Originally published on Corriere Economia, Feb 13, 2025
Lawyers and Law Firms: Corriere’s 2025 Super Ranking of Italy’s Best Law Firms
159 elite law firms and 74 that have earned the prestigious “Top” designation. Key factors include revenue, innovation, human resources, gender gap, and publications.
The Corriere della Sera’s contest dedicated to Italy’s top law firms in 2025, now in its second edition, has seen a significant increase in participation compared to 2024, further solidifying its success. More than 200 law firms applied, with 74 making it into the “Top Ranking” category of the 2025 Law Firms of the Year list, representing excellence, and 85 included in the “Standard Excellence” category.
Both categories highlight the most prestigious law firms in Italy, according to Corriere della Sera’s rankings. Compared to the 2024 edition, participation has grown among larger firms, some of which have rebranded and expanded to an international scale. Additionally, several firms that were previously in the standard category have moved up to the Top Ranking list in 2025.
Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation process, defined by the scientific committee of Ranking Professioni-Corriere della Sera, chaired by Professor Umberto Frigelli of Università Cattolica di Milano, is based on multiple parameters and a multidisciplinary assessment model. Various indicators and data points reflect today’s critical success factors for professional firms and major national and international law firms.
The participation questionnaire includes nine main evaluation criteria. The first focuses on structural elements such as revenue, number of operational offices, active clients in the firm’s region and total client base, revenue growth over the past year, increase in the number of partners, employees, collaborators, and associates, as well as citations in specialized articles and publications authored by the firm’s professionals.
A key area of assessment is human resources, particularly talent acquisition and retention. Another crucial factor is innovation, evaluated through the firm’s activity on social media, the presence of a dedicated website, the existence of part-time or full-time HR management roles, innovative legal services introduced in the past year, and the adoption of smart working (remote work).
Beyond Financial Success
“These requirements are not solely tied to financial metrics, though those remain important,” explains Frigelli. “Today’s societal and economic changes, technological advancements, shifts in professional paradigms, the role of social media, and emerging trends in sustainability and equal opportunities are shaping all organizations, including law firms.”
This initiative aims to establish a new professional ranking model, offering visibility, prestige, and credibility to firms that meet the rigorous criteria. Notably, in the 2025 edition, legal-tech and advanced technologies have gained greater influence in the evaluation process, particularly in terms of professional development and training.
The growing impact of AI and cutting-edge legal technologies is reshaping the industry, alongside evolving ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policies, emphasizing investments in sustainability, social responsibility, and workplace well-being to create a balanced professional and personal life.
