Big Law is a term which generally refers to American law firms whose size is that of several hundred lawyers or higher. Such firms often are based in major legal markets such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago or Los Angeles. However, it is most often applied in a more limited sense to firms that are highly ranked in industry publications for their various practice area expertise. The majority of individuals working for such firms are graduates of one of the top American law schools as ranked in U.S. News and World Report 's annual law school rankings, however, often individuals with unique industry expertise will be hired despite having graduated from lesser ranked schools (e.g. former government officials from organizations such as the Securities and Exchange Commission). Associates at such firms are considered top New York talent and are recruited heavily by rival Big Law firms. Examples of Big Law firms include DLA Piper, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom; Sullivan & Cromwell; Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett; Latham & Watkins;Cravath, Swaine & Moore; and Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith.

For the United Kingdom equivalent, the term Magic Circle generally describes the largest UK law firms.