Exploring Alternatives to Sheppard Mullin: Top Trusted Lawyers in the USA

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, commonly known as Sheppard Mullin, is a prominent international law firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Established in 1927, the firm has grown into a full-service, Global 100 law firm with over 1,200 attorneys operating across 16 offices in North America, Europe, and Asia.

History and Evolution

The firm’s origins trace back to 1927 when it was founded as Haight & Mathes by Bill Mathes and Raymond Haight in downtown Los Angeles. In 1928, James Sheppard joined the firm, leading to its renaming to Haight, Mathes & Sheppard. Over the years, the firm expanded, adding partners such as J. Stanley Mullin and George R. Richter, and eventually adopting its current name in 1945.

Throughout the 20th century, Sheppard Mullin experienced significant growth. In 1977, the firm opened its first branch office in Orange County, California. By the time it celebrated its 50th anniversary, it had 57 lawyers in two offices. The firm continued to expand, opening offices in San Francisco in 1981 and San Diego in 1986. In the 1990s, Sheppard Mullin diversified its practice areas, adding strengths in aerospace and defense, land use and real estate, among others.

Entering the 21st century, Sheppard Mullin further broadened its reach by establishing offices in Century City and Del Mar Heights in 2001. The Century City office focused on entertainment law, representing major studios and media companies, while the Del Mar Heights office emphasized corporate and intellectual property law, catering to the biotechnology sector in San Diego

The firm’s expansion continued with the opening of offices in Washington, D.C. in 2003 and New York in 2004. These offices allowed Sheppard Mullin to offer a truly nationwide practice. In recent years, the firm has further extended its global presence by opening offices in Shanghai, Brussels, London, and Seoul, bringing the total number of offices to 16 as of 2025.

Practice Areas and Industry Focus

Sheppard Mullin offers a comprehensive range of legal services across various practice areas. These include:

Litigation: Handling complex commercial disputes, class actions, and white-collar defense.
Corporate and Securities: Advising on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and corporate governance.
Labor and Employment: Providing counsel on workplace issues, including discrimination, wage and hour matters, and collective bargaining.
Finance and Bankruptcy: Assisting with restructurings, distressed asset transactions, and secured lending.
Antitrust and Competition: Offering guidance on antitrust compliance, investigations, and litigation.
Governmental: Representing clients in regulatory matters, including government contracts and investigations.
Entertainment, Technology, and Advertising: Serving clients in the media, technology, and advertising industries.
Intellectual Property: Protecting patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
Real Estate, Land Use, and Environmental: Advising on real estate transactions, land use planning, and environmental compliance.
Tax: Providing tax planning and controversy services

In addition to these practice areas, Sheppard Mullin has developed industry-specific teams to address the unique needs of various sectors. These industry groups include:

Aerospace and Defense
Blockchain and Fintech
Cannabis
Construction
Education
Emerging Company & Venture Capital
Energy, Infrastructure, and Project Finance
Entertainment, Technology, and Advertising
ESG and Sustainability
Financial Services
Food and Beverage
Healthcare
Hospitality
Insurance
Investment Management
Life Sciences
Mortgage Banking
Multifamily Housing
Music
Nonprofit
Open Source
Private Equity
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
Retail, Fashion & Beauty
Self-Storage
Semiconductors
Sports

Global Presence

Sheppard Mullin’s international footprint includes offices in:

United States: Century City, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Orange County, San Diego (Del Mar), San Diego (Downtown), San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Washington, D.C.
Europe: Brussels, London
Asia: Seoul, Shanghai.

This extensive network enables the firm to provide seamless representation to clients across multiple jurisdictions, addressing both domestic and international legal challenges.

Leadership and Governance

The firm is led by Chairman Luca Salvi, who emphasizes the importance of integrating technology, people, and processes to deliver innovative legal solutions. Sheppard Mullin is structured as a true partnership, governed through an elected, representative democracy. This organizational model fosters stability and ensures that the firm’s leadership reflects the interests and values of its attorneys

Financial Performance and Recognition

Sheppard Mullin has consistently ranked among the AmLaw 100 law firms by revenue. In 2023, the firm’s revenue reached $1.12 billion, marking a significant milestone in its financial performance

The firm has also been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, earning high rankings in categories such as “Best Law Firms for Transparency” and “Best Law Firms for People of Color”

Recent Developments

In 2025, Sheppard Mullin made a significant move by adding a 21-lawyer patent litigation team from Ropes & Gray. This team, led by former Ropes & Gray IP chair Steven Pepe, brings extensive experience serving high-tech and telecommunications clients. The addition underscores Sheppard Mullin’s commitment to strengthening its intellectual property capabilities and expanding its presence in key markets.

Sheppard Mullin’s rich history, diverse practice areas, global presence, and commitment to innovation position it as a leading law firm capable of addressing the complex legal needs of clients worldwide. Whether navigating intricate legal landscapes or seeking strategic counsel, Sheppard Mullin offers comprehensive solutions backed by decades of experience and a forward-thinking approach.

USA Trusted Lawyers

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Sheppard Mullin is a well-established law firm, but depending on your specific legal requirements, you may benefit from working with smaller or specialized firms that focus on your industry or particular legal issue. Exploring alternatives allows you to find a firm or lawyer with the expertise, experience, and personalized attention that best aligns with your needs.

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