Top 20 Corporate Law Firms for 2010

When it comes to corporate litigation, you need the best representation possible. Discerning US directors and general counsel have chosen the top corporate law firms for 2010.

The list of the top 20 corporate law firms comes from the 10th America’s Best Corporate Law Firms Study. The study is held annually by Corporate Board Member magazine and FTI Consulting Inc.

Most of the top corporate law firms for 2010 have remained on the list for several years, including Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, the New York firm that has retained the number one spot for a decade.

New corporate law firms to make the top 20 list are Washington, D.C. firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld and Houston-based Vinson & Elkins.

“These top firms have weathered the previous year by making tough decisions, just like every other corporate entity that has managed to hold their ground in the face of a recessionary economy. As this year’s rankings show, in doing so, they have continued to garner respect from boards and general counsel,” said Corporate Board Member President and CEO TK Kerstetter in a press release.

“When it comes to trust and loyalty, it is obvious these firms have both the depth and breadth of expertise boards are looking for as well as the necessary staying power to deliver it — even in challenging economic times.”

Top 20 Corporate Law Firms

1. Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, New York

2. Cravath Swaine & Moore, New York

3. Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz, New York

4. Jones Day, Washington, D.C.

5. Sullivan & Cromwell, New York

6. Weil Gotshal & Manges, New York

7. Latham & Watkins, Los Angeles

8. Baker & McKenzie, Chicago

9. Kirkland & Ellis, Chicago

10. Davis Polk & Wardwell, New York

11. Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison, New York

12. Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles

13. Fulbright & Jaworski, Houston

14. Shearman & Sterling, New York

15. Sidley Austin, New York

16. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, Washington, D.C.

17. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Palo Alto

18. Vinson & Elkins, Houston

19. Covington & Burling, Washington, D.C.

20. O’Melveny & Myers, Los Angeles