A comprehensive analysis for LawCrossing.com
This report identifies and analyzes the 100 largest employers of in-house attorneys in the United States, based on the number of attorneys each company employs. The data has been compiled from a variety of sources including SEC filings, corporate disclosures, legal industry reports, professional associations, and news publications. This information serves as a valuable resource for attorneys exploring in-house career opportunities across various industries.
According to our research, large corporations with revenues exceeding $20 billion typically employ a median of 92 attorneys, while those with revenues between $5 billion and $20 billion have approximately 37 attorneys. Companies with revenues between $1 billion and $5 billion employ a median of 9 attorneys, and smaller companies under $1 billion in revenue typically have 2 attorneys.
Distribution of the Top 100 Legal Departments by Industry
| Rank | Company Name | Industry | Headquarters | Attorneys | Key Legal Titles | Primary Legal Functions | Structure & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JPMorgan Chase | Financial Services | New York, NY | 1,100 | General Counsel, Associate GC, Assistant GC, Managing Counsel, VP Legal | Banking & Finance, Securities, M&A, Regulatory Compliance, Litigation, Employment, Intellectual Property | Led by Chief Legal Officer, organized into practice groups aligned with business units: Asset Management, Commercial Banking, Consumer & Community Banking, and Corporate & Investment Bank. More than 2,000 legal professionals globally. Source: Corporate Pro Bono, JPMorgan Chase website, LinkedIn |
| 2 | Microsoft | Technology | Redmond, WA | 500 | General Counsel, Deputy GC, Associate GC, Assistant GC, Corporate Counsel | Intellectual Property, Antitrust, Privacy, Corporate Governance, M&A, Litigation, Employment, Government Affairs | Legal department is part of Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs (CELA), with approximately 1,500 people total. Legal team organized by business units and practice specialties. Source: Seattle Business Journal, Microsoft careers page, LinkedIn |
| 3 | Apple | Technology | Cupertino, CA | 500+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Senior Counsel, Director of Legal, Product Counsel | Intellectual Property, Privacy, Antitrust, Product Law, Global Security, Corporate Governance, Litigation, M&A | Led by General Counsel and SVP of Legal and Global Security Katherine Adams, who reports to CEO Tim Cook. Legal team handles matters across all Apple products, services, and corporate functions. Source: Business Insider, Apple website, public disclosures |
| 4 | Amazon | Technology | Seattle, WA | 500+ | General Counsel, Associate GC, Senior Corporate Counsel, Corporate Counsel, Patent Counsel | Corporate, Litigation, Regulatory, Intellectual Property, M&A, Privacy, Product Counsel, Employment | Led by David Zapolsky, SVP & General Counsel. Legal department of more than 800 people total, supporting Amazon's diverse business units including retail, AWS, devices, content, and logistics. Source: Law.com, Amazon careers site, Corporate Counsel |
| 5 | Bank of America | Financial Services | Charlotte, NC | 450+ | Global General Counsel, Deputy GC, Associate GC, SVP & Assistant GC, VP & Senior Counsel | Banking & Finance, Securities, Regulatory Compliance, Litigation, M&A, Employment, Risk Management | Organized by business unit and specialty practice areas. Legal department supports the bank's global operations across consumer banking, wealth management, and investment banking. Source: ACC Benchmarking, industry estimates |
| 6 | Wells Fargo | Financial Services | San Francisco, CA | 400+ | General Counsel, Deputy GC, Managing Counsel, Senior Counsel, VP Legal | Banking Regulation, Consumer Financial Services, Corporate Governance, Securities, Litigation, Employment | Legal department organized by business lines and practice areas. Heavy focus on regulatory compliance and remediation work following consent orders. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn, company filings |
| 7 | Citigroup | Financial Services | New York, NY | 400+ | General Counsel, Deputy GC, Managing Counsel, Director & Counsel, VP Legal | Banking Regulation, Capital Markets, Derivatives, Corporate Governance, Litigation, International Banking Law | Global legal department supporting operations in over 160 countries and jurisdictions. Organized by regional and business segment legal teams. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn, company reports |
| 8 | Alphabet (Google) | Technology | Mountain View, CA | 350+ | General Counsel, Deputy GC, Director of Legal, Product Counsel, Privacy Counsel | Intellectual Property, Privacy, Antitrust, Product Law, Regulatory, Corporate, Litigation, M&A | Led by Chief Legal Officer J. Kent Walker. Legal team supports Google and other Alphabet companies across multiple business lines and technologies. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn, corporate website |
| 9 | Goldman Sachs | Financial Services | New York, NY | 300+ | General Counsel, Managing Director & Associate GC, Vice President & Counsel, Associate GC | Securities, Investment Banking, Asset Management, Regulatory Compliance, Derivatives, Financial Regulation | Legal department structured by business unit and regulatory domains, supporting investment banking, securities, asset management, and other financial services. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 10 | Meta (Facebook) | Technology | Menlo Park, CA | 300+ | General Counsel, Deputy GC, Associate GC, Director & Associate GC, Privacy Counsel | Privacy, Content Policy, Intellectual Property, Regulatory Affairs, Litigation, Corporate, M&A | Legal team organized to support Meta's platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) and emerging technologies including AI, VR/AR, and cryptocurrency initiatives. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn, company website |
| 11 | UnitedHealth Group | Healthcare | Minnetonka, MN | 280+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, Deputy GC, Senior Associate GC, Associate GC | Healthcare Regulation, Medicare/Medicaid, Insurance Law, Compliance, Privacy, Litigation, Corporate Transactions | Legal department supports both UnitedHealthcare (health benefits) and Optum (health services) businesses. Organized by business unit with specialized healthcare regulatory teams. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 12 | Intel | Technology | Santa Clara, CA | 250+ | General Counsel, Chief IP Counsel, Deputy GC, Group Counsel, Patent Counsel | Intellectual Property, Patents, Technology Licensing, Antitrust, Corporate, Litigation, Government Affairs | Legal department with strong focus on intellectual property and patent matters. Team organized by practice area and business group alignment. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn, company website |
| 13 | Pfizer | Pharmaceutical | New York, NY | 250+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Senior Corporate Counsel, Patent Counsel, Regulatory Counsel | Healthcare Regulation, FDA Compliance, Patents, Clinical Trials, Regulatory Affairs, Corporate, Litigation | Legal team supports global pharmaceutical operations with specialized expertise in drug development, approval, and commercialization. Significant focus on patents and regulatory compliance. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 14 | Walmart | Retail | Bentonville, AR | 250 | General Counsel, Executive VP Global Governance, Senior Associate GC, Associate GC, Senior Counsel | Retail Operations, Real Estate, Employment, Corporate, Litigation, Compliance, International Trade | Led by Rachel Brand, Executive VP of Global Governance, Chief Legal Officer. The US legal department has approximately 150 attorneys, with additional lawyers supporting international operations. Source: ACC Docket interview, Walmart corporate website, Business Insider |
| 15 | Johnson & Johnson | Pharmaceutical | New Brunswick, NJ | 220+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Assistant GC, Chief Patent Counsel, Senior Counsel | Healthcare Regulation, Product Liability, Patents, FDA Compliance, Corporate, M&A, International | Led by Elizabeth Forminard, Executive VP & General Counsel. Legal department supports pharmaceutical, medical device, and consumer health divisions with specialized teams for each business. Source: Vanguard Law Magazine, company website, LinkedIn |
| 16 | ExxonMobil | Energy | Irving, TX | 200+ | General Counsel, Associate GC, Counsel, Senior Attorney, Environmental Counsel | Energy Regulation, Environmental Law, International Oil & Gas, Compliance, Litigation, Corporate, M&A | Legal department organized by practice area and business segment, supporting upstream (exploration/production), downstream (refining/marketing), and chemical operations globally. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn, company website |
| 17 | IBM | Technology | Armonk, NY | 200+ | General Counsel, Chief IP Counsel, Associate GC, Senior Counsel, Patent Attorney | Technology Transactions, Intellectual Property, Patents, Cloud Computing, AI Governance, Regulatory, Litigation | Legal department organized by business unit and geography, with specialized teams for emerging technologies like AI, cloud computing, and blockchain. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 18 | Chevron | Energy | San Ramon, CA | 200+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Associate GC, Managing Counsel, Senior Counsel | Energy Regulation, Environmental Law, International Oil & Gas, Compliance, Litigation, Corporate | Legal department supports global oil and gas operations across upstream, midstream, and downstream segments. Specialized expertise in environmental regulation and international energy projects. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn, LawCrossing |
| 19 | Morgan Stanley | Financial Services | New York, NY | 200+ | General Counsel, Managing Director & Associate GC, Executive Director & Counsel, Vice President & Counsel | Securities, Investment Banking, Wealth Management, Asset Management, Regulatory, Compliance, Litigation | Legal department organized by business segment and regulatory domain. Strong focus on financial regulatory compliance and securities law. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 20 | AT&T | Telecommunications | Dallas, TX | 180+ | General Counsel, SVP Legal, Associate GC, Assistant VP Legal, Senior Attorney | Telecommunications Law, Regulatory Compliance, Antitrust, Litigation, Labor & Employment, Corporate | Legal department supports telecommunications, media, and technology operations. Strong focus on regulatory affairs and FCC compliance matters. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 21 | Walt Disney Company | Media & Entertainment | Burbank, CA | 180+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Deputy GC, Associate GC, Principal Counsel | Entertainment Law, IP, Content Licensing, Employment, Regulatory, Corporate, M&A, International | Legal department supports diverse businesses including studios, theme parks, streaming, and consumer products. Specialized expertise in intellectual property and entertainment law. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 22 | Oracle | Technology | Austin, TX | 170+ | General Counsel, VP Legal, Senior Corporate Counsel, Associate GC, Managing Counsel | Technology Transactions, Intellectual Property, Cloud Computing, Software Licensing, M&A, Litigation | Legal department supports enterprise software, cloud, and database businesses. Organized by product line and practice specialty with significant focus on technology transactions. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 23 | Home Depot | Retail | Atlanta, GA | 160+ | General Counsel, Deputy GC, Senior Corporate Counsel, Assistant GC, Senior Counsel | Retail Operations, Real Estate, Employment, Corporate, Litigation, Compliance, Consumer Protection | Legal department supports retail operations, supply chain, real estate, and e-commerce. Significant focus on employment matters for large workforce. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 24 | Comcast | Telecommunications | Philadelphia, PA | 160+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, Deputy GC, SVP Legal, VP Legal | Telecommunications Law, Media Regulation, Content Licensing, Cable & Broadband, Corporate, Litigation | Legal department supports cable, broadband, NBCUniversal media properties, and theme parks. Specialized expertise in telecommunications regulation and media law. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 25 | Verizon | Telecommunications | New York, NY | 150+ | General Counsel, SVP Deputy GC, VP & Associate GC, Managing Associate GC, Senior Counsel | Telecommunications Law, Regulatory Compliance, Privacy, Government Affairs, Litigation, Labor & Employment | Legal department organized by business unit and practice area, supporting wireless, wireline, and digital media operations. Strong focus on telecommunications regulation and compliance. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 26 | McDonald's | Retail | Chicago, IL | 150+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, Assistant GC, Senior Counsel, Managing Counsel | Franchise Law, Real Estate, Global Operations, Employment, Intellectual Property, Litigation | Legal department supports global restaurant operations and franchise system across 100+ countries. Significant expertise in franchise law and international operations. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 27 | Amgen | Pharmaceutical | Thousand Oaks, CA | 150+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, VP Legal, Senior Counsel, Patent Counsel | Healthcare Regulation, FDA Compliance, Patents, Regulatory Affairs, Corporate, Litigation, International | Legal department supports biotechnology R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization. Strong focus on patent protection and pharmaceutical regulatory compliance. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 28 | Target | Retail | Minneapolis, MN | 150 | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, Senior Director Legal, Lead Counsel, Senior Counsel | Retail Operations, Real Estate, Employment, Corporate, Litigation, Compliance, Consumer Protection | Legal department supports retail operations, supply chain, product safety, and e-commerce. Organized by business function with specialized teams for key practice areas. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 29 | Berkshire Hathaway | Financial Services | Omaha, NE | 150+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, VP Legal, Associate GC, Managing Counsel | Corporate, M&A, Insurance, Securities, Energy, Transportation, Retail, Finance, International | Decentralized legal structure with attorneys distributed across various subsidiary companies in insurance, energy, transportation, retail, and other sectors. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 30 | Boeing | Manufacturing | Arlington, VA | 140+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, VP Legal, Associate GC, Senior Counsel | Aerospace Regulation, Government Contracting, Export Compliance, Aviation Safety, Corporate, Litigation | Legal department supports commercial aerospace, defense, and space operations. Significant focus on government contracting, aviation safety, and regulatory compliance. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 31 | Lockheed Martin | Manufacturing | Bethesda, MD | 140+ | General Counsel, SVP Legal, Corporate VP & Associate GC, Senior Counsel, Ethics & Compliance Attorney | Government Contracting, Aerospace & Defense Regulation, Export Controls, Security Clearance, Corporate | Legal department supports aerospace, defense, and technology operations. Organized by business units (Aeronautics, Missiles & Fire Control, Space, Rotary & Mission Systems). Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 32 | Lowe's | Retail | Mooresville, NC | 140+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, VP Legal, Senior Counsel, Corporate Counsel | Retail Operations, Real Estate, Employment, Corporate, Litigation, Compliance, Consumer Protection | Legal department supports retail operations, supply chain, and e-commerce. Focus on real estate, employment, and consumer matters. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 33 | Prudential Financial | Financial Services | Newark, NJ | 130+ | General Counsel, Chief Regulatory Counsel, VP Corporate Counsel, Senior Counsel, Compliance Attorney | Insurance Regulation, Securities, Investment Management, Employee Benefits, Corporate, Litigation | Legal department supports insurance, investment management, and retirement services. Strong focus on insurance regulation and compliance. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 34 | AbbVie | Pharmaceutical | North Chicago, IL | 130+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, VP Legal, Senior Patent Counsel, Regulatory Counsel | Healthcare Regulation, FDA Compliance, Patents, Clinical Trials, Regulatory Affairs, Corporate | Legal department supports pharmaceutical R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization. Strong focus on patent protection, FDA compliance, and regulatory affairs. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 35 | Procter & Gamble | Manufacturing | Cincinnati, OH | 130+ | Chief Legal Officer, SVP Legal, Senior Counsel, Associate GC, Assistant GC | Consumer Products Regulation, Advertising Law, Intellectual Property, International Trade, Corporate, M&A | Legal department supports global consumer products business organized by region and product category. Significant expertise in advertising law and brand protection. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 36 | Merck | Pharmaceutical | Rahway, NJ | 130+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, VP & Assistant GC, Senior Counsel, Patent Counsel | Healthcare Regulation, FDA Compliance, Patents, Clinical Trials, Regulatory Affairs, Corporate, Litigation | Legal department supports global pharmaceutical operations across research, manufacturing, and commercialization. Significant focus on patent strategy and healthcare regulation. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 37 | Qualcomm | Technology | San Diego, CA | 130+ | General Counsel, Chief Patent Counsel, SVP Legal, VP Legal, Senior Counsel | Patent Law, Technology Licensing, Intellectual Property, Antitrust, Corporate, Litigation, International | Legal department with strong focus on patents and intellectual property for semiconductor and wireless technology. Significant expertise in technology licensing and patent litigation. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 38 | General Electric | Manufacturing | Boston, MA | 125+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Executive Counsel, Senior Counsel, Managing Counsel | Aviation, Healthcare Technology, Corporate, Compliance, Litigation, International, M&A | Legal department supports GE's aviation, power, and healthcare businesses. Significant focus on complex regulatory matters and international operations. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 39 | FedEx | Transportation | Memphis, TN | 125+ | General Counsel, EVP Legal, VP Legal, Managing Director Legal, Senior Counsel | Transportation Law, Logistics, International Trade, Labor & Employment, Litigation, Government Affairs | Legal department supports express delivery, ground, freight, and logistics operations. Significant expertise in international transportation regulations and customs matters. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 40 | Travelers | Financial Services | Hartford, CT | 120+ | General Counsel, Chief Corporate Counsel, VP & Group General Counsel, Senior Counsel, Managing Counsel | Insurance Regulation, Claims Litigation, Corporate, Securities, Employment, Compliance, Reinsurance | Legal department supports property and casualty insurance operations. Organized by business unit and claim type with significant litigation management function. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 41 | UPS | Transportation | Atlanta, GA | 120+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, Assistant GC, VP Legal, Corporate Counsel | Transportation Law, Logistics, International Trade, Labor & Employment, Litigation, Government Affairs | Legal department supports package delivery, freight, and logistics operations globally. Significant expertise in transportation regulations and labor relations. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 42 | PepsiCo | Manufacturing | Purchase, NY | 120+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, SVP & Deputy GC, VP Legal, Senior Counsel | Food & Beverage Regulation, Advertising Law, Intellectual Property, Corporate, International, Employment | Legal department supports beverage, snack food, and food operations globally. Organized by geographic region and business segment with specialized expertise in food regulation. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 43 | 3M | Manufacturing | St. Paul, MN | 120+ | General Counsel, Associate GC, Chief IP Counsel, Senior Counsel, Managing Counsel | Product Liability, Intellectual Property, Patents, Environmental, Corporate, Litigation, International | Legal department supports diversified manufacturing operations across consumer, healthcare, industrial, and transportation segments. Strong focus on product liability and intellectual property. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 44 | Caterpillar | Manufacturing | Deerfield, IL | 110+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, Associate GC, Senior Counsel, Managing Attorney | Manufacturing, International Trade, Product Liability, Intellectual Property, Corporate, Labor & Employment | Legal department supports heavy machinery and engine manufacturing operations globally. Focus on international trade compliance, product liability, and dealer relations. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 45 | MetLife | Financial Services | New York, NY | 110+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Associate GC, Senior VP Legal Affairs, Corporate Counsel | Insurance Regulation, Securities, Investment Management, Employee Benefits, Corporate, Litigation | Legal department supports global insurance and financial services operations. Organized by line of business and geography with specialized regulatory teams. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 46 | NVIDIA | Technology | Santa Clara, CA | 110+ | General Counsel, Chief IP Counsel, VP Legal Affairs, Senior Director Legal, Senior Counsel | Patent Law, Technology Licensing, Intellectual Property, Antitrust, Corporate, Litigation, International | Legal department supporting semiconductor, AI, and graphics technology businesses. Strong focus on patent strategy and technology transactions. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 47 | GSK | Pharmaceutical | Philadelphia, PA | 110+ | General Counsel, SVP Legal, VP Legal, Senior Counsel, Patent Counsel | Healthcare Regulation, FDA Compliance, Patents, Clinical Trials, Regulatory Affairs, Corporate, Litigation | Legal department supports pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare operations. Significant focus on patent protection, FDA compliance, and regulatory affairs. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 48 | Coca-Cola Company | Manufacturing | Atlanta, GA | 110+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Associate GC, Senior Counsel, Corporate Counsel | Food & Beverage Regulation, Advertising Law, Intellectual Property, Corporate, International, Franchise Law | Legal department supports global beverage business and bottling operations. Strong focus on brand protection, franchise relationships, and international operations. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 49 | Honeywell | Manufacturing | Charlotte, NC | 110+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Associate GC, Senior Counsel, Managing Attorney | Aerospace, Building Technologies, Industrial Automation, Corporate, Compliance, International, M&A | Legal department supports diversified technology and manufacturing operations globally. Organized by business segment with specialized regulatory teams. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 50 | U.S. Department of State | Government | Washington, DC | 200+ | Legal Adviser, Deputy Legal Adviser, Assistant Legal Adviser, Attorney-Adviser | International Law, Treaty Affairs, Human Rights, Diplomatic Law, National Security, Immigration | Office of the Legal Adviser provides advice on all legal issues, domestic and international, arising in the course of the Department's work. Organized by regional and functional offices. Source: State Department website, LinkedIn |
| 51 | U.S. Department of Justice | Government | Washington, DC | 9,500+ | Attorney General, Deputy AG, Solicitor General, Assistant AG, Trial Attorney | Criminal Prosecution, Civil Litigation, National Security, Antitrust, Civil Rights, Environmental | Largest employer of lawyers in the federal government, with attorneys in various divisions, U.S. Attorneys' offices, and specialized units. This figure includes attorneys across all DOJ components nationwide. Source: DOJ website, government reports |
| 52 | Salesforce | Technology | San Francisco, CA | 100+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, EVP & GC, SVP Legal, Director Legal | Cloud Computing, SaaS, Technology Transactions, Privacy, Corporate, M&A, Employment | Legal department supports cloud computing and software-as-a-service business. Organized by business unit with specialized expertise in technology transactions and data privacy. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 53 | Eli Lilly | Pharmaceutical | Indianapolis, IN | 100+ | General Counsel, Chief Patent Counsel, VP Legal, Senior Counsel, Patent Attorney | Healthcare Regulation, FDA Compliance, Patents, Clinical Trials, Regulatory Affairs, Corporate | Legal department supports pharmaceutical R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization. Strong focus on patent protection, FDA compliance, and regulatory affairs. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 54 | Progressive Insurance | Financial Services | Mayfield Village, OH | 100+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, Assistant GC, Senior Counsel, Managing Attorney | Insurance Regulation, Claims Litigation, Corporate, Compliance, Employment, Consumer Protection | Legal department heavily focused on auto and property insurance operations with substantial claims litigation management function. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 55 | Bristol Myers Squibb | Pharmaceutical | New York, NY | 100+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, VP Legal, Senior Counsel, Patent Attorney | Healthcare Regulation, FDA Compliance, Patents, Clinical Trials, Regulatory Affairs, Corporate | Legal department supports pharmaceutical R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization. Significant focus on patent strategy and healthcare regulatory compliance. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 56 | Allstate | Financial Services | Northbrook, IL | 100+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, Senior VP Legal, Assistant GC, Division Counsel | Insurance Regulation, Claims Litigation, Corporate, Compliance, Employment, Consumer Protection | Legal department supports property and casualty insurance operations with substantial claims litigation management function. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 57 | Raytheon Technologies | Manufacturing | Arlington, VA | 100+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Associate GC, Senior Counsel, Division Counsel | Government Contracting, Aerospace & Defense Regulation, Export Controls, Corporate, International | Legal department supports aerospace, defense, and intelligence operations. Significant focus on government contracting, export controls, and security clearance matters. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 58 | PayPal | Technology | San Jose, CA | 95+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, VP Legal, Senior Director Legal, Senior Counsel | Financial Services Regulation, Payments, AML Compliance, Privacy, Technology, Corporate | Legal department supports global digital payments business. Significant focus on financial regulations, money transmitter licensing, and financial technology compliance. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 59 | Dell Technologies | Technology | Round Rock, TX | 95+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, SVP Legal, VP Legal, Senior Counsel | Technology Transactions, Intellectual Property, Cloud Computing, Corporate, M&A, Privacy, Employment | Legal department supports computer hardware, software, and services operations. Organized by business unit with specialized teams for key practice areas. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 60 | Costco | Retail | Issaquah, WA | 90+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, Assistant GC, Senior Corporate Counsel, Corporate Counsel | Retail Operations, Real Estate, Employment, Corporate, Litigation, Compliance, International | Legal department supports membership warehouse retail operations in multiple countries. Significant focus on real estate, employment, and international expansion. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 61 | American Airlines | Transportation | Fort Worth, TX | 90+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, VP Legal, Senior Attorney, Managing Director Legal | Aviation Regulation, Labor Relations, Corporate, Litigation, International, Consumer Protection | Legal department supports global airline operations. Significant expertise in aviation regulations, labor relations, and international air travel agreements. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 62 | Northrop Grumman | Manufacturing | Falls Church, VA | 90+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Corporate VP & Associate GC, Senior Counsel, Managing Counsel | Government Contracting, Aerospace & Defense Regulation, Export Controls, Security Clearance, Corporate | Legal department supports aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity operations. Significant focus on government contracting, export controls, and classified operations. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 63 | Thermo Fisher Scientific | Healthcare | Waltham, MA | 90+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, VP Legal, Senior Counsel, Division Counsel | Healthcare Regulation, FDA Compliance, Medical Device, Corporate, M&A, International, IP | Legal department supports scientific instruments, laboratory equipment, and diagnostics operations. Organized by business unit with specialized regulatory teams. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 64 | Bristol-Myers Squibb | Pharmaceutical | New York, NY | 90+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, VP Legal, Senior Counsel, Patent Attorney | Healthcare Regulation, FDA Compliance, Patents, Clinical Trials, Regulatory Affairs, Corporate | Legal department supports pharmaceutical R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization. Significant focus on patent strategy and healthcare regulatory compliance. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 65 | CVS Health/Aetna | Healthcare | Woonsocket, RI | 85+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, SVP Legal, VP Legal, Senior Counsel | Healthcare Regulation, Pharmacy Law, Insurance, Privacy, Corporate, Litigation, Employment | Legal department supports retail pharmacy, pharmacy benefit management, and health insurance operations. Significant focus on healthcare regulation and compliance. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 66 | General Mills | Manufacturing | Minneapolis, MN | 85+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Associate GC, Senior Counsel, Counsel | Food & Beverage Regulation, Advertising Law, Intellectual Property, Corporate, International, Employment | Legal department supports global food manufacturing operations. Significant expertise in food regulation, advertising law, and consumer protection. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 67 | Medtronic | Healthcare | Dublin, Ireland / Minneapolis, MN | 85+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, VP Legal, Senior Counsel, Principal Legal Counsel | Medical Device Regulation, FDA Compliance, Healthcare Law, Patents, Corporate, International | Legal department supports global medical device development, manufacturing, and commercialization. Significant focus on FDA compliance and medical device regulation. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 68 | Starbucks | Retail | Seattle, WA | 85+ | General Counsel, Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer, SVP Legal, VP Legal, Senior Counsel | Food & Beverage Regulation, Franchise Law, Real Estate, Employment, Corporate, International | Legal department supports global coffee retail operations. Significant focus on employment matters, franchise relationships, and international expansion. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 69 | Dow | Manufacturing | Midland, MI | 80+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Associate GC, Senior Managing Counsel, Senior Counsel | Environmental Regulation, Chemical Safety, Product Liability, Corporate, International, IP, M&A | Legal department supports global chemical manufacturing operations. Strong focus on environmental compliance, chemical regulation, and product liability. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 70 | Kroger | Retail | Cincinnati, OH | 80+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, VP Legal, Senior Counsel, Corporate Counsel | Retail Operations, Food Safety, Labor & Employment, Corporate, Litigation, Real Estate | Legal department supports grocery retail operations. Significant focus on labor and employment issues, real estate, and food safety regulations. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 71 | Abbott Laboratories | Healthcare | Abbott Park, IL | 80+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Division Counsel, Senior Counsel, Associate GC | Medical Device Regulation, Pharmaceutical Regulation, FDA Compliance, Patents, International | Legal department supports diversified healthcare products including medical devices, diagnostics, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals. Organized by business division with specialized regulatory teams. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 72 | Adobe | Technology | San Jose, CA | 80+ | General Counsel, Chief Trust Officer, VP Legal, Senior Director Legal, Senior Corporate Counsel | Software Licensing, Intellectual Property, Privacy, Corporate, M&A, Employment, International | Legal department supports software and digital media operations. Strong focus on intellectual property, technology transactions, and data privacy. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 73 | Phillips 66 | Energy | Houston, TX | 80+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Managing Counsel, Senior Counsel, Attorney | Energy Regulation, Environmental Law, Refining Operations, Corporate, Litigation, Safety | Legal department supports refining, midstream, and marketing operations. Significant focus on environmental compliance and energy regulation. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 74 | Airbnb | Technology | San Francisco, CA | 75+ | General Counsel, Chief Ethics Officer, Associate GC, Senior Counsel, Corporate Counsel | Short-Term Rental Regulation, Platform Liability, Privacy, Employment, Corporate, International | Legal department supports global home-sharing platform operations. Significant focus on short-term rental regulations and international regulatory matters. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 75 | General Motors | Manufacturing | Detroit, MI | 75+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Assistant GC, Practice Area Leader, Senior Counsel | Automotive Regulation, Product Liability, Autonomous Vehicles, Corporate, Labor, International | Legal department supports global automotive manufacturing operations. Significant focus on vehicle safety regulation, product liability, and autonomous vehicle technology. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 76 | Uber | Technology | San Francisco, CA | 75+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Associate GC, Senior Counsel, Corporate Counsel | Transportation Regulation, Independent Contractor Law, International, Compliance, Litigation | Legal department supports ride-sharing, delivery, and mobility technology operations. Significant focus on transportation regulation and worker classification issues. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 77 | Ford Motor Company | Manufacturing | Dearborn, MI | 75+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Assistant GC, Senior Counsel, Staff Attorney | Automotive Regulation, Product Liability, Electric Vehicles, Corporate, Labor, International | Legal department supports global automotive manufacturing operations. Significant focus on vehicle safety regulation, emissions standards, and electrification technology. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 78 | Kellogg Company | Manufacturing | Battle Creek, MI | 70+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, SVP Legal, VP Legal, Senior Counsel | Food & Beverage Regulation, Advertising Law, Intellectual Property, Corporate, International | Legal department supports global food manufacturing operations. Significant expertise in food regulation, advertising law, and international operations. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 79 | News Corporation | Media & Entertainment | New York, NY | 70+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, Deputy GC, Associate GC, Senior Counsel | Media Law, First Amendment, Content Licensing, Intellectual Property, Corporate, International | Legal department supports global media operations across publishing, news, and information services. Significant focus on media law and content licensing. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 80 | Tesla | Manufacturing | Austin, TX | 70+ | General Counsel, Deputy GC, Associate GC, Senior Counsel, Corporate Counsel | Automotive Regulation, Electric Vehicles, Battery Technology, Corporate, Intellectual Property | Legal department supports electric vehicle and clean energy operations. Significant focus on automotive regulation, intellectual property, and direct-to-consumer sales model. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 81 | U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission | Government | Washington, DC | 1,400+ | General Counsel, Associate GC, Assistant GC, Senior Counsel, Staff Attorney | Securities Regulation, Enforcement, Corporate Finance, Investment Management, Trading & Markets | Legal staff distributed across headquarters and 11 regional offices. Attorneys work in divisions including Corporation Finance, Enforcement, Investment Management, and Trading and Markets. Source: SEC website, government reports |
| 82 | Electronic Arts | Media & Entertainment | Redwood City, CA | 65+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, VP Legal, Senior Counsel, Corporate Counsel | Video Game Law, Intellectual Property, Privacy, Content Regulation, Corporate, International | Legal department supports global video game development and publishing operations. Significant focus on intellectual property, content ratings, and user privacy. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 83 | Marathon Petroleum | Energy | Findlay, OH | 65+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Associate GC, Senior Counsel, Attorney | Energy Regulation, Environmental Law, Refining Operations, Corporate, Litigation, Safety | Legal department supports petroleum refining, marketing, and transportation operations. Significant focus on environmental compliance and energy regulation. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 84 | Netflix | Media & Entertainment | Los Gatos, CA | 65+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, VP Business & Legal Affairs, Senior Counsel, Director Legal | Content Licensing, Production, Intellectual Property, International, Corporate, Employment | Legal department supports global streaming and content production operations. Business & Legal Affairs teams are integrated and focus on content acquisition, production, and distribution. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 85 | Becton Dickinson | Healthcare | Franklin Lakes, NJ | 65+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, VP Legal, Senior Counsel, Division Counsel | Medical Device Regulation, FDA Compliance, Healthcare Law, Patents, Corporate, International | Legal department supports global medical technology operations. Significant focus on FDA compliance, medical device regulation, and healthcare law. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 86 | Fidelity Investments | Financial Services | Boston, MA | 65+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, SVP Legal, VP & Associate GC, Senior Legal Counsel | Securities Regulation, Investment Management, Retirement Services, Corporate, Compliance | Legal department supports investment management, brokerage, and retirement services operations. Strong focus on securities regulation and fiduciary responsibilities. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 87 | Cargill | Manufacturing | Minnetonka, MN | 60+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Deputy GC, Senior Counsel, Corporate Counsel | Food & Agricultural Law, International Trade, Corporate, Environmental, Supply Chain | Legal department supports global food, agricultural, and industrial operations. Significant focus on international trade, agricultural regulation, and supply chain matters. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 88 | U.S. Bancorp | Financial Services | Minneapolis, MN | 60+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, Executive VP Legal, Senior VP Legal, Assistant GC | Banking Regulation, Consumer Financial Services, Corporate Governance, Securities, Litigation | Legal department supports commercial and consumer banking operations. Strong focus on banking regulations and consumer financial protection. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 89 | Walgreens Boots Alliance | Retail | Deerfield, IL | 60+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, VP Legal, Senior Director Legal, Senior Counsel | Pharmacy Law, Healthcare Regulation, Retail Operations, Corporate, International, Employment | Legal department supports pharmacy and retail operations. Significant focus on pharmacy regulation, healthcare compliance, and international operations. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 90 | Delta Air Lines | Transportation | Atlanta, GA | 60+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, SVP Legal, Managing Director Legal, Senior Attorney | Aviation Regulation, Labor Relations, Corporate, Litigation, International, Consumer Protection | Legal department supports global airline operations. Significant expertise in aviation regulations, labor relations, and international air travel agreements. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 91 | Biogen | Pharmaceutical | Cambridge, MA | 55+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, SVP Legal, Senior Corporate Counsel, Patent Attorney | Healthcare Regulation, FDA Compliance, Patents, Clinical Trials, Regulatory Affairs, Corporate | Legal department supports biotechnology R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization. Significant focus on patent protection and pharmaceutical regulatory compliance. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 92 | Salesforce | Technology | San Francisco, CA | 55+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, EVP & GC, SVP Legal, Associate GC | Cloud Computing, SaaS, Technology Transactions, Privacy, Corporate, M&A, Employment | Legal department supports cloud computing and software-as-a-service business. Significant focus on technology transactions, data privacy, and international operations. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 93 | United Airlines | Transportation | Chicago, IL | 50+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, VP Legal, Managing Director Legal, Senior Attorney | Aviation Regulation, Labor Relations, Corporate, Litigation, International, Consumer Protection | Legal department supports global airline operations. Significant expertise in aviation regulations, labor relations, and international air travel agreements. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 94 | Twitter (X) | Technology | San Francisco, CA | 50+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, Associate GC, Senior Counsel, Corporate Counsel | Content Moderation, Platform Liability, Privacy, Corporate, Employment, International | Legal department supports social media platform operations. Significant focus on content moderation policies, platform liability issues, and international regulation. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 95 | Gilead Sciences | Pharmaceutical | Foster City, CA | 50+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, SVP Legal, Senior Counsel, Patent Attorney | Healthcare Regulation, FDA Compliance, Patents, Clinical Trials, Regulatory Affairs, Corporate | Legal department supports pharmaceutical R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization. Significant focus on patent protection and pharmaceutical regulatory compliance. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 96 | AIG | Financial Services | New York, NY | 50+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Deputy GC, Senior Counsel, Managing Attorney | Insurance Regulation, Securities, Corporate, Litigation, Employment, International | Legal department supports global insurance and financial services operations. Strong focus on insurance regulation and complex financial products. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 97 | KPMG | Financial Services | New York, NY | 45+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, Associate GC, Principal & Associate GC, Managing Director Legal | Professional Services Regulation, Accounting Standards, Corporate, Compliance, Employment | Legal department supports global professional services operations. Strong focus on regulatory compliance, risk management, and ethics matters. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 98 | Accenture | Technology | Dublin, Ireland / New York, NY | 45+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, Managing Director Legal, Senior Director Legal, Legal Director | Technology Consulting, Government Contracting, Corporate, Employment, Data Privacy, International | Legal department supports global consulting and technology services operations. Significant focus on complex service agreements and international operations. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 99 | Moderna | Pharmaceutical | Cambridge, MA | 45+ | General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, VP Legal, Senior Counsel, Patent Attorney | Healthcare Regulation, FDA Compliance, Patents, Clinical Trials, Regulatory Affairs, Corporate | Legal department supports biotechnology R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization. Significant focus on patent protection and pharmaceutical regulatory compliance. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
| 100 | Deloitte | Financial Services | New York, NY | 45+ | General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, Principal & Associate GC, Managing Director Legal, Senior Counsel | Professional Services Regulation, Accounting Standards, Corporate, Compliance, Employment | Legal department supports global professional services operations. Strong focus on regulatory compliance, risk management, and ethics matters. Source: Industry estimates, LinkedIn |
The companies in this report represent the largest employers of in-house legal talent in the United States. These organizations offer unique opportunities for attorneys looking to transition from law firm practice to corporate legal departments. In-house positions at these companies often provide:
Our research reveals several important trends in how large corporate legal departments are structured:
How Many Attorneys Do Major Companies Employ?
The number of attorneys employed by major companies varies significantly based on company size, industry, regulatory environment, and business complexity. Based on our research, the largest corporate legal departments in the United States typically employ between 100-1,100 attorneys. Financial services companies like JPMorgan Chase (approximately 1,100 attorneys) and technology giants like Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon (each with 500+ attorneys) maintain the largest legal departments.
What Industries Have the Largest Legal Departments?
Financial services, technology, healthcare/pharmaceuticals, and energy companies typically maintain the largest legal departments due to complex regulatory environments. Financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo require large legal teams to navigate banking regulations, securities laws, and consumer financial protection rules. Similarly, technology companies face significant legal challenges related to intellectual property, privacy, antitrust, and international operations.
What Legal Roles Are Most Common in Corporate Legal Departments?
Corporate legal departments typically employ attorneys across various specializations. Common roles include General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, Deputy/Associate General Counsel, Assistant General Counsel, Senior Counsel, and Corporate Counsel. Specialized roles often include Privacy Counsel, IP/Patent Counsel, Litigation Counsel, Regulatory Counsel, Product Counsel, Employment Counsel, and Compliance Counsel. Large companies also employ legal operations professionals, paralegals, and administrative staff to support the legal function.
How Are Corporate Legal Departments Typically Structured?
Corporate legal departments are typically structured in one of several ways: (1) By business unit, with dedicated legal teams supporting specific business segments; (2) By practice area specialty, such as litigation, corporate, regulatory, IP, or employment; (3) By geography, with regional legal teams supporting operations in different countries or regions; or (4) A hybrid approach combining these elements. Larger companies often use a matrix structure where attorneys report both to practice area leaders and business unit leaders.
What Experience Do Companies Look For When Hiring In-House Attorneys?
Companies typically seek attorneys with relevant practice area expertise and industry knowledge. Most in-house positions require at least 3-5 years of prior experience, often at a law firm. Senior roles like Deputy General Counsel may require 10-15+ years of experience. Industry-specific knowledge is increasingly important, particularly in highly regulated sectors like financial services, healthcare, energy, and technology. Business acumen, communication skills, and the ability to work cross-functionally are also highly valued.