Overview
Ropes & Gray is a preeminent global law firm with approximately 1,400 lawyers and legal professionals serving clients in major centers of business, finance, technology and government. The firm has offices in New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Chicago, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo and Seoul, and has consistently been recognized for its leading practices in many areas, including private equity, M&A, finance, asset management, real estate, tax, antitrust, life sciences, health care, intellectual property, litigation & enforcement, privacy & cybersecurity, and business restructuring.
Founded:
1865
Best Lawyers Recognized:
110Rankings
"Law Firm of the Year" Awards
2026 "Law Firm of the Year"
Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)National
Tier
1
National Ranking
Banking and Finance LawTier
1
National Ranking
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization LawTier
1
National Ranking
Biotechnology and Life Sciences PracticeTier
1
National Ranking
Commercial LitigationTier
1
National Ranking
Corporate LawTier
1
National Ranking
Criminal Defense: White-CollarRegional
Boston
Tier
1
Boston
Antitrust LawTier
1
Boston
Banking and Finance LawTier
1
Boston
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization LawTier
1
Boston
Biotechnology and Life Sciences PracticeTier
1
Boston
Commercial LitigationTier
1
Boston
Corporate LawHighlighted Client Comments
These featured testimonials reflect a sampling of client experiences. As every legal matter is unique—comments are personal opinions, not guarantees of future results.
Mutual Funds Law
Ropes & Gray combines expert legal knowledge with practical business understanding.
Adam Shapiro
General Counsel – Stone Harbor Investment Partners LPPatent Law
The attorneys at Ropes & Gray are absolutely superior performers. The team is well structured, with an efficient, layered approach to providing service. Communication with the team is simple and effective. The work product from this group is the best I have encountered--innovative and rational in approach, and balanced (understanding our needs and budget).They are not the least expensive firm available to us, but we have felt tremendous value from this relationship. The Ropes & Gray patent law group has provided significant "foundational" work to our organization, helping us structure our own internal efforts and processes. I am very satisfied.
Mutual Funds Law
Ropes & Gray has a fantastic practice that offers so much to clients. Peerless industry perspectives, collaborative and creative team members, and breadth of legal experience and training of their lawyers help to ensure that broader corporate and securities law issues are not missed. They are a real pleasure to work with!
James Bordewick, Jr.
Bank of AmericaMutual Funds Law
I have dealt with many of the lawyers from Ropes & Gray and have been extremely impressed with their knowledge, willingness to be helpful, and deep understanding of the mutual fund business, as well as the law. John Gerstmayr is a stand out by any measure.
Jameson Baxter
Board Chairman – Putnam FundsFDA Law
The strategic legal advice of Ropes & Gray attorney Kellie Combs is among the best in the business.
Monica Singh
SanofiMutual Funds Law
Ropes & Gray checks all the boxes in terms of providing world-class partners, deep bench strength, timeliness in responding to routine and complicated ad-hoc requests, and--most importantly--effectively communicating in tenuous situations surrounding contractual matters. Our firm has come across some unique and challenging situations over the past 15 years, and Ropes & Gray counsel have been invaluable business partners though it all.
Mike Higgins
Treasurer – Putnam Investments, LLCCorporate Law
Ropes has a high-quality corporate and M&A practice. The firm is extremely responsive and understands the needs of the client.
Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice
Ropes has one of the best pharmaceuticals and life sciences practices in the country. The lawyers are thoughtful in approach and are well-versed in current market terms and trends.
Health Care Law
Ropes & Gray's attorneys have strong substantive knowledge with broad experience. They have done it all before, which inspires confidence. The health care practice covers the full spectrum of health care matters from transactional, academic medicine, industry relations, privacy, research, reimbursement, and compliance. The bench is deep. This is my go-to firm for important matters.
Patent Law
Ropes & Gray provides very creative solutions to complex problems. They have developed a real specialty in PTAB proceedings.
Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice
Ropes & Gray attorneys have excellent responsiveness and ability to understand the legal issues involved in complicated business fact patterns.
Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice
Marc Rubenstein and Susan Galli at Ropes & Gray are the best of the best when it comes to providing high quality, practical, cost effective and excellent guidance on collaboration and licensing agreements.
Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
The Ropes team is extremely responsive, as we often have time-sensitive inquiries from our business teams. They also have teams based on both coasts, which is very beneficial to us as a West Coast based manager. Laurel Fitzpatrick and Mike Doherty do a great job of leading the teams. It's always a pleasure to work with the team, as they are both extremely knowledgeable and personable.
Real Estate Law
We have worked extensively with David Djaha's team at Ropes & Gray, and find them to be extremely knowledgeable, sharp and very accommodating to some of our timing demands due to quick bidding deadlines. David does a great job of breaking down complex legal issues for our business team and is extremely business-minded when negotiating.
Antitrust Law
Ropes & Gray attorneys are very knowledgeable for deal work. They know the FTC very well. The lead partners on a matter get their hands dirty in the details and know their matters. For sophisticated antitrust clients, you need someone to partner with you on a matter and not lead you. Ropes knows the ropes and is an excellent partner on a deal because they know the details.
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
I have always found Ropes & Gray to be exceptionally responsive and attentive. With a mixture of attorneys who have sat on both sides of the prosecution fence, their knowledge is invaluable.
Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice
Ropes & Gray attorneys Joy Liu and Kelly Combs are trusted legal advisors, and in my opinion, industry leaders in this area of law.
FDA Law
Ropes & Gray attorneys Joy Liu and Kelly Combs are trusted legal advisors, and in my opinion, industry leaders in this area of law.
Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
Ropes & Gray is the perfect combination of being very protective of our firm while still being very commercial. The advice we have received from them has been invaluable, both in our day to day dealings and special situations as they arise.
Antitrust Law
We've used Chong Park at Ropes & Gray on several important matters. He is an excellent antitrust attorney who knows how to apply both law and economics to real world situations.
Charles McBride, Jr.
General Counsel - Sr. Vice President – Telapex, Inc.Health Care Law
Ropes & Gray attorneys are smart, client-focused, and give practical advice. They are the best for strategic and mission critical matters.
Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice
Ropes & Gray has a supreme understanding of both the law and industry with a knack for developing creative solutions to complex problems. This firm is extremely client friendly, very responsive and adept at creating deliverables that meet various client needs.
FDA Law
Ropes & Gray has a supreme understanding of both the law and industry with a knack for developing creative solutions to complex problems. This firm is extremely client friendly, very responsive and adept at creating deliverables that meet various client needs.
Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
Sarah Davidoff at Ropes & Gray is well versed in the issues facing hedge funds. She understands the fundamentals of the business and helps craft practical advice and implementation tailored to the needs of the particular client.
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Most knowledgeable and deepest bench of any firm we deal with. A bit expensive but you get what you pay for. VERY high quality work product.
Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice
Steve Wilcox and his team are exceptional.
Litigation - Intellectual Property
I've worked with a number of the top intellectual property litigation firms in the country and there are none better than Ropes & Gray. They are top of class in intelligence and execution, and are practical and imaginative in ways that not many of even the best of their competitors are.
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Chris Harnett and his team at Ropes & Gray are exceptional at handling complex cases.
Health Care Law
Ropes & Gray has a deep bench of attorneys with health care expertise. The partners appear to do a great job training health care associates who are very strong.
Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
Ropes & Gray has outstanding knowledge and excellent insight into how issues apply to our business. They are very responsive. All these and other characteristics make the firm's CFTC/NFA practice the go-to source for practical and actionable guidance.
Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice
Ropes & Gray has strong FDA expertise and excellent judgment. They consistently provide sound legal guidance on complex regulatory matters.
Real Estate Law
Ropes & Gray is an excellent firm with extensive knowledge.
Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
Ropes & Gray is a well rounded firm with broad capabilities.
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
See comment above.
Corporate Law
See comment above.
Rankings
"Law Firm of the Year" Awards
2026 "Law Firm of the Year"
Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)National
Tier
1
National Ranking
Banking and Finance LawTier
1
National Ranking
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization LawTier
1
National Ranking
Biotechnology and Life Sciences PracticeTier
1
National Ranking
Commercial LitigationTier
1
National Ranking
Corporate LawTier
1
National Ranking
Criminal Defense: White-CollarTier
1
National Ranking
Employee Benefits (ERISA) LawTier
1
National Ranking
Health Care LawTier
1
National Ranking
Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity LawTier
1
National Ranking
Litigation - AntitrustTier
1
National Ranking
Litigation - Intellectual PropertyTier
1
National Ranking
Litigation - PatentTier
1
National Ranking
Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)Tier
1
National Ranking
Litigation - SecuritiesTier
1
National Ranking
Mergers and Acquisitions LawTier
1
National Ranking
Mutual Funds LawTier
1
National Ranking
Patent LawTier
1
National Ranking
Private Funds / Hedge Funds LawTier
1
National Ranking
Securities RegulationTier
1
National Ranking
Tax LawTier
2
National Ranking
Antitrust LawTier
2
National Ranking
FDA LawTier
2
National Ranking
Litigation - BankruptcyTier
2
National Ranking
Litigation - Mergers and AcquisitionsTier
2
National Ranking
Public Finance LawTier
2
National Ranking
Real Estate LawTier
2
National Ranking
Securities / Capital Markets LawTier
3
National Ranking
Appellate PracticeRegional
Boston
Tier
1
Boston
Antitrust LawTier
1
Boston
Banking and Finance LawTier
1
Boston
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization LawTier
1
Boston
Biotechnology and Life Sciences PracticeTier
1
Boston
Commercial LitigationTier
1
Boston
Corporate LawTier
1
Boston
Criminal Defense: White-CollarTier
1
Boston
Employee Benefits (ERISA) LawTier
1
Boston
Employment Law - ManagementTier
1
Boston
Health Care LawTier
1
Boston
Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity LawTier
1
Boston
Litigation - AntitrustTier
1
Boston
Litigation - InsuranceTier
1
Boston
Litigation - Intellectual PropertyTier
1
Boston
Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)Tier
1
Boston
Litigation - SecuritiesTier
1
Boston
Mergers and Acquisitions LawTier
1
Boston
Nonprofit / Charities LawTier
1
Boston
Patent LawTier
1
Boston
Privacy and Data Security LawTier
1
Boston
Private Funds / Hedge Funds LawTier
1
Boston
Public Finance LawTier
1
Boston
Real Estate LawTier
1
Boston
Securities / Capital Markets LawTier
1
Boston
Securities RegulationTier
1
Boston
Tax LawTier
2
Boston
Environmental LawTier
2
Boston
Litigation - BankruptcyTier
2
Boston
Litigation - Labor and EmploymentChicago
Tier
1
Chicago
Commercial LitigationTier
1
Chicago
Criminal Defense: White-CollarTier
1
Chicago
Health Care LawTier
1
Chicago
Litigation - BankruptcyTier
1
Chicago
Privacy and Data Security LawTier
2
Chicago
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization LawTier
2
Chicago
Employee Benefits (ERISA) LawLos Angeles
Tier
1
Los Angeles
Health Care LawNew York City
Tier
1
New York City
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization LawTier
1
New York City
Commercial LitigationTier
1
New York City
Criminal Defense: White-CollarTier
1
New York City
Employee Benefits (ERISA) LawTier
1
New York City
Health Care LawTier
1
New York City
Litigation - PatentTier
1
New York City
Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)Tier
1
New York City
Mergers and Acquisitions LawTier
1
New York City
Mutual Funds LawTier
1
New York City
Private Funds / Hedge Funds LawTier
1
New York City
Tax LawTier
2
New York City
Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity LawTier
2
New York City
Litigation - Intellectual PropertyTier
2
New York City
Patent LawSan Francisco
Tier
2
San Francisco
Commercial LitigationTier
2
San Francisco
Litigation - Mergers and AcquisitionsTier
2
San Francisco
Litigation - SecuritiesSan Jose
Tier
2
San Jose
Litigation - Intellectual PropertyTier
2
San Jose
Litigation - PatentTier
3
San Jose
Patent LawWashington, D.C.
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Antitrust LawTier
1
Washington, D.C.
FDA LawTier
1
Washington, D.C.
Litigation - AntitrustTier
2
Washington, D.C.
Appellate PracticeTier
2
Washington, D.C.
Criminal Defense: White-CollarTier
2
Washington, D.C.
Health Care LawTier
2
Washington, D.C.
Patent LawTier
2
Washington, D.C.
Privacy and Data Security LawTier
2
Washington, D.C.
Tax LawTier
3
Washington, D.C.
International Trade and Finance LawIndividuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®
Ropes & Gray LLP proudly has 110 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
Client Comments
A strong relationship between a client and their law firm is key to achieving the best possible outcomes. Open communication, trust, and collaboration ensure that attorneys understand each client’s unique goals and needs. Choosing the right firm means finding a team with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to guide you through every stage of the legal process.
Client comments reflect personal opinions and individual experiences. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Past results and testimonials do not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters. For personalized legal advice, consult directly with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and provide tailored guidance.
Best Law Firms Insights
Law Firm Office Mandates Help Drive Rental Leasing Boom
Law Firms Fueling US Office Leasing Boom With Record Numbers
Awards
Ropes & Gray LLP is honored to be recognized for excellence by Best Law Firms and other leading legal industry organizations. Our rankings and awards reflect the dedication, skill, and results our attorneys deliver across a wide range of practice areas. In addition to our Best Law Firms awards, Ropes & Gray LLP has earned accolades from respected national and regional publications for outstanding legal service and professional achievement. Explore our awards below to learn more about how Ropes & Gray LLP continues to set the standard for quality legal representation.
The American Lawyer's A-List - Top Three for Four Consecutive Years, Ranked #2 Overall
The American Lawyer's A-List - Top Three for Four Consecutive Years, Ranked #2 Overall
The American Lawyer's A-List - Top Three for Four Consecutive Years, Ranked #2 Overall
The American Lawyer's A-List - Top Three for Four Consecutive Years, Ranked #2 Overall
The American Lawyer's Dealmakers of the Year - $18 Billion Consortium Buyout of Toshiba Memory
The American Lawyer's Dealmakers of the Year - $18 Billion Consortium Buyout of Toshiba Memory
The American Lawyer's Dealmakers of the Year - $18 Billion Consortium Buyout of Toshiba Memory
The American Lawyer's Dealmakers of the Year - $18 Billion Consortium Buyout of Toshiba Memory
The American Lawyer's Corporate Department of the Year - Health Care (2020)
The American Lawyer's Corporate Department of the Year - Health Care (2020)
The American Lawyer's Corporate Department of the Year - Health Care (2020)
The American Lawyer's Corporate Department of the Year - Health Care (2020)
Financial Times Innovative Lawyers - Top Firm for COVID-19 Response (2020) and honored every year since 2011
Financial Times Innovative Lawyers - Top Firm for COVID-19 Response (2020) and honored every year since 2011
Financial Times Innovative Lawyers - Top Firm for COVID-19 Response (2020) and honored every year since 2011
Financial Times Innovative Lawyers - Top Firm for COVID-19 Response (2020) and honored every year since 2011
Law360 Practice Group of the Year
Fund Formation (2019)
Health Care (2019, 2020)
Privacy (2016, 2018)
Private Equity (2011, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
Securitizations (2019)
White Collar (2019)
Law360 Practice Group of the Year
Fund Formation (2019)
Health Care (2019, 2020)
Privacy (2016, 2018)
Private Equity (2011, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
Securitizations (2019)
White Collar (2019)
Law360 Practice Group of the Year
Fund Formation (2019)
Health Care (2019, 2020)
Privacy (2016, 2018)
Private Equity (2011, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
Securitizations (2019)
White Collar (2019)
Law360 Practice Group of the Year
Fund Formation (2019)
Health Care (2019, 2020)
Privacy (2016, 2018)
Private Equity (2011, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
Securitizations (2019)
White Collar (2019)
Chambers & Partners - More than 200 individual lawyers ranked around the globe.
Chambers & Partners - More than 200 individual lawyers ranked around the globe.
Chambers & Partners - More than 200 individual lawyers ranked around the globe.
Chambers & Partners - More than 200 individual lawyers ranked around the globe.
Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards
Most Innovative Program for Employee Health and Well-Being (2020)
Pro Bono Firm of the Year (2019)
Law Firm of the Year in Promoting Flexible Work and Innovative Programs for Mothers (2018)
Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards
Most Innovative Program for Employee Health and Well-Being (2020)
Pro Bono Firm of the Year (2019)
Law Firm of the Year in Promoting Flexible Work and Innovative Programs for Mothers (2018)
Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards
Most Innovative Program for Employee Health and Well-Being (2020)
Pro Bono Firm of the Year (2019)
Law Firm of the Year in Promoting Flexible Work and Innovative Programs for Mothers (2018)
Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards
Most Innovative Program for Employee Health and Well-Being (2020)
Pro Bono Firm of the Year (2019)
Law Firm of the Year in Promoting Flexible Work and Innovative Programs for Mothers (2018)
Law360 - Best Law Firms for Women (2017-2020)
Law360 - Best Law Firms for Women (2017-2020)
Law360 - Best Law Firms for Women (2017-2020)
Law360 - Best Law Firms for Women (2017-2020)
Vault Rankings - Top 10 firm for overall diversity, women, LGTBQ diversity, and diversity for racial minorities and individuals with disabilities
Vault Rankings - Top 10 firm for overall diversity, women, LGTBQ diversity, and diversity for racial minorities and individuals with disabilities
Vault Rankings - Top 10 firm for overall diversity, women, LGTBQ diversity, and diversity for racial minorities and individuals with disabilities
Vault Rankings - Top 10 firm for overall diversity, women, LGTBQ diversity, and diversity for racial minorities and individuals with disabilities
Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index - Perfect score for the 13th consecutive year for LGBTQ workplace equality (2021)
Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index - Perfect score for the 13th consecutive year for LGBTQ workplace equality (2021)
Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index - Perfect score for the 13th consecutive year for LGBTQ workplace equality (2021)
Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index - Perfect score for the 13th consecutive year for LGBTQ workplace equality (2021)
The National Law Journal - Multiple attorneys named "Trailblazers" (2019, 2020)
The National Law Journal - Multiple attorneys named "Trailblazers" (2019, 2020)
The National Law Journal - Multiple attorneys named "Trailblazers" (2019, 2020)
The National Law Journal - Multiple attorneys named "Trailblazers" (2019, 2020)
The American Lawyer's A-List - Top Three for Four Consecutive Years, Ranked #2 Overall
The American Lawyer's Dealmakers of the Year - $18 Billion Consortium Buyout of Toshiba Memory
The American Lawyer's Corporate Department of the Year - Health Care (2020)
Financial Times Innovative Lawyers - Top Firm for COVID-19 Response (2020) and honored every year since 2011
Law360 Practice Group of the Year
Fund Formation (2019)
Health Care (2019, 2020)
Privacy (2016, 2018)
Private Equity (2011, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
Securitizations (2019)
White Collar (2019)
Chambers & Partners - More than 200 individual lawyers ranked around the globe.
Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards
Most Innovative Program for Employee Health and Well-Being (2020)
Pro Bono Firm of the Year (2019)
Law Firm of the Year in Promoting Flexible Work and Innovative Programs for Mothers (2018)
Law360 - Best Law Firms for Women (2017-2020)
Vault Rankings - Top 10 firm for overall diversity, women, LGTBQ diversity, and diversity for racial minorities and individuals with disabilities
Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index - Perfect score for the 13th consecutive year for LGBTQ workplace equality (2021)
The National Law Journal - Multiple attorneys named "Trailblazers" (2019, 2020)
Offices & Contacts
Boston, MA
Prudential Tower
800 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02199-3600
United States
Los Angeles, CA
10250 Constellation Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90067
United States
Palo Alto, CA
525 University Avenue, Eighth Floor
Palo Alto, CA 94301-1922
United States
San Francisco, CA
Three Embarcadero Center
San Francisco, CA 94111-4006
United States
Washington, DC
2099 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20006-6807
United States
Chicago, IL
191 North Wacker Drive, 32nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60606
United States
New York, NY
1211 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036-8704
United States
Shanghai, CN
36F, Park Place
1601 Nanjing Road West
Shanghai 200040
China: Global Firms
Central, HK
44th Floor, One Exchange Square
Eight Connaught Place
Central
Hong Kong
Tokyo, JP
JP Tower 30F
2-7-2, Marunouchi
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100-7030
Japan
Seoul, Gangnam-gu
POSCO Tower Yeoksam, 21F
134 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu
Seoul, Gangnam-gu 06235
South Korea
Paris, FR
18 rue de Courcelles
Paris 75008
France
London, GB
60 Ludgate Hill
London EC4M 7AW
United Kingdom
Dublin, IE
16 Fitzwilliam Place
Dublin 2
Ireland