US law firms’ political contributions have hit an all-time high for the 2004 presidential election, with New York giant Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom and DLA suitor Piper Rudnick leading the charge.

Figures compiled by the non-partisan research body the Centre for Responsive Politic, show Democratic challenger John Kerry winning the lion’s share of the profession’s backing, gaining $21.4m (£11.7m) from law firms.