Am Law 200 lateral partner hiring hits a five-year high

Firm Prospects' 2025 Am Law 200 Lateral Hiring Report found 3,009 lateral partner hires in 2025, up 10% from 2024 and a five-year high. Government agencies accounted for 270 partner hires, litigation made up 26% of lateral partner moves, and Kirkland & Ellis led partner hiring with 116 additions; counsel hires also reached a five-year high at 1,974, up 12%. Experienced lawyer acquisition is increasingly the growth lever of choice. The report also links senior hiring to AI's ability to absorb some associate-level tasks, suggesting that leverage models and lateral partner economics are beginning to converge.

M&A, PE & Consolidation