Gibson Dunn

Gibson Dunn is one of the largest law firms in the world.

Founded in Los Angeles in 1890 by John Bicknell and Walter Trask, a corporate lawyer and a litigator, the firm’s strong suits remain little-changed today: Gibson Dunn is still renowned for its high-stakes disputes advice and top-tier transactional work.

With over 2,000 lawyers spread across 21 offices in key business centres such as New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, São Paulo, and Abu Dhabi, Gibson Dunn operates as a true global player.

The firm’s international expansion began with the opening of its Paris office in the 1960s, soon followed by its London office in 1979. Fast forward to today and London is the firm’s largest office outside the US, housing some 180 lawyers.

Growth is clearly on the agenda in the City. Gibson Dunn is expanding its London trainee intake by 50% from September 2027, increasing numbers from 10 to 15, further cementing its investment in the market.

And, to maximise its appeal, the firm offers the best package new lawyers can find in London. First-year trainees earn £60,000 and second years £65,000, while newly qualified (NQ) lawyers earn a market-topping £180,000.

That’s not to take away from the firm’s headline-making lateral hires. According to The Lawyer, Gibson Dunn’s partner count surged by 40% between 2021 and 2023. More recently, managing partner and chair Barbara Becker moved to London at the start of 2025 in anticipation of a hiring spree.

The London push isn't yet reflected in the firm’s internal promotions. In its 2024 promotions round, just two of Gibson Dunn’s 35 new partners were made up in London, while none made the cut in 2023 and 2020, one got the nod in 2022 and three in 2021.

Nonetheless, the London office has grown to become a prominent player in the London market. In 2024, the firm jumped to seventh place (from 27th) in the UK M&A rankings by deal value, surpassing US rivals Paul Weiss and Ropes & Gray and landing just behind M&A powerhouse Kirkland.

The emphasis on London growth is part of a broader strategic push to expand its practice globally, with recent office openings in Riyadh in November 2023 and Abu Dhabi in January of the same year.

In London, the firm's strongest practice areas include private equity, commercial arbitration and energy and infrastructure.

Other things to know

Well connected: Among the ranks of Gibson Dunn’s London partnership is Charles Falconer, who served as Lord Chancellor and justice secretary under Tony Blair’s government. Before entering politics, Falconer had spent 25 years as a commercial barrister. His practice at the firm deals with complex commercial litigation, international arbitration and investigations. Falconer also presents ‘Law and Disorder’, a legal podcast, together with Helena Kennedy and Nicholas Mostyn.

Lateral strategy: Gibson Dunn has been ramping up its expansion in 2025 with some notable lateral hires. In February the firm snatched restructuring partner Chris Howard and leveraged finance partner Presley Warner from Sullivan & Cromwell as well as funds partner James O'Donnell and senior counsel Hannah Watson Fanin from DLA Piper. More recently, the firm poached Mark Manson-Bahr and Hayden Cameron, two real estate partners, from A&O Shearman, as well as senior asset finance partner James Cameron from Milbank.

What is Gibson Dunn known for?

Gibson Dunn is a full service corporate law firm. In the London market, it is probably best known for its expertise in the following areas:

Private Equity: Gibson Dunn is known for its work on large European buyouts, advising several sponsor clients including KKR and TPG. The practice has a Band 4 ranking by Chambers.

Arbitration: Gibson Dunn is considered to have one of the City's top international arbitration practices, advising corporate clients as well as sovereign states. It has a Band 2 ranking by Chambers for international commercial arbitration.

Energy and Infrastructure: Gibson Dunn has a strong reputation for oil and gas work, as well as infrastructure M&A and financings. Its infrastructure practice gets a Band 3 ranking by Chambers.

What's Chambers?

We use Chambers rankings to demonstrate a firm's strengths. Chambers is the most highly-regarded provider of law firm rankings in the legal industry. Law firms are ranked in bands from 1 (highest) to 6 (lowest) across a range of practice areas.

It's important to note that being ranked in any band at all is still considered a significant achievement.

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Who does Gibson Dunn compete with?

Gibson Dunn is widely considered to be part of the so-called "global elite" of law firms, alongside the likes of Kirkland & Ellis, Skadden, Latham & Watkins and even Freshfields.

Gibson Dunn is the fifth biggest law firm in the world by revenue. In 2024, its total revenue was $3.6 billion, according to Law.com / ALM.

In 2024, its profit per equity partner (PEP) was $7.2 million, according to Law.com / ALM.

How much does a partner at Gibson Dunn make?

In 2024, Gibson Dunn's profit per equity partner (PEP) was $7.2 million, according to ALM / Law.com.

This is the total amount of profit available for distribution among equity partners, divided by the number of equity partners at the firm.

This represents the average amount that equity partners are entitled to. Some will receive significantly more, some less. It depends on the firm’s profit-sharing formula and each partner’s seniority.

How many trainees does Gibson Dunn take?

Gibson Dunn currently takes on around 10 trainees each year in the UK, increasing to 15 from September 2027.

Trainees complete four seats in different departments, each lasting six months.