The firm started out in 1968 with just six partners and eight associates. By 1970, it had established practice areas in litigation, corporate, real estate, tax, and trusts and estates. 1999 brought the opening of the firm's Paris office and it has continued to grow. Kramer Levin is an AMLAW 100 firm that boasts 375 attorneys and about 20 areas of practice.
Through its offices in New York and Paris, Kramer Levin serves a variety of clients, ranging from Global 1000 companies to start-ups and individuals. The industries served are as diverse as the firm's clients.
Kramer Levin places a strong emphasis on pro bono work and community service. In fact, the firm's pro bono work has received praise from the American Bar Association, the National Law Journal, and New York's Legal Aid Society, amongst other groups. The firm has provided its services in a variety of areas, including, but not limited to, political asylum, LGBT rights, housing and homelessness, criminal trials and appeals, and nonprofit organizations. The firm's attorneys have been involved in a variety of high profile matters, such as the release of innocent Uighur Muslims who were being held at Guantanamo. The firm also served as co-counsel in Hernandez v. Robles, which dealt with same-sex couple marriage rights under the New York Constitution.
Kramer Levin also offers an Attorney Service Program in partnership with South Brooklyn Legal Services, which was formed to provide legal assistance for low-income tenants. In an effort to encourage a new generation of community-focused attorneys, the firm encourages summer associates to become involved in a range of pro bono matters.
A number of the Kramer Levin attorneys have functioned as directors for nonprofit groups such as the Legal Aid Society, Human Rights First, South Brooklyn Legal Services, Volunteers of Legal Service, and the New York Legal Assistance Group. Youth mentoring, moot court programs, and other community service projects are also served by the firm's attorneys.
In addition to being recognized for its pro bono services, Kramer Levin's attorneys and practice groups have also been honored. The Legal 500 US 2011 named 14 Kramer Levin attorneys and 45 Kramer Levin practice areas amongst the best in the industry. Additionally, six of the firm's attorneys were recognized as ''Leading Lawyers'' by the Legal 500 US 2011.