The Firm: This New York stalwart is home to one of the strongest labor and employment practices on the East Coast and beyond. The majority of its lawyers operate out of the Big Apple, but it has also established a strong team in New Jersey, continues to grow in Washington, DC and has respected employment specialists in Los Angeles. Known for housing one of the finest labor law practices in the USA, the firm has a rounded offering, covering everything from class action litigation defense, including ERISA, to employee benefits and compensation.

Sources Say:"When it comes to traditional labor law this firm is an 800-pound gorilla."

Key Individuals: New York partners Paul Salvatore and Elise Bloom cochair the national group. Bloom is a particularly talented class action litigator with extensive expertise in wage and hour and discrimination cases. Salvatore is equally skilled in litigation, while also excelling in collective bargaining.