Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Kirkland & Ellis lead as top M&A legal advisors in North America

Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Kirkland & Ellis have secured the top positions in North America’s M&A legal adviser rankings for 2025, as reported by GlobalData. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz emerged as the frontrunner in terms of deal value, providing guidance on transactions amounting to a staggering $669.6 billion. On the other hand, Kirkland & Ellis led in deal volume, overseeing a total of 474 transactions.

According to GlobalData’s lead analyst Aurojyoti Bose, Kirkland & Ellis managed to uphold its top position by deal volume in 2025, although it conceded the top spot by value to Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. Despite handling a smaller number of deals, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz led the value rankings due to its involvement in substantial transactions. In 2025, the firm was involved in 45 billion-dollar deals, including 15 mega deals exceeding $10 billion each.

In the rankings based on deal value, Latham & Watkins secured the second position with $605.2 billion in advised deals, followed by Kirkland & Ellis at $585.1 billion. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and Sullivan & Cromwell completed the top five with $475.1 billion and $438.4 billion, respectively.

In terms of deal volume, Latham & Watkins stood second with advice on 337 deals. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher followed in the third position with 170 deals, closely trailed by Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison with 169 transactions and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom with 140 deals.

GlobalData’s league tables are formulated through real-time tracking of various sources, including company and advisory firm websites, to compile intricate details for each deal, including adviser names. The data is fortified by soliciting deal submissions from prominent advisers to ensure accuracy and reliability.

These rankings highlight the expertise and proficiency of leading legal firms in navigating the complex landscape of M&A transactions. The ability to secure top positions based on both deal value and volume underscores the strategic acumen and industry prowess of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Kirkland & Ellis in the competitive realm of M&A advisory services. As these firms continue to demonstrate their capabilities in facilitating high-value deals and navigating intricate transactions, their dominance in the M&A legal advisory space is expected to persist.