An innovative real-time ranking system recognizing law firm health and stability. 

February 18, 2026 [Austin, TX] – SurePoint Technologies, the leading provider of legal software and intelligence solutions to law firms, today announced the release of the 2025 Leopard Law Firm Index (LLFI) Top 200 law firms. Established in 2020 and powered by the SurePoint Legal Insights platform (formerly Leopard Solutions), the LLFI is the industry’s most dynamic and objective rating system, evaluating firms on profitability, viability, growth, and stability.  

At the top of the 2025 rankings, Kirkland & Ellis LLP once again secured the #1 position, earning a perfect 500-point score for the second consecutive year. Its continued performance highlights the growing importance of operational discipline, balanced growth, and sustained profitability—qualities reflected across the broader index as well. 

The 2025 Top 200 rankings show a legal market defined by heightened mobility and a widening gap at the top. The largest firms continue to grow, further separating the super-elite from the rest of the market. 

Half of the Top 10 firms changed from 2024, with Sidley Austin LLP (#4), Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP (#6), Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP (#7), Troutman Pepper Locke LLP (#9), and Polsinelli PC (#9) moving into the Top 10. Notably, Troutman Pepper Locke LLP and McDermott Will & Schulte—both the result of 2025 combinations—underscore the level of mobility within the LLFI and how dramatically rankings can change in a single year. 

Across the full Top 200, slightly more than half of firms declined from their 2024 position, while a strong 46% moved up, showing that changes in strategy, talent investment, and market positioning can drive measurable impact.  

Some of the year’s most dramatic movement came from Ballard Spahr LLP (#21), which rose 225 positions from outside the Top 200 into the Top 100. Fragomen (#73) and Fenwick & West LLP (#92) also posted major climbs, rising 191 and 181 spots, respectively. 

Entry into the Top 200 has grown more competitive. While 32 new firms entered the rankings in 2024, that number fell to 28 in 2025. Still, 44 non-Am Law 200 firms earned a place in the Top 200, reinforcing that influence extends beyond the traditional elite. This reflects the LLFI’s methodology, which evaluates firms using a blend of talent growth, retention, and financial strength rather than relying solely on self-reported or year-end financial data. 

As transatlantic mergers and international expansion accelerate, the LLFI captures leading global firms with significant U.S. presences that fall outside U.S.-centric rankings. Firms such as Eversheds Sutherland LLP (#132), Clyde & Co LLP (#126), Freshfields LLP (#68), and Linklaters (#132) are recognized as major global players, underscoring the LLFI’s ability to deliver a more comprehensive, data-driven view of firm performance beyond traditional frameworks. 

“The 2025 LLFI results reveal a legal industry transforming faster than ever,” said Eric Thurston, President & CEO, SurePoint Technologies. “Sustainable growth is no longer defined by firm size, but by adaptability, operational discipline, and a willingness to leverage data to inform decisions. The firms climbing the LLFI are demonstrating that when you combine strategic clarity with innovative technology, long-term strength follows.” 

How the LLFI Measures Law Firm Sustainability 

Updated twice weekly, the LLFI provides a real-time, data-driven perspective on firm performance, measuring sustainability through key indicators such as attorney movement, recruiting ROI, partner promotions, and diversity, delivering a size-neutral assessment of firm health and stability.  

The LLFI scoring system ranges from 0 to 500, with four distinct statuses: Poor (0-124), Fair (125-249), Good (250-374), and Very Good (375-500). 

For more information, view the 2025 LLFI Top 200 for the full rankings. 

About SurePoint® Technologies 

SurePoint Technologies drives Firm Performance by helping mid-sized law firms operate efficiently, compete effectively, and grow with confidence. Powered by a connected legal technology ecosystem with embedded intelligence, our configurable Practice, Finance, and Growth Solutions streamline operations—from timekeeping, billing, and payments to CRM, talent insights, and business intelligence. By simplifying operations, strengthening financial performance, and supporting sustainable growth, SurePoint unifies the business and practice of law and empowers legal professionals to focus on what matters most: serving clients, leading teams, and creating lasting impact

Learn more: www.surepoint.com  

Contact 
Jen Lapierre 
Communications Consultant 
media@surepoint.com