Why Orange County Attracts Major Law Firms
In recent years, Orange County has emerged as a leading hub for large law firms. The county boasts a vibrant economy, dynamic business climate, and a burgeoning legal industry — all of which have attracted major national and international firms to set up large offices in the area.
One of the key factors contributing to this trend is the economic growth of Orange County. With a GDP of over $250 billion and an unemployment rate that continues to fall, Orange County remains a prime location for large law firms. A strong economic base offers firms the opportunity to work with an array of clients in various industries, expanding their reach and capabilities.
Another important factor is the county’s business climate. Orange County has a diverse economy that encompasses a range of fields, including technology, healthcare, and finance. This diversity allows large firms to provide services tailored to specific industries, while also offering a one-stop-shop for clients across various sectors.
The growth of the legal industry in Orange County has also contributed to the influx of large law firms. According to a recent report , the number of attorneys in Orange County has increased by more than 20 percent over the past decade. With the legal industry continuing to expand, large firms are eager to establish a presence in the county to tap into this growing talent pool.
It’s also worth noting the role technology plays in this trend. The rise of remote work and collaboration technologies has made it easier for firms to have large offices in different locations. Orange County’s tech-savvy workforce and growing reputation as a tech hub have further cemented its place in the landscape of large law firms.
Finally, the area’s natural beauty and quality of life also make it an attractive location for large firms looking to set up shop. The sunny weather, proximity to the beach, and outdoor lifestyle appeal to both attorneys and staff alike.
All of these factors combine to create a fertile ground for large law firms to thrive in Orange County. As the economy, business climate, and legal industry continue to grow, it’s likely that we’ll see even more large firms expanding into the area.
Ranking Law Firms in Orange County
For the purposes of this list, only those law firms with 15 or more attorneys are included. The list ranks the largest 85 law firms according to the number of attorneys at each firm’s Orange County office. Only attorneys in a firm’s Orange County or main office are counted towards its ranking; attorneys working in the firm’s out-of-state offices are excluded from the total number.
The rankings are based on the respondent’s actual head count and revenue in 2017. Although the rankings are available by head count and revenue, the OC Register declined to publish revenue rankings, citing a significant number of firms that would not reveal their revenue figures.
All figures for head count and revenue were taken in-house from the responses presented by the firms. The Orange County attorneys do not necessarily account for the total head count of the firm. Some firms have offices in other parts of the country or even the world. Therefore, the firm has more attorneys than what was listed for the specific Orange County office. Although the head count for Orange County law firms is higher than the surrounding areas within Los Angeles, Orange County is cited as a strong competitor with the biggest law firms and lawyers.
Profile of Top Large Law Firms
As is the case with every major city, Orange County has its fair share of prominent law firms. We examine below the long established leaders, as well as newer arrivals in the Orange County market that have made a name for themselves. O’Melveny & Myers is perhaps the most recognized name in Orange County law among the business community. O’Melveny specializes in many areas of law, with practice groups including corporate, finance, real estate, intellectual property, labor & employment, bankruptcy and litigation. The firm was founded in 1885 – before California statehood – by William O’Melveny and Brennan Moore in Los Angeles. The firm expanded rapidly to San Francisco, New York, Washington DC and London, and opened its first Orange County office in 1988. The firm has approximately 1,000 officers however, over 50 of those are located in the Orange County premisses. OMM was recently cited by the Los Angeles Daily Journal as one of the top 25 law firms in California. The firm’s clients include Fortune 500 companies like Wal-Mart, The Coca-Cola Company, General Motors, Northrop Grumman, Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo. The firm was integral in Southern California real estate development, helping firms like Hearthside Homes, The Irvine Company and Del Webb bring commercial and residential projects to fruition. One of the largest firms in Orange County is Paul Hastings – a relatively new member of the Orange County legal community. Paul Hastings joined the ranks of Orange County law firms in 2008 and quickly absorbed the products of the recent combination between Heller Erhman and Dewey LeBoeuf. Paul Hastings has nearly 1,000 attorneys in 23 offices across Asia, Europe and the United States. It offers services in 17 areas of practice, including capital markets, corporate, employment, environmental, global finance, healthcare, insurance and liability, international trade, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, REITs, restructuring and executive compensation. The firm’s clients include ordinary real estate investors as well as some of the world’s blue chip companies, including Charles Schwab, Countrywide Financial Corporation, Deutsche Bank, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Time Warner, UBS, the New York Yankees and NBC Universal. Paul Hastings recently opened an office in Dallas to service the central part of the country. Another "newcomer" to the Orange County legal scene is Axiom, a "law firm alternative" which has already established itself in the Bay Area and now has offices in Los Angeles as well. Axiom’s clients benefit from the talents of their skilled professionals at a lower cost; Axiom Partners are independent contractors who command fees well below the Big Law hourly rates. In Orange County, the firm’s "Lawyers for Sustained Excellence" group includes seasoned veterans from the ranks of O’Melveny, Latham, Sidley and Paul Hastings. Axiom is a disruptive model at the lower end of the market, and a big player at the higher end of the market by providing alternative solutions to standard law firm practice. Axiom takes advantage of managed services to provide efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities.
Comparative Analysis: Advantages and Disadvantages
When comparing the largest law firms in Orange County, a few key points can be made about their strengths and weaknesses. One of the major strengths of larger law firms is the breadth of legal expertise they offer. With numerous specialties under one roof, clients are less likely to have to be referred outside their trusted counsel’s network. This can be particularly valuable for corporations seeking multifaceted legal representation without the hassle of juggling multiple firms. Client satisfaction often varies between the largest law firms , with some firms making client service a hallmark of their practice and others struggling to maintain high levels of satisfaction. This discrepancy can stem from a range of factors, including the firm’s approach to billing, communication, and follow-through. One clear disadvantage that many large law firms face is in the area of diversity. Although larger firms have implemented diversity initiatives over the years, the legal field still lags behind other professions in terms of minority representation. For example, only a small percentage of law partners at large firms are women and fewer are people of color.
How Major Law Firms Affect the Community
A symbiotic relationship exists between large law firms and the communities they inhabit. These firms are more than just legal advisors; they are significant drivers of local economic growth and social development. Many Orange County law firms have a long history of community involvement and corporate social responsibility initiatives, which further contribute to the region’s social fabric and economy. Pro bono work is one of the most obvious ways in which large law firms give back to their communities. Pro bono activities in Orange County range from providing legal services for low-income and underrepresented individuals to taking on civil rights litigation. A number of large law firms promote volunteerism by encouraging their attorneys to participate in community service projects and pro bono work. Some law firms even have dedicated pro bono departments that manage and coordinate volunteer initiatives. Corporate social responsibility, or CSR, has led many large law firms to take action on social issues that affect their communities. For example, several Orange County law firms have launched roundtables and working groups to support diversity initiatives, focusing on ensuring equal opportunities in the legal profession. Some large firms support environmental causes by encouraging their lawyers and staff to participate in activities like beach cleanups and fundraising events. These firms also aim to reduce their environmental footprint and promote sustainability. Other CSR initiatives may include financial contributions to charities and community organizations that align with the firm’s values. In addition to the direct societal benefits, large law firms also provide substantial economic contributions to their communities. They provide a significant number of jobs, ranging from entry-level to highly specialized positions. The payroll provided to its employees can have broad positive effects on the local economy and tax base. Additionally, large law firms also support local businesses, creating a positive ripple effect through the local economy. Large law firms are often among the biggest clients of local companies and service providers. For example, they hire accountants, catering services, and office supply companies. All of these businesses benefit from the influx of spending. In summary, large local law firms are more than just community assets; they are vital to the region’s social well-being and economic vibrancy. Their pro bono efforts, CSR initiatives, and economic contributions all serve to paint a broader picture of the role these institutions play in the wider community.
Future of Practice in Orange County
The landscape of legal practice in Orange County is poised for significant transformation in the coming years. As technological advancements continue to reshape how business is conducted, large law firms are no exception. Automation and artificial intelligence are quickly taking legal research and administrative tasks off the hands of attorneys, allowing them to focus on more complex and nuanced legal work. While some firms may be apprehensive about integrating more technology into their practices, those that do stand to gain a significant competitive edge.
Another trend that seems to be shaping the future of large law firms in Orange County is the need to adapt to shifting client demands. Clients are becoming increasingly more picky about the kind of legal services that they receive, seeking firms that are more flexible and willing to get creative with billing. The one-size-fits-all approach that law firms historically relied on no longer works for many clients, who no longer have the time or resources for that kind of relationship . Law firms, especially large ones, are facing pressure to modernize their fee structures and provide more flexible pricing options, such as fixed fees, subscription-based services, and other non-hourly arrangements.
As far as expansion is concerned, the largest law firms in Orange County have their work cut out for them. Providing the same quality of legal practice across multiple jurisdictions is no easy task, and large law firms are constantly looking for ways to expand into new markets while maintaining the same standard of excellence that they’re known for. In this way, the largest law firms in Orange County will have to look to the rest of the state, nationwide, and even internationally to find new talent and opportunities for expansion.
Overall, the future of large law firms in Orange County is focused on a combination of technology and innovation. In order to stay relevant, these law firms will have to be forward-thinking and committed to providing the highest level of legal services possible. The firms that are able to do that will remain at the top of the market and continue to attract the best and the brightest legal talent.