The American Lawyer just published its annual “A-List” issue, in which the NLJ-affiliated magazine toasted the 20 best all-around law firms in the country. They are shiny examples of the profession, hailed not only for their financial success but also as exemplars of diversity, social conscience and good morale.
But once you look behind the scores, you get a sense that the winners aren’t quite as stellar as they first appear. The big myth is that the A-Listers have mastered — and exceeded — the fundamental measures of a great firm. (The A-List comprises the highest-scoring firms for revenue per lawyer, pro bono, diversity and associate satisfaction, with double weight given to revenue per lawyer and pro bono.)
