As of late 2025/early 2026, the primary, long-term anchor law firm, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, has moved out of the Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe) to 40 Leadenhall Street. However, the iconic building continues to house other legal practices, including Gianni & Origoni on the 30th floor and formerly Karkin & Yuksel.
Not many people can say they work at the 'Gherkin' — the City's 'most Instagrammable' building, apparently. But Kirkland & Ellis lawyers can. Their digs are spread across six floors in Sir Norman Foster's triangular glass masterpiece, nicknamed after the pickle for its cylindrical shape.
The "Golden 5" law firms, more commonly known as the Magic Circle, refers to the five most prestigious, London-headquartered firms: A&O Shearman (formerly Allen & Overy), Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May, renowned for high-value corporate, finance, and international work. This term, coined by journalists, signifies top-tier UK corporate law firms handling major global deals.
In the Canadian legal market, the 'Seven Sisters', leading Bay Street Toronto, Ontario corporate firms, continue to dominate the marketplace. They are Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, Goodmans LLP, McCarthy Tétrault, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Stikeman Elliott LLP and Torys.
Designer talks episode: 1 The Gherkin London, U.K | Facts you should know about Gherkin building
Which law firm is the hardest to get into?
Williams & Connolly LLP
One of the most selective law firms, Williams & Connolly is a litigation standout known for handling complex, high-stakes matters. The firm has a promote-from-within culture with an emphasis on organic mentorship.
Today, the Gherkin is primarily an office building. It is the headquarters of many large companies including Swiss Re and some of the offices of Sky News. Some very popular television shows and radio shows are filmed here or near this building today.
In conclusion, The Gherkin stands as an enduring symbol of innovation in architecture, urban design, and interior design. Its biomimetic design, visionary architecture, and commitment to sustainability make it a beacon for the future of the industry.
According to research by BTI Consulting Group (BTI), Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan is consistently ranked the #1 "most feared" law firm in litigation by corporate legal departments, a title they've held for multiple years, often appearing in the "Fearsome Foursome" alongside firms like Kirkland & Ellis, Jones Day, and Skadden. These firms are feared for their aggressive, relentless, and resourceful approach in complex litigation, making opponents rethink strategies and resources.
KPMG has launched KPMG Law US, the first law firm owned by a Big Four accounting firm in the U.S. The new firm will operate as an independent subsidiary of KPMG LLP, providing legal managed services, legal operations consulting and AI-powered legal technology solutions.
Three firms with sparkling offices, shared the spot top, with a score of 89%: Bird & Bird, Goodwin Procter and White & Case. "Our canteen with great food and views is a huge asset," said a Bird & Bird partner. "Great for meetings and inspiring potential hires We're well situated and the offices still feel fresh."
You can't go up The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe) for free as a general tourist attraction, but you can visit its top-floor restaurants (Helix & Iris Bar) for the views if you book a table, or enter during special events like Open House London via a ballot. For free panoramic views that include The Gherkin, visit other London landmarks like Sky Garden, The Garden at 120, or Horizon 22, which offer amazing cityscapes and don't require payment, though Sky Garden and Horizon 22 need advance booking.
The "Magic Circle" refers to five elite, prestigious law firms headquartered in London, known for corporate and finance law: A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May. Coined by legal journalists in the 1990s, these firms handle high-profile, complex international work, attracting top talent and offering high salaries, though entry is highly competitive.
Searcys Champagne and Cocktail Bar is located on the 40th-floor dome of The Gherkin. Open to all, guests will find themselves eye-to-eye with the city's skyscrapers whilst enjoying an extensive cocktail, wine and Champagne list as unique as the location.
This neo-futuristic skyscraper is not just a visual delight but also a testament to innovative design and sustainable building practices. With its unique design and ecological responsibility, The Gherkin stands as a beacon of sustainability and a must-visit landmark for travelers and architecture enthusiasts alike.
The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe) in London is primarily a modern office building for various companies, featuring unique energy-efficient design with spiraling light wells for natural ventilation, plus shops, cafes at its base, and a restaurant/bar (Iris Bar) at the top with panoramic city views, making it a distinctive landmark known for its distinctive shape and sustainable architecture.
JP Morgan's new Canary Wharf HQ would house 12,000 staff and be the biggest office building in London, for around £3bn. Designed by Foster + Partners, the new JP Morgan office tower is expected to surpass the Shard(306m) in height, although final designs are being kept under wraps until they are finalised.
The main tenants in the Gherkin, which was designed by Sir Norman Foster, are Swiss Re and Chicago-based law firm Kirkland & Ellis, along with solicitors Hunton & Williams. It is also used as a wedding venue.
According to research by BTI Consulting Group (BTI), Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan is consistently ranked the #1 "most feared" law firm in litigation by corporate legal departments, a title they've held for multiple years, often appearing in the "Fearsome Foursome" alongside firms like Kirkland & Ellis, Jones Day, and Skadden. These firms are feared for their aggressive, relentless, and resourceful approach in complex litigation, making opponents rethink strategies and resources.
There isn't one single "youngest lawyer" globally, but Sophia Park became the youngest person to pass the California Bar exam at 17 years and 8 months (sworn in 2025). In the UK, Krishangi Meshram qualified as a solicitor in England & Wales at 21 years old in 2025, starting her degree at 15. The youngest ages often depend on jurisdiction, with extraordinary teens entering law school and passing exams very early, like Sophia Park in the U.S. or <19-year-olds in other systems.
The easiest law to practice is often considered to be estate planning. This involves helping clients prepare for the distribution of their assets upon death or incapacitation, making it relatively straightforward compared to other legal fields.
