The term 'magic circle' was first coined by legal journalists in the late 1990s, and for the past 15 years it has consisted of a distinct group of five: A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance, Freshfields, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May. What sets these firms apart from the rest of the UK legal market?
The Magic Circle refers to five prestigious and multinational London-headquartered law firms. They are Allen & Overy; Clifford Chance; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Linklaters; and Slaughter and May.
The 'big three' law firms, recognized for their revenue, prestige, size, and global influence, include Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Latham & Watkins LLP, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
Baker McKenzie. As one of the world's largest law firms, with 69 international offices and over 6,000 lawyers, Baker McKenzie is known for its cross-border work. The firm often recruits candidates with global experience or, at least, a genuine interest in international matters.
These firms are 'ceiling smashers' for having highest percentage of women in equity partnerships Littler Mendelson, 38.2% Willkie Farr & Gallagher, 36.1% Jackson Lewis, 36% Davis Wright Tremaine, 33.9%
The Magic Circle refers to five prestigious and multinational London-headquartered law firms. They are Allen & Overy; Clifford Chance; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Linklaters; and Slaughter and May.
The size and profitability of a law firm significantly impact partner salary, with equity partners at top firms enjoying impressive earnings that range anywhere from $3–$10 million—or for star partners, sometimes even more.
Magic Circle law firms A&O Shearman. Clifford Chance. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. Linklaters. Slaughter and May.
Small firms may have room for a managing partner or senior partners, but likely not both. However, in a medium or larger-sized law firm, senior partners report to the managing partner, who typically also takes on firm management, operational, and strategic duties in addition to legal practice at the firm.
Levels of partners in the partnership may be senior partners, junior partners, and associate partners. Duties and responsibilities vary at different levels. At each level comes more responsibility, including the training and supervision of lower-level partners.