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
Magnifying glass with star icon
Practice Areas:
46
Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
Best Lawyers Recognized:
117

Rankings

"Law Firm of the Year" Awards

Star inside a segmented circle
2025 "Law Firm of the Year"
Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law

National

Tier
1
National Ranking
Banking and Finance Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice
Tier
1
National Ranking
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
National Ranking
Corporate Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Regional

Boston

Tier
1
Boston
Antitrust Law
Tier
1
Boston
Banking and Finance Law
Tier
1
Boston
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
1
Boston
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Tier
1
Boston
Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice
Tier
1
Boston
Commercial Litigation

Highlighted 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.
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.
 
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.
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Health Care Law
Ropes & Gray attorneys are smart, client-focused, and give practical advice. They are the best for strategic and mission critical matters.
 
Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
Ropes & Gray is a well rounded firm with broad capabilities.
 
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.
 
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Chris Harnett and his team at Ropes & Gray are exceptional at handling complex cases.
 
Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice
Ropes & Gray has strong FDA expertise and excellent judgment. They consistently provide sound legal guidance on complex regulatory matters.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Real Estate Law
Ropes & Gray is an excellent firm with extensive knowledge.
 
Corporate Law
See comment above.
 
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
See comment above.
 
Mutual 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 Funds
Mutual Funds Law
Ropes & Gray combines expert legal knowledge with practical business understanding.
Adam Shapiro
General Counsel – Stone Harbor Investment Partners LP
Patent Law
Ropes & Gray provides very creative solutions to complex problems. They have developed a real specialty in PTAB proceedings.
 
Mutual 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, LLC
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.
 
FDA Law
The strategic legal advice of Ropes & Gray attorney Kellie Combs is among the best in the business.
Monica Singh
Sanofi
Corporate 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.
 
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.
 
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 America
Patent 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.
 

Rankings

"Law Firm of the Year" Awards

Star inside a segmented circle
2025 "Law Firm of the Year"
Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law

National

Tier
1
National Ranking
Banking and Finance Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice
Tier
1
National Ranking
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
National Ranking
Corporate Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Tier
1
National Ranking
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Health Care Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Litigation - Antitrust
Tier
1
National Ranking
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Tier
1
National Ranking
Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)
Tier
1
National Ranking
Litigation - Securities
Tier
1
National Ranking
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Mutual Funds Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Patent Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Securities Regulation
Tier
1
National Ranking
Tax Law
Tier
2
National Ranking
Antitrust Law
Tier
2
National Ranking
Appellate Practice
Tier
2
National Ranking
FDA Law
Tier
2
National Ranking
Litigation - Patent
Tier
2
National Ranking
Public Finance Law
Tier
2
National Ranking
Real Estate Law
Tier
2
National Ranking
Securities / Capital Markets Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Litigation - Bankruptcy
Tier
3
National Ranking
Litigation - Mergers and Acquisitions

Regional

Boston

Tier
1
Boston
Antitrust Law
Tier
1
Boston
Banking and Finance Law
Tier
1
Boston
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
1
Boston
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Tier
1
Boston
Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice
Tier
1
Boston
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
Boston
Corporate Law
Tier
1
Boston
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Tier
1
Boston
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Tier
1
Boston
Employment Law - Management
Tier
1
Boston
Health Care Law
Tier
1
Boston
Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
Tier
1
Boston
Litigation - Antitrust
Tier
1
Boston
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Tier
1
Boston
Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)
Tier
1
Boston
Litigation - Securities
Tier
1
Boston
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Tier
1
Boston
Nonprofit / Charities Law
Tier
1
Boston
Patent Law
Tier
1
Boston
Privacy and Data Security Law
Tier
1
Boston
Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
Tier
1
Boston
Public Finance Law
Tier
1
Boston
Real Estate Law
Tier
1
Boston
Securities / Capital Markets Law
Tier
1
Boston
Securities Regulation
Tier
1
Boston
Tax Law
Tier
2
Boston
Environmental Law
Tier
2
Boston
Litigation - Labor and Employment

Chicago

Tier
1
Chicago
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
Chicago
Litigation - Bankruptcy
Tier
1
Chicago
Privacy and Data Security Law
Tier
2
Chicago
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
2
Chicago
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Tier
2
Chicago
Health Care Law

New York City

Tier
1
New York City
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
1
New York City
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
New York City
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Tier
1
New York City
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Tier
1
New York City
Health Care Law
Tier
1
New York City
Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
Tier
1
New York City
Litigation - Patent
Tier
1
New York City
Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)
Tier
1
New York City
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Tier
1
New York City
Mutual Funds Law
Tier
1
New York City
Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
Tier
1
New York City
Tax Law
Tier
2
New York City
Banking and Finance Law
Tier
2
New York City
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Tier
2
New York City
Patent Law

San Francisco

Tier
2
San Francisco
Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
Tier
2
San Francisco
Litigation - Mergers and Acquisitions
Tier
2
San Francisco
Litigation - Securities

San Jose

Tier
1
San Jose
Litigation - Patent
Tier
2
San Jose
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Tier
3
San Jose
Patent Law

Washington, D.C.

Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Antitrust Law
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
FDA Law
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Litigation - Antitrust
Tier
2
Washington, D.C.
Appellate Practice
Tier
2
Washington, D.C.
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Tier
2
Washington, D.C.
Privacy and Data Security Law
Tier
2
Washington, D.C.
Tax Law

Practice Areas

Ropes & Gray LLP has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 34 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
  • Antitrust Law
  • Appellate Practice
  • Banking and Finance Law
  • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
  • Bet-the-Company Litigation
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Copyright Law
  • Corporate Law
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar
  • Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
  • Employment Law - Individuals
  • Employment Law - Management
  • Equipment Finance Law
  • FDA Law
  • Gaming Law
  • Health Care Law
  • Information Technology Law
  • Insurance Law
  • International Arbitration - Commercial
  • International Arbitration - Governmental
  • International Trade and Finance Law
  • Labor Law - Management
  • Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
  • Litigation - Antitrust
  • Litigation - Bankruptcy
  • Litigation - First Amendment
  • Litigation - Intellectual Property
  • Litigation - Labor and Employment
  • Litigation - Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Litigation - Patent
  • Litigation - Securities
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law
  • Mutual Funds Law
  • Patent Law
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
  • Privacy and Data Security Law
  • Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
  • Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
  • Public Finance Law
  • Real Estate Law
  • Securities / Capital Markets Law
  • Securities Regulation
  • Securitization and Structured Finance Law
  • Tax Law
  • Trademark Law
  • Trusts and Estates

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Ropes & Gray LLP proudly has 117 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 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.
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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.
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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 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
East Palo Alto, CA
1900 University Avenue, Sixth Floor
East Palo Alto, CA 94303-2284
United States
San Francisco, CA
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
Seoul, Gangnam-gu
POSCO Tower Yeoksam, 21F
134 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu
Seoul, Gangnam-gu 06235
South Korea
Bankruptcy & Business Restructuring
Executive Compensation
General Business/ Commercial Litigation
General Business/ Commercial Litigation
Intellectual Property Transactions
Private Equity Investment Funds
Securities & Public Companies
Securities & Public Companies
Technology, Media & Telecommunications
Technology, Media & Telecommunications
Venture Capital & Emerging Company
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