Sullivan & Cromwell and Kirkland & Ellis were the top mergers and acquisitions (M&A) legal advisers in the technology, media and telecom (TMT) sector during the first three quarters (Q1-Q3) of 2026 by value and volume, respectively, according to the latest legal advisers league table by GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform.

An analysis of GlobalData’s Deals Database reveals that Sullivan & Cromwell achieved its leading position in terms of value by advising on $124.8 billion worth of deals. Meanwhile, Kirkland & Ellis led in terms of volume by advising on a total of 116 deals.

Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Kirkland & Ellis improved its ranking by volume from second during Q1-Q3 2025 to the top spot, supported by a marginal improvement in deal volume. Some big-ticket deals advised by the firm helped it occupy the third position by value as well. During Q1-Q3 2026, it advised on eight billion-dollar deals* that also included the $60 billion deal for acquisition of Cursor by SpaceX.

“Meanwhile, Sullivan & Cromwell’s ranking rose from fourth position during Q1-Q3 2025 to the top position by value, despite a 4.6% decline in its total advised deal value. During Q1-Q3 2026, Sullivan & Cromwell advised on 10 billion-dollar deals* that included three mega deals valued more than $10 billion, which helped it secure the top spot by value. It also held the eighth position by volume during Q1-Q3 2026.”

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison occupied the second position in terms of value, by advising on $111.3 billion worth of deals, followed by Kirkland & Ellis with $97.2 billion, White & Case with $90.2 billion, and Latham & Watkins with $78.2 billion.

Meanwhile, Latham & Watkins occupied the second position in terms of volume with 112 deals, followed by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati with 74 deals, DLA Piper with 55 deals, and White & Case with 44 deals.

*Deals valued more than or equal to $1 billion