Reed Smith is a Pittsburgh, PA-headquartered firm with approximately 1,427 attorneys and 19 offices. Founded in 1877.
Profits per partner
$2M
AmLaw #40
First-year comp
$255,000+
Reported first-year compensation
AmLaw revenue
$1.6B
Rank #40; 1,427 attorneys
Reed Smith is a Pittsburgh-founded law firm with approximately 1,430 attorneys and offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Founded in 1877, Reed Smith has grown from a respected Pennsylvania practice into a global platform with particular strength in entertainment, media, and financial services. The firm generates profits per partner of approximately $2 million and has developed leading practices in sectors where few firms of its size compete effectively, including advertising, shipping, and life sciences.
Reed Smith holds top-tier rankings in Chambers USA for Entertainment & Media, Insurance, and Financial Services. The firm's entertainment practice represents major record labels, studios, and digital platforms on licensing, distribution, and content disputes. Its insurance recovery group, one of the largest in the country, represents policyholders in complex coverage litigation. Reed Smith's financial services regulatory practice advises banks, fintech companies, and investment managers on compliance and enforcement matters. The firm also maintains a strong life sciences health industry practice and a growing data privacy capability.
Reed Smith uses a free-market assignment system. The firm seeks individuals with strong academic credentials, varied experiences, intellectual curiosity, and a good sense of humor. Associates are encouraged to build their skill sets beyond the classroom, and the firm values community contributions, demonstrated initiative, and leadership experience. The summer program runs for 10 weeks, and the firm invests in mentorship and associate development across its offices. Reed Smith has been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and it maintains active affinity groups and pipeline programs for underrepresented law students.
Reed Smith's Pittsburgh roots give it a distinctive identity among firms of its size, it combines a global footprint with a Midwestern accessibility that associates frequently cite as a cultural differentiator. The firm's early investment in entertainment law positioned it as the go-to advisor for media companies navigating the digital transformation, and its shipping and logistics practice gives it a niche international capability that few peer firms can match.
Filter the Chambers ranking record by market or practice. Market labels stay attached to the jurisdiction that was reported.
| Practice | Market | Recognition |
|---|---|---|
Banking & Finance | New Jersey | Chambers Band 1 |
Commercial Litigation | Florida | Chambers Band 1 |
Commercial Litigation | Pennsylvania | Chambers Band 1 |
Commercial Litigation | Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh & Surrounds | Chambers Band 1 |
Energy / Infrastructure | Pennsylvania | Chambers Band 1 |
Government Regulatory / Public Policy | Nationwide | Chambers Band 1 |
Healthcare | Pennsylvania | Chambers Band 1 |
Insurance / Reinsurance | Colorado | Chambers Band 1 |
Insurance / Reinsurance | Florida | Chambers Band 1 |
Insurance / Reinsurance | Illinois | Chambers Band 1 |
Vault 100
#59
Overall firm rank
Partnership track
9 years
Reported path to partnership
Summer associates
55
96% reported offer rate