2024 saw the second-highest partner hiring in five years, with 2,716 hires, an 8.9% rise from 2023, reflecting strong demand for top legal talent.

Litigation led partner hiring at 26%, followed by corporate law at 17.5% and intellectual property at 7.2%.

Geographic Hotspots: New York City led partner hiring with 553 hires, while Birmingham, AL, and Southfield, MI, experienced significant growth, indicating a shift in flourishing legal markets.

Kirkland & Ellis and Lewis Brisbois led partner recruitment, with 113 and 112 hires, respectively, setting a benchmark in attracting top legal talent.