Awards and Rankings

Ballard Spahr Among 'Most Feared' Firms for Litigation in BTI Survey of GCs and Executives, for 5th Straight Year

September 24, 2026

Ballard Spahr ranks among the “Most Feared Law Firms” in the country for litigation across categories again this year and among the top firms in several specific areas of litigation in BTI Litigation Outlook 2027, a new report based on feedback from corporate clients and adversaries.

The report—subtitled “More Aggressive. More Complexity. Higher Stakes.”—ranks Ballard Spahr among a select group of “Intimidating Opponents: The Most Feared Law Firms in Litigation.” Ballard Spahr previously made BTI’s “Most Feared” list for 2023, 2024, 2025, and this year, as well.

BTI Litigation Outlook 2027 forecasts a climate in which corporations see litigation “becoming part of business strategy—embedding it in key business strategy and growth—making it mission critical to clients.” The new report is compiled from BTI’s annual survey and interviews with top legal decision-makers at large companies. The latest rankings are based on more than 350 surveys of general counsel, chief legal officers, and other high-ranking legal and business executives at companies with $1 billion or more in annual revenue.

In addition to the “Most Feared” ranking, the report ranks Ballard Spahr as a top firm in these specific areas of litigation, as well:

  • Generative AI Litigation – Leader (top 5% of firms)
  • Class Action Litigation – Standout (top 15%)
  • Complex Employment Litigation – Standout (top 15%)
  • Complex Commercial Litigation – Standout (top 16%)
  • IP Litigation – Distinguished (top 12%)
  • Cybersecurity Litigation – Standout (top 13%)

The firm’s Litigation Department, with more than 350 litigators in 19 offices across the country, focuses on client goals at every stage and in every type of dispute. The firm’s litigators have compiled an outstanding track record of success over a period of decades in state and federal trial courts, appellate courts, administrative agencies, and arbitration forums, as well as favorable out-of-court settlements through strategy litigation and negotiations.

For media inquiries, please contact Media Relations at 202.777.6042.

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