Chicago, Illinois, is a major economic hub with a diverse array of industries that provide numerous opportunities for legal professionals. The city’s strong business environment is supported by key sectors such as finance, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and transportation. As a result, many prominent companies headquartered in Chicago require extensive legal support for various matters including corporate governance, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and litigation.
This thriving economic landscape ensures a steady demand for skilled lawyers, making Chicago an attractive destination for those seeking to advance their legal careers. Collaborating with a legal recruiter can significantly enhance your chances of securing a position with one of the city’s top employers.
Biggest Law Firms in Chicago
- Kirkland & Ellis LLP: Founded in 1909, Kirkland & Ellis LLP is one of the largest and most prestigious law firms globally, with over 3,500 lawyers across its offices. Headquartered in Chicago, the firm is renowned for its expertise in corporate law, intellectual property, litigation, and private equity. Kirkland & Ellis consistently ranks high on the AM Law 100 list and is known for handling high-profile cases, including major mergers and acquisitions and complex litigation matters.
- Sidley Austin LLP: Established in 1866, Sidley Austin LLP is a prominent global law firm with more than 2,000 attorneys across 20 offices worldwide. The firm is headquartered in Chicago and is highly regarded for its work in complex litigation, regulatory matters, and transactional law. Sidley Austin is an AM Law 100 firm and has been involved in numerous high-stakes cases, including significant appellate and Supreme Court litigation. The firm is also known for its strong commitment to pro bono work and diversity initiatives.
- Baker McKenzie: Baker McKenzie, founded in 1949, is one of the largest international law firms, with a strong presence in Chicago. The firm boasts over 6,000 lawyers in more than 46 countries. Baker McKenzie is recognized for its expertise in tax law, M&A, antitrust, and international trade. The firm is a perennial leader on the AM Law 100 list and is known for handling complex cross-border transactions and regulatory matters, making it a key player in the global legal market.
- Mayer Brown LLP: Founded in 1881, Mayer Brown LLP is a leading global law firm with over 1,900 lawyers across offices in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The firm’s Chicago office is a major hub for its operations. Mayer Brown is renowned for its work in finance, corporate law, litigation, and regulatory matters. The firm has been involved in landmark cases and major financial transactions, and it consistently ranks high on the AM Law 100 list. Mayer Brown is also noted for its commitment to pro bono work and community service.
- Winston & Strawn LLP: Established in 1853, Winston & Strawn LLP is a prestigious international law firm headquartered in Chicago. The firm has nearly 1,000 attorneys across 16 offices worldwide. Winston & Strawn is well-known for its litigation, corporate law, and intellectual property practices. The firm has represented clients in numerous high-profile cases, including significant intellectual property disputes and complex commercial litigation. Winston & Strawn is a mainstay on the AM Law 100 list and is celebrated for its legal excellence and client service.
- Jenner & Block LLP: Jenner & Block LLP, founded in 1914, is a leading law firm headquartered in Chicago with over 500 attorneys. The firm is renowned for its litigation practice, particularly in appellate and Supreme Court cases. Jenner & Block has been involved in numerous high-profile legal battles and is recognized for its pro bono work and commitment to public service. The firm is an AM Law 100 firm and is known for its exceptional legal talent and dedication to client advocacy.
- McDermott Will & Emery: Founded in 1934, McDermott Will & Emery is a prominent international law firm with over 1,100 lawyers across 20 offices. The firm’s Chicago office is a key center for its operations. McDermott is renowned for its healthcare law, tax, and corporate practices. The firm has handled significant regulatory compliance and corporate restructuring cases, and it consistently ranks on the AM Law 100 list. McDermott is also recognized for its innovative legal solutions and strong client relationships.
- Jones Day: Jones Day is a global law firm with more than 2,500 lawyers across 42 offices worldwide, including a significant presence in Chicago. Founded in 1893, the firm is known for its strength in litigation, regulatory, and transactional work. Jones Day has been involved in numerous high-profile appellate and Supreme Court cases and is a consistent performer on the AM Law 100 list. The firm is also noted for its commitment to client service and legal excellence.
- Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP: Founded in 1974 in Chicago, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP has grown to nearly 700 attorneys across more than a dozen offices. The firm is noted for its work in corporate law, finance, health care, and litigation. Katten has handled significant real estate transactions and complex commercial disputes, earning a strong reputation in the legal community. The firm is consistently ranked on the AM Law 100 list and is recognized for its dynamic legal practices and client-focused approach.
- Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP: Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, with a growing presence in Chicago, is recognized for its expertise in business law, intellectual property, litigation, and real estate. The firm, founded in 1885, recently expanded its attorney headcount significantly and now boasts over 600 lawyers across multiple offices. Taft is known for its strategic legal advice and robust client service, making it a prominent player in the Midwest legal market. The firm has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, contributing to its dynamic and inclusive work environment.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Securing a position with one of the largest companies in Chicago often requires navigating a competitive job market, and working with a legal recruiter can increase your chances. Here are some of the biggest employers of lawyers in Chicago.
- The Boeing Company: Founded in 1916, Boeing is a leading aerospace company employing approximately 141,000 people globally. Boeing’s legal team handles aviation law, regulatory compliance, international trade, intellectual property, and corporate governance. Notable legal cases include regulatory compliance issues and patent disputes. The company’s extensive global operations and complex legal needs make it a major employer of legal professionals in Chicago.
- McDonald’s Corporation: Founded in 1940, McDonald’s is headquartered in Chicago and employs over 200,000 people worldwide. The legal team manages corporate governance, intellectual property, franchise law, and employment law. The company has handled high-profile litigation cases related to trademark disputes, employee relations, and international trade, necessitating a robust legal department to navigate various challenges.
- Abbott Laboratories: Established in 1888, Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company with approximately 109,000 employees. The legal department deals with regulatory compliance, intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, and litigation. Abbott’s legal team plays a crucial role in managing product liability cases, patent disputes, and healthcare regulations, driven by the company’s innovation in medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
- United Airlines Holdings, Inc.: Founded in 1926, United Airlines employs around 90,000 people. The legal department focuses on aviation law, regulatory compliance, labor relations, and commercial litigation. United has faced significant legal challenges related to passenger rights, labor disputes, and environmental regulations, requiring a legal team skilled in handling complex international and domestic legal issues.
- Exelon Corporation: Formed in 2000 through a merger, Exelon is a leading energy provider with over 33,000 employees. The legal team handles environmental law, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property. Exelon’s legal department has been involved in high-profile cases related to energy regulations, environmental compliance, and commercial transactions, reflecting the company’s significant role in the energy sector.
- Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM): Founded in 1902, ADM is a global food processing and commodities trading corporation with approximately 40,000 employees. The legal team deals with international trade law, environmental compliance, corporate governance, and intellectual property. Notable legal matters include regulatory compliance, trade disputes, and major mergers and acquisitions, highlighting ADM’s extensive global operations.
- Motorola Solutions, Inc.: Established in 1928, Motorola Solutions employs around 18,000 people. The legal team handles intellectual property, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance. Motorola has been involved in significant patent disputes and regulatory issues, necessitating a strong legal department to manage its complex legal requirements in telecommunications and technology.
- Groupon, Inc.: Founded in 2008, Groupon employs approximately 6,000 people globally. The legal team manages corporate governance, intellectual property, consumer protection, and commercial litigation. Groupon has faced notable legal challenges related to consumer rights, data privacy, and trademark disputes, driven by its innovative business model and global reach.
- Hyatt Hotels Corporation: Founded in 1957, Hyatt employs over 100,000 people worldwide. The legal team deals with hospitality law, corporate governance, real estate transactions, and labor relations. Hyatt’s legal department has managed significant legal matters related to franchise agreements, property acquisitions, and employment disputes, reflecting the company’s extensive global operations.
- Discover Financial Services: Established in 1985, Discover employs around 18,000 people. The legal team focuses on financial regulations, corporate governance, consumer protection, and litigation. Discover has faced significant legal challenges related to regulatory compliance, consumer rights, and financial transactions, requiring a skilled legal team to manage complex financial and regulatory issues.
