Which BigLaw firms are rising and falling in popularity among lawyers this year?

Now in its 11th edition, the Top 25 Attraction Firms ranking is a defining feature of the Legal Firm of Choice Survey, which identifies the most sought-after private legal practices across Australia.

The latest survey was conducted from 1 April to 31 May and garnered a total of 612 responses from legal professionals currently engaged in private practice throughout the country. It recorded the attitudes, priorities, and perceptions of these practitioners, offering a valuable glimpse into the evolving landscape of the legal profession.

Earlier this month, Lawyers Weekly released its Top 25 Attraction Firms for 2025–26, with the rankings revealing a shifting landscape – where some firms have surged up the list, while others have slipped down.

Firms gaining popularity

Analysis of the Top 25 rankings for 2025 and 2026 shows that the following firms have strengthened their appeal, emerging as increasingly sought-after workplaces for lawyers over the past year:

• Macpherson Kelley – ranked 19th, was previously ranked 52nd in 2024–25 (up 33 places)

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• Gilchrist Connell – ranked 24th, was previously ranked 50th in 2024–25 (up 26 places)

• Clyde & Co – ranked 26th, was previously ranked 45th in 2024–25 (up 22 places)

• DWF – ranked 25th, was previously not ranked in 2024–25

• Wotton Kearney – ranked 14th, was previously ranked 20th in 2024–25 (up 16 places)

• Shine Lawyers – ranked 37th, was previously not ranked in 2024–25

For chief people officer Olivia Holmes, Macpherson Kelley’s impressive climb up the rankings is the culmination of years of work focused on aligning the firm’s employee value proposition with the culture and workplace experience that staff encounter every day.

“It’s pleasing to see the market recognise what our people already know: Macpherson Kelley is made up of good people and great lawyers who see the bigger picture and bring clients along for the journey,” Holmes said.

“This result reflects how we’ve listened to our people and evolved our employee value proposition, particularly over the past two years, to genuinely reflect our culture and point of difference.”

Holmes attributed the firm’s momentum to a culture-first mindset embraced across its growing national footprint, with employees recognising that an engaged and supportive workplace is instrumental in delivering exceptional results for clients.

“Across our teams, including new colleagues from last year’s expansion into Adelaide, there is a shared understanding that a positive, grounded, flexible and respectful workplace drives better outcomes for our clients and each other,” Holmes said.

Reflecting on Gilchrist Connell’s impressive rise through the rankings, CEO Belinda Cohen described the achievement as a significant milestone, with its growing reputation as a destination employer validating years of work in building a strong culture and exceptional employee experience, particularly after being absent from the list only a few years ago.

“This result is incredibly gratifying. Not long ago, we were not on this list at all, so to rise 26 places is a meaningful moment for our firm. What makes it particularly significant is that this reflects the market’s view,” Cohen said.

“We have always believed Gilchrist Connell is a great place to work, but it matters to see that recognised externally.”

Cohen attributed the firm’s surge up the rankings to its ongoing investment in people, coupled with a drive to modernise operations and embrace emerging technologies.

“Over the past year, we have continued to invest in our people, embraced new technology, including AI, and strengthened a culture that supports high performance and real careers. That balance is what we will continue to build on,” Cohen said.

Speaking on Shine Lawyers’ rise through the rankings, chief legal officer Lisa Flynn said it reflects the firm’s sustained commitment to building a workplace where employees feel supported, engaged, and connected to a broader sense of purpose.

“Shine Lawyers is proud to be recognised as a Legal Firm of Choice, reflecting our ongoing commitment to our people and purpose-driven culture,” Flynn said.

“Over the past year, we have continued to invest in meaningful career development, wellbeing initiatives, and ways of working that support our team – including flexible arrangements that help people do their best work.”

Flynn also shared that the firm’s recent growth reflects a culture built on collaboration, inclusion, and purpose, where people feel genuinely valued, a dynamic she said is driving both professional development and stronger client outcomes.

“Our focus on collaboration, inclusion, and making a genuine difference for our clients underpins everything we do. This recognition reinforces that when people feel valued and connected to purpose, they thrive,” Flynn said.

“We remain committed to building on this momentum and creating an environment where talented lawyers can grow and do impactful work.”

Firms declining in popularity

While many firms have climbed the rankings, others have slipped several places compared with last year’s standings:

• Sparke Helmore Lawyers – ranked 43rd, was previously ranked 16th in 2024–25 (down 27 places)

• K&L Gates – ranked 46th, was previously ranked 23rd in 2024–25 (down 23 places)

• Keypoint Law – ranked 62nd, was previously ranked 35th in 2024-2025 (down 27 places)

• White & Case – ranked 41st, was previously ranked 22nd in 2024–25 (down 19 places)

• Dentons – ranked 40th, was previously ranked 27th in 2024–25 (down 13 places)

• Piper Alderman – ranked 49th, was previously ranked 37th in 2024–25 (down 12 places)

Lawyers Weekly contacted each of the firms for comment, but none provided a response before publication.

Over the past year, some of these firms were subject to scrutiny.

The US arm of White & Case has come under serious scrutiny after an employee lodged explosive allegations of workplace misconduct, humiliation, and retaliation against senior figures at the firm in early April this year.

At the centre of the complaint are claims that a supervisor allegedly stripped the employee while he was unconscious at a firm retreat, followed by years of alleged ridicule from colleagues.

The BigLaw firm addressed the situation when these explosive allegations came to light, with a spokesperson stating that while the firm is aware of the matter, it considers the allegations to be “baseless” and intends to defend them “vigorously”.

“We’re aware of this matter, and while we take all such allegations seriously, these claims are baseless, and we intend to defend them vigorously through the appropriate process,” the spokesperson said.

“White & Case is committed to maintaining a professional, respectful, and inclusive workplace, and we have robust policies and procedures in place to support the high standards we have for our people and our firm.”

Piper Alderman has also faced scrutiny over workplace issues in the past year, with a Federal Court general protection claim being brought against the firm late last year.

Central to this issue were allegations made by a former lawyer against the firm, its national head of litigation, and director of people and development, alleging that she was bullied, discriminated against, and had her workload reduced to nothing.

While no cost orders were made, Justice Nye Perram encouraged the firm to “be more discerning” in its future submissions.

At the time of the matter, Piper Alderman told Lawyers Weekly that “the claim is disputed. We are defending it.”

Lawyers Weekly understands these incidents are still being treated as allegations and makes no comment on their substance.