When people hear the term Big Law, they often imagine towering offices filled with corporate lawyers working on billion-dollar mergers and acquisitions. While this perception isn’t entirely wrong, it is incomplete. Big Law is not limited to corporate law alone—it is an umbrella term that refers to the largest, most prestigious law firms that handle a wide range of legal practices.
So, is Big Law only for corporate law? The short answer is no. Let’s explore why.
What Is Big Law?
Big Law generally refers to large law firms, often with hundreds or thousands of lawyers, multiple offices across countries, and high-profile clients. These firms are known for:
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High salaries and demanding work hours.
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A diverse range of legal services.
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Handling complex, high-stakes cases and transactions.
Firms like Kirkland & Ellis, Skadden, Latham & Watkins, and Clifford Chance fall under the Big Law category globally, while in India, firms like Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, AZB & Partners, and Khaitan & Co. are considered elite.
Corporate Law: The Core but Not the Whole
It’s true that corporate law forms a large portion of Big Law’s practice. Corporate teams handle mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity, venture capital, joint ventures, securities, and restructuring. These deals often involve massive amounts of money and complex negotiations, which is why they are the most visible part of Big Law.
However, Big Law is not limited to corporate law.
Other Practice Areas in Big Law
Big Law firms usually have several departments, and lawyers can specialize in different areas such as:
1. Litigation & Dispute Resolution
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Handling high-profile commercial disputes, arbitration, and class actions.
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Representing clients in courts and international tribunals.
2. Intellectual Property (IP) Law
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Protecting patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
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Advising technology, pharmaceutical, and media companies.
3. Banking & Finance
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Advising banks, investors, and corporations on loans, credit facilities, and financial transactions.
4. Real Estate & Infrastructure
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Assisting with property transactions, construction contracts, and project financing.
5. Employment & Labor Law
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Drafting employment agreements, resolving disputes, and advising on workplace compliance.
6. Antitrust & Competition Law
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Ensuring clients comply with competition regulations.
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Handling investigations and cases related to monopolistic practices.
7. Tax Law
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Advising multinational corporations on structuring deals to minimize tax burdens legally.
Why the “Corporate Law Only” Myth Exists
The misconception arises because corporate law matters are the most publicized and glamorous aspect of Big Law. High-value mergers and acquisitions often make news headlines, overshadowing other equally important practice areas that Big Law firms handle.
Who Can Work in Big Law?
If you are aspiring to join Big Law, you don’t necessarily need to be a corporate lawyer. Depending on your skills and interests, you can specialize in litigation, IP, tax, or finance. Big Law needs experts across multiple areas to serve their diverse clients.
Final Thoughts
Big Law is not just about corporate law—it is a multidisciplinary world that includes litigation, IP, tax, real estate, and more. While corporate law may dominate the spotlight, the reality is that Big Law thrives because of its wide range of specialized practices. If you’re considering a career in law, don’t assume that Big Law only means corporate work. There are plenty of opportunities in other legal domains within these firms.
