawyers, 95% reported having clear policies governing AI use in client matters, up from just 19% the previous year. By comparison, only 26% of solo practitioners reported having such policies in place.
The Billable Hour Remains Resilient Despite Growing AI Adoption
Despite growing adoption of AI-powered tools, the report found that traditional billing models remain firmly established across the legal profession.
Seventy percent of surveyed firms reported offering alternative fee arrangements (AFAs), down from 72% in the previous year. Flat fees (69%), retainers (63%) and contingency fees (59%) were among the most commonly offered arrangements.
AI is beginning to influence billing practices, however. Among firms using GenAI, 25% reported reduced billable hours for certain tasks, compared with 19% the previous year. Another 27% reported increased efficiency without changes to billable hours.
"Even at this stage, one in four GenAI-using firms reports reduced billable hours for certain tasks," Smith said. "That makes AI more than a technology issue. It is becoming a pricing and client-value question. Firms will need to be clear about how work is changing and how those efficiencies are reflected in the service clients receive."
Smaller Law Firms Report Strong Revenue Growth
The report also highlights significant revenue growth among smaller U.S. law firms. Among firms with two to 19 lawyers that provided financial data, average revenue increased 32% compared with the previous survey, reaching $5.15 million. Firms employing 20 to 49 lawyers reported a 29% increase, with average revenue reaching $21 million.
Despite these gains, firms employing 150 or more lawyers accounted for 83% of total revenue reported by survey respondents.
Pro Bono Participation Declines for Second Consecutive Year
The research also identified a decline in reported pro bono hours among surveyed U.S. law firms. Average pro bono hours per lawyer fell to 25.6, down from 25.9 in the previous survey and approximately half of the American Bar Association's aspirational 50-hour annual benchmark.
Among firms with 20 or more lawyers, median pro bono hours declined 11% year over year, while smaller firms reported a 19% decrease.
Recognizing the Nation's Leading Law Firms
In addition to the regional rankings, this year's edition recognizes 2,220 firms with national rankings across 75 practice areas, representing approximately 0.48% of the U.S. legal market. Sixty-two firms also earned the prestigious "Law Firm of the Year" distinction across 74 practice areas, an honor limited to approximately 0.0135% of the market.
The 2027 rankings recognize firms across a broad range of legal disciplines. Five practice areas lead in the number of unique firms receiving National Tier 1 recognition:
- Commercial Litigation
- Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
- Real Estate Law
- Litigation – Construction
- Construction Law
Certain firms also distinguished themselves through the breadth of their national recognition. Greenberg Traurig earned the most National Tier 1 rankings in the 2027 edition with 43, followed by Holland & Knight LLP with 42 and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius with 40.
Among the "Law Firm of the Year" honorees are Latham & Watkins LLP for Commercial Litigation; Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; DLA Piper for Real Estate Law; Peckar & Abramson PC for Litigation – Construction; and Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP for Construction Law.
First introduced in 2010, Best Law Firms in the United States is the longest-running edition in the Best Law Firms portfolio. To qualify for consideration, a firm must have at least one lawyer recognized in the current edition of The Best Lawyers in America® in an eligible practice area and geographic jurisdiction. Rankings are awarded in Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 categories.
Explore the complete 2027 Best Law Firms® rankings and read the full Legal Market Report at bestlawfirms.com/united-states
About Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers® is the most established global network of legal professionals, providing elite lawyers and law firms with tools to enhance visibility, credibility and client engagement. Built on a rigorous peer-review process, Best Lawyers delivers data-driven legal recognition while offering industry insights and tech-forward marketing solutions. Powering Best Law Firms®, we simplify the law firm selection process, fostering confidence between firms and clients.
Learn more at www.bestlawyers.com and www.bestlawfirms.com.
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