The Biglaw Firms That Strike Fear In The Hearts Of Opposing Counsel (2024)

// If you’re working in-house and dealing with bet-the-company litigation, you want the very best litigators in the world to be on your side — especially during times like these. You want a firm with litigators so strong that opponents gasp in fear at the very mention of its name. You want a firm that is known internationally for going for the jugular and coming out on top.

But how can you ensure that you’ve picked the right firm? BTI Consulting Group just made it a little easier with the release of its annual ranking of the firms most likely to trigger dread in opposing counsel, as determined by a poll of in-house counsel. After reviewing all responses, BTI named the “Fearsome Foursome,” the most-feared litigation firms in the country. These are the firms you do not want to see on the other side.

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So, which firms are being honored this year for their ability to strike fear in their opponents’ hearts and minds?

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• Quinn Emanuel
• Kirkland & Ellis
• Jones Day
• Gibson Dunn

Per BTI’s Michael Rynowecer, this is why these firms give GCs nightmares:

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1. Redefine the Rules
Unbound by established definitions and norms — the most feared firms forge new interpretations of long-standing precedents. They challenge convention and establish a new set of rules — to their client’s benefit.

2. Take on What Others Won’t
New and novel matters are increasingly part of the legal landscape and growing faster than ever before. Some firms stop and wonder if they want to take these matters on. The same is true for thorny issues and conflict-adjacent matters. The most feared firms relish the challenge.

3. Very Early Assessments
New litigations have fewer facts than ever as they unfold. But The Fearsome Foursome operate confidently despite limited known facts. They may adapt, adjust, and pivot, but they get out of the gate quickly and ensure they are on the right track. They share their early assessments with their clients — who see this as a valued differentiator.

4. Unrelenting
Unrelenting isn’t a trait — it’s a way of life. Every obstacle is a test. Setbacks exist as opportunities for the Fearsome Foursome to surmount each one.

5. Link Unconnected Ideas
The Fearsome Foursome excel at linking ideas together — even when the connection is far from obvious. They reframe and reposition their thinking, rigorously considering opposing viewpoints. This unconventional thinking leads to breakthroughs and novel thinking — often the antidote for new and novel complex claims.

The BTI report also named six firms as “Awesome Opponents” — firms with lawyers corporate counsel would prefer to steer clear of in litigation (in alphabetical order):

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• Dentons
• Duane Morris
• Husch Blackwell
• Irell & Manella
• Latham & Watkins
• Paul Hastings

BTI has also introduced an additional 43 law firms as “Intimindating Opponents” (i.e., firms clients would “rather not see” in litigation). Click here to see the full list.

Congratulations to all of these hardworking firms, and good luck to those who oppose them in court — it certainly sounds like you’ll need it.

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62 Law Firms Most Feared in Litigation [BTI Consulting]

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Staci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Twitter and Threads or connect with her on LinkedIn.

Topics

Biglaw, BTI Consulting Group, Fearsome Foursome, In-House Counsel, Litigators, Rankings