Top 25 Legal Firms & Law Companies In Chicago    

Top Law Firms In Chicago: Key Highlights

• Big Law isn’t growing: Chicago’s top 25 firms saw less than 1% attorney growth from 2023 to 2024, signaling a stagnant market even among major players.

• High-value cases define influence: Firms at the center of billion-dollar mergers and regulatory disputes continue to shape how industries operate and evolve.

• Financial depth sets leaders apart: Groups such as Mayer Brown and Chapman are trusted for structuring complex capital markets, asset finance and regulatory deals.

Chicago is one of the most competitive legal markets in the U.S., with 26,750 employed lawyers across the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metropolitan area in 2025.

But even in a field this dense, certain firms have been at the center of billion-dollar mergers, regulatory battles and complex corporate disputes. 

While much of their work goes on behind the scenes, it has a significant impact that goes beyond the courtroom.

Their efforts help shape market trends, influence business strategies and set important legal precedents across whole industries.

In this post, we’ll spotlight the top law firms in Chicago, whose track records show consistent results on matters that define companies’ futures. 

Criteria For Evaluating Top Law Firms In Chicago

Evaluating a law firm requires more than browsing a website or relying on word-of-mouth.

Below are the five criteria that define the strongest performers in Chicago’s legal market.

25 Best Law Firms In Chicago 

The 25 largest law firms in the Chicago area saw their local attorney headcounts grow by less than 1% from June 2023 to June 2024, signaling virtually flat growth in a market once known for rapid expansion.  

This sluggish growth suggests that even top Chicago law firms are struggling to expand their attorney ranks, despite only modest shifts in client demand.  

It’s a clear sign of a stagnant Big Law market in the Windy City, where only the most resilient firms have managed to hold their ground.  

The firms below have sustained their position by leading billion-dollar deals, navigating regulatory challenges and steering some of the city’s most complex disputes. 

1. Kirkland & Ellis 

Founded: 1908 
Core services: Private equity, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and complex corporate transactions, litigation and investigations, intellectual property, restructuring 
Best for: High-stakes corporate matters and cross-border legal strategy at scale 
Notable clients: Apple, Pfizer, IBM, ExxonMobil, Boeing, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, Verizon Communications 

Widely regarded as a top law firm in Chicago, Kirkland & Ellis has grown from its early roots in the city into one of the most powerful names in global law.  

Its Chicago office, the firm’s first and largest, includes nearly 800 attorneys who collaborate closely with peers across its international network, handling complex deals, large-scale disputes and regulatory matters for industry leaders.  

The firm posted $8.8 billion in revenue in 2024, which marks a 22% increase from 2023 and ranks 5th among the best law firms in the U.S. in 2025 with a prestige score of 8.23 out of 10. 

Known as primary outside counsel to several Fortune 100 companies, Kirkland remains deeply tied to Chicago’s business core while operating at a scale few rivals can match. 

2. Baker McKenzie 

Founded: 1949 
Core services: M&A, capital markets, private equity, banking and finance, dispute resolution, employment and compensation, intellectual property, tax, data privacy and cybersecurity 
Best for: Complex cross-border matters requiring deep sector knowledge and global coordination 
Notable clients: ASOS, BDT Capital, Edwardian Hotels, Bumble, Colt, Carlsberg, Baker Hughes

Recognized among the biggest law firms in Chicago, Baker McKenzie combines decades of local presence with one of the most extensive global networks in the industry.  

The firm generated $3.39 billion in revenue in 2024 with 4,595 lawyers in its offices, handling matters that span jurisdictions, industries and regulatory environments.  

Its team is deeply involved in market-shaping transactions, high-value disputes and complex regulatory work for multinational clients.  

Baker McKenzie is also widely respected for its commitment to inclusion, sustainability and social impact, embedding these values into its client work as well as its internal culture. 

3. Sidley Austin LLP 

Founded: 1866 
Core services: Complex corporate transactions, restructuring, crisis management, investigations, regulatory matters, litigation and dispute resolution 
Best for: Sophisticated cross-border deals and high-stakes regulatory or litigation work 
Notable clients: AIG, Alibaba Group, AstraZeneca, Baidu, Akzo Nobel 

Sidley Austin LLP is a leading law firm in Chicago with more than 150 years of experience guiding clients through complex legal and regulatory challenges.  

The firm ranked 6th in the U.S. by revenue in 2024 with $3.44 billion, underscoring its role in major transactions, large-scale disputes and high-stakes regulatory matters.  

Its Chicago office anchors a network of 21 global offices and over 2,300 lawyers, combining deep local roots with international reach.  

Sidley has built enduring client relationships by pairing industry insight with rigorous standards that consistently shape high-value business outcomes. 

4. Mayer Brown LLP 

Founded: 1881 
Core services: Financial services law, banking and finance, capital markets, regulatory compliance and government affairs, mortgage finance, fintech, litigation and investigations 
Best for: Complex financial transactions and regulatory matters requiring deep industry experience 
Notable clients: Morgan Stanley, U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, Asian University for Women, Cornish Lithium, Koalaa, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation 

Mayer Brown LLP is consistently ranked among the best Chicago law firms, known for its long-standing influence in the financial sector and its ability to handle the industry’s most intricate matters.  

The firm reported $1.98 billion in revenue in 2024, with much of its work driven by high-value transactions, regulatory challenges and large-scale investigations for leading financial institutions.  

Its lawyers bring decades of experience from federal agencies and financial regulators, giving clients an inside view on shifting rules, enforcement trends and market expectations.  

Mayer Brown has built its reputation on sophisticated legal strategies and deep sector knowledge that allow it to navigate the high-stakes issues shaping global finance. 

5. Jenner & Block 

Founded: 1914 
Core services: Corporate and M&A, finance, litigation, investigations and compliance, government strategy and regulatory matters, intellectual property, data privacy and cybersecurity 
Best for: Complex corporate transactions, high-stakes disputes and sensitive regulatory matters 
Notable clients: McDonald’s Corporation, Huawei Technologies, The Kraft Heinz Company, Nestlé USA, Kellogg 

Continuing the Chicago law firms list, Jenner & Block is known for handling high-stakes litigation alongside complex corporate and regulatory matters for major global companies.  

The firm generated $682 million in revenue in 2024, representing leading companies in industries like technology, energy and finance on cross-border deals, high-stakes disputes and sensitive investigations. 

Many of its attorneys have held senior roles in government and corporate legal departments, which informs the firm’s nuanced approach to strategy and compliance.  

Jenner & Block has become a trusted choice for companies facing pivotal moments where outcomes carry weight beyond the courtroom. 

6. McDermott Will & Schulte 

Founded: 2025 (merger of McDermott Will & Emery and Schulte Roth & Zabel) 
Core services: Corporate and transactional, tax, antitrust, litigation and dispute resolution, global investigations, intellectual property, employment and executive compensation, private client and wealth management, real estate, ESG and sustainability 
Best for: Complex cross-border matters that demand integrated corporate, regulatory and tax insight 
Notable clients: AdTheorent, Arcline Capital, Cedars Sinai Health System, DuPont, Geisinger Health, Motorola Solutions, Phibro, Prime Therapeutics 

As one of the newest names among big law firms in Chicago, McDermott Will & Schulte was formed in August 2025 through the high-profile merger of McDermott Will & Emery and Schulte Roth & Zabel.  

The combined firm brings together about 1,750 lawyers across more than 20 offices worldwide, uniting deep corporate, regulatory and tax capabilities under one roof.  

Its teams handle high-value transactions, cross-border disputes and sensitive investigations for global businesses navigating demanding markets.  

Known for its strong focus on inclusion and social impact, the firm has also built a reputation for advancing diversity and equity within its ranks while driving major legal work on a global scale. 

7. Winston & Strawn LLP 

Founded: 1853 
Core services: Commercial litigation, class actions, M&A, labor and employment, employee benefits and executive compensation, corporate governance, tax, privacy and data security 
Best for: Complex disputes, professional liability defense and workforce-related legal issues 
Notable clients: Panasonic Corporation, Cox Communications, St. Luke’s Hospital, Abbott Laboratories, Groupon, Nuveen Investments 

Winston & Strawn LLP has built its reputation on defending professional services organizations in some of the most high-stakes malpractice and liability cases of the past several decades.  

The firm reported $1.27 billion in revenue in 2024, handling complex commercial litigation, class actions and corporate disputes that carry significant reputational risk.  

Its work in auditor defense and professional malpractice law has shaped key precedent and influenced how similar cases are litigated nationwide.  

Frequently listed among the best law firms in Chicago, Winston also guides companies through post-pandemic workforce challenges, advising on employment, compensation and governance matters alongside its broader transactional and regulatory work. 

8. Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP 

Founded: 1974 
Core services: Corporate, financial markets and funds, real estate, litigation, private credit, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, health care, ESG, privacy and cybersecurity 
Best for: Complex transactions and regulatory matters requiring commercially focused legal strategy 
Notable clients: Not publicly disclosed 

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP is one of the prominent big law firms in Chicago, known for pairing legal depth with a strong commercial focus across industries from finance and real estate to healthcare and media.  

The firm reached $862.1 million in revenue in 2024, a 10.3% jump from the previous year, reflecting its role in high-value deals, regulatory work and large-scale disputes.  

The company’s lawyers approach matters with a business-first mindset, resolving challenges efficiently while protecting long-term objectives.  

Katten has built a reputation for collaborative, decisive work that helps companies move through complex, high-stakes matters with speed and precision. 

9. Seyfarth Shaw 

Founded: 1945 
Core services: Employment and labor, corporate counseling and governance, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, real estate, privacy and cybersecurity, executive compensation, ESG and sustainability 
Best for: Large-scale workforce matters, complex transactions and cross-border advisory work 
Notable clients: Calvin Klein, Honda, Costco, Dr Pepper, Lufthansa, L’Oréal, UFL, Ulta Beauty, Abbott, Ford, Pfizer 

Seyfarth Shaw has built its reputation around helping companies manage large workforces while advancing complex transactional and regulatory objectives.  

The firm reported $931.9 million in revenue in 2024, supported by more than 975 lawyers across 17 offices who handle everything from high-stakes employment disputes to global M&A deals.  

The firm brings together legal depth and industry knowledge to guide clients through shifting labor laws, ESG priorities and evolving corporate governance standards.  

10. Hinshaw & Culbertson 

Founded: 1934 
Core services: Commercial litigation, mergers and acquisitions, corporate and business law, labor and employment, professional liability defense, insurance law, wealth preservation and taxation, regulatory and compliance counseling 
Best for: Risk-heavy matters across insurance, financial services, health care and professional liability 
Notable clients: Berkshire Hathaway, FM Global, Berkley Select, CNA, Zurich North America, Starr Surplus Lines Insurance Company 

Hinshaw & Culbertson focuses on matters where legal risk and business exposure are closely intertwined, advising clients through disputes, investigations and difficult transactions.  

The firm generated $244.7 million in revenue in 2024, driven by work with major players in insurance, finance, health care and professional services.  

It has earned a place among Chicago big law firms by combining legal precision with a clear understanding of operational impact, especially in matters involving reputational stakes.  

Hinshaw places a strong emphasis on long-term client relationships, tailoring strategies to align with each organization’s broader goals. 

11. Vedder Price 

Founded: 1952 
Core services: Corporate, finance and transactions, global transportation finance, labor and employment, intellectual property, securities and capital markets, real estate, litigation 
Best for: Complex corporate matters and financing deals requiring sector-specific experience 
Notable clients: Aero Capital Solutions, Air Canada, Azorra, BBAM Aircraft Management, Castleslake, Citibank, Export-Import Bank of the United States 

Vedder Price continues the list of large law firms in Chicago with a long history of guiding companies through complicated corporate and financing matters across global markets.  

The firm reported $353 million in revenue in 2024, advising on high-value deals, cross-border transactions and regulatory issues for clients that often partner with the firm over decades.  

Its focus on personal service shapes everything from how matters are staffed to how the firm presents its website and branding, creating a consistent experience for clients across practices and offices.  

Vedder Price’s combination of sector knowledge and tailored counsel has made it a trusted choice for organizations with intricate legal needs. 

12. Chapman And Cutler 

Founded: 1913 
Core services: Asset securitization, structured and project finance, commercial lending, public finance, fund finance, fintech and marketplace lending, investment management, renewable energy, real estate finance 
Best for: Financial transactions and regulatory matters across capital markets and institutional investing 
Notable clients: North Bridge ESG, Perceptive Advisors, Thropos Holding Company, The University of Chicago, Clean Power Alliance, Pacific Oak SOR (BVI) Holdings 

Chapman and Cutler has spent over a century at the center of major financial activity, advising banks, investors and public institutions on intricate and market-defining deals. 

The company has pioneered structures like variable rate demand bonds and leverage leases while guiding clients through public finance, fund finance and renewable energy projects.  

That focus on innovation runs through the firm’s culture, from its investment in legal tech to its signature digital marketing strategy that reflects its forward-thinking brand.  

Chapman closed 2024 with $312.7 million in revenue, reinforcing its position among Chicago top law firms and its enduring role in complex financial work. 

13. Goldberg Kahn 

Founded: 1976 
Core services: Commercial finance, corporate law and transactions, litigation and dispute resolution, bankruptcy and creditors’ rights, labor and employment, real estate, intellectual property, international lending 
Best for: Financing deals, high-stakes litigation and cross-border transactional matters 
Notable clients: Not publicly disclosed 

Clients who want direct access to senior lawyers often turn to Goldberg Kohn, where lead attorneys stay closely involved in every major stage of a matter.  

From a single Chicago office, the firm coordinates national and international work through its Meritas network, giving clients the reach of a global practice without the overhead of scattered branch offices.  

This structure allows deals to move quickly and litigation strategies to stay cohesive, which clients say helps keep their own lead generation and conversions on track.  

14. Marshall, Gerstein & Borun 

Founded: 1955 
Core services: Patent prosecution, IP litigation, copyrights, trademarks, design patents, trade secrets, IP transactions, post-grant patent proceedings, ITC 337 investigations 
Best for: Protecting, enforcing and commercializing intellectual property in highly technical industries 
Notable clients: Not publicly disclosed 

Companies developing cutting-edge products often seek out Marshall, Gerstein & Borun for its rare combination of legal and technical depth.  

Nearly 90% of its professionals have science or engineering degrees, and many have worked as in-house counsel or researchers, which gives the firm a grounded understanding of how innovation moves from concept to market.  

This perspective shapes the way the firm manages each engagement, from guiding IP strategy to streamlining the user journey for clients navigating patents, trademarks and licensing worldwide.  

Counted among the top law firms in Chicago, Marshall Gerstein blends legal skill with industry insight to protect ideas that drive growth. 

15. Banner Witcoff 

Founded: 1920 
Core services: Patent prosecution, IP litigation, trademarks, design patents, copyrights, trade dress, trade secrets, PTAB litigation, counseling and licensing, Section 337/ITC litigation 
Best for: Building and protecting valuable intellectual property portfolios across global markets 
Notable clients: Allstate, Nike, Nokia, Toshiba, Kayak, Tencent, Capital One, Converse 

Ideas are only as strong as the protection behind them, which is why brands that shape their industries often work with Banner Witcoff.  

The firm has helped companies transform patents, trademarks and designs into lasting competitive assets, managing everything from prosecution to courtroom disputes with a focus on commercial outcomes.  

Clients often cite its ability to protect brand trust and reinforce customer loyalty by keeping their most valuable IP secure through market shifts.  

Rather than applying one-size-fits-all strategies, Banner Witcoff tailors each engagement to the pace and risk profile of the business it supports. 

16. Amundsen Davis 

Founded: 1997 
Core services: Corporate and securities, mergers and acquisitions, commercial lending, labor and employment, litigation, intellectual property, real estate and zoning, data privacy and cybersecurity, transportation and logistics 
Best for: Full-service counsel across growth, regulatory and dispute matters for mid-market and enterprise companies 
Notable clients: Not publicly disclosed 

Clients often describe Amundsen Davis as a firm that operates with the reach of a national practice while maintaining the focus and responsiveness of a regional partner.  

Its attorneys work across twelve Midwest offices, handling everything from M&A and corporate governance to workforce disputes, complex litigation and regulatory issues on international matters.  

That blend of scale and close collaboration has made it a trusted choice among Chicago firms for companies seeking consistency across multiple areas of law.  

Amundsen Davis places strong emphasis on building lasting relationships, grounding its work in reliability, proactive communication and a deep understanding of each client’s business priorities. 

17. Swanson, Martin & Bell 

Founded: 1992 
Core services: Commercial litigation, class action defense, employment litigation, product liability, medical negligence, intellectual property, real estate, toxic tort, appellate practice 
Best for: Complex, high-stakes disputes requiring seasoned trial experience 
Notable clients: Not publicly disclosed 

Executives facing bet-the-company disputes often look to Swanson, Martin & Bell for its depth of courtroom experience and ability to manage complex cases under pressure.  

What started as a small team of 13 trial lawyers has grown into nearly 140 attorneys who handle high-stakes matters across more than 30 practice areas while maintaining the agility of a boutique firm.  

The attorneys are known for trying cases to verdict rather than defaulting to settlement, which has made the firm a trusted ally for Fortune 500 companies and major institutions seeking clear, decisive outcomes.  

18. Edelson PC 

Founded: 2007 
Core services: Class actions, mass torts, public client litigation, public impact litigation, investigations, appellate advocacy 
Best for: High-value plaintiffs’ litigation with national scope 
Notable clients: ACLU, ViSalus, Survivors of the 2020 Oregon Wildfires 

Companies that track customer behavior closely often end up facing Edelson PC in court, a firm known for reshaping how plaintiffs’ class actions are fought and won.  

Its attorneys have helped secure more than $45 billion in settlements and judgments, including $5 billion as lead counsel, while driving precedent-setting cases involving consumer privacy, mass harm and public impact issues.  

The firm’s in-house team of lawyers and technologists builds cases from the ground up, analyzing data trails and digital practices long before headlines catch up, which has influenced shifts in customer preference and how brands craft their public voice.  

19. Eimer Stahl LLP 

Founded: 2000 
Core services: Antitrust litigation, class actions and multidistrict litigation, complex commercial disputes, securities and banking litigation, environmental and product liability, data privacy and AI, appellate advocacy 
Best for: Litigation that demands strategic thinking and operational efficiency 
Notable clients: British Airways, Clearview AI, Coinbase, HP, Humana, SSM Health, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Walmart 

Executives facing bet-the-company disputes often choose Eimer Stahl for its mix of courtroom skill and business-minded strategy.  

The firm is intentionally compact, which lets senior lawyers stay close to the work while still handling matters that span antitrust, class actions, securities, energy and large-scale product liability.  

Clients value its willingness to learn the operational side of their businesses, designing legal strategies that account for financial pressures, regulatory risk and future growth goals.  

Eimer Stahl’s approach centers on precision and adaptability, qualities that have earned the trust of some of the world’s largest companies in their most complicated disputes. 

20. Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney 

Founded: 1986 
Core services: Complex commercial litigation, product liability, employment litigation, insurance coverage and bad faith, toxic tort, environmental, medical malpractice, intellectual property, transportation 
Best for: High-stakes litigation requiring courtroom experience and cost-efficient strategy 
Notable clients: Not publicly disclosed 

Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney has built its practice around the demands of companies facing disputes with real financial and reputational stakes.  

Its nearly 180 attorneys try cases across the country but maintain a collaborative structure that allows them to act quickly and keep decision-making close to the client.  

The firm’s trial-first approach has made it one of the largest Chicago law firms, known for moving complex matters forward without letting them sprawl.  

Estimated to bring in $284.3 million annually, Segal McCambridge blends national reach with a pragmatic style that appeals to businesses that want focus, speed and accountability in high-pressure situations. 

21. Much Shelist 

Founded: 1970 
Core services: Corporate and finance, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, commercial litigation, intellectual property, labor and employment, real estate, restructuring and insolvency, estate planning, tax 
Best for: Growth-focused companies seeking full-service counsel across legal and strategic matters 
Notable clients: Hensel Recycling, Continuum Clinical, Vita Food Products, Brandito, Access Living, Cold Bore Capital 

Much Shelist used its brand equity to expand from its Chicago roots into Orange County and beyond, building a platform that serves clients with both local insight and global reach.  

Its attorneys advise companies across industries on complex transactions, disputes and operational issues, often guiding them through pivotal moments like acquisitions, restructurings and market entries.  

Through Ally Law, the firm connects clients with vetted counsel in over 100 business hubs worldwide, providing the localization needed to compete effectively in new markets.  

22. Tressler LLP 

Founded: 1986 
Core services: Insurance law, litigation, appellate, transportation and aviation law, government law, labor and employment, HOA and condo law 
Best for: Navigating multi-jurisdictional matters and regulatory issues that require coordinated strategy 
Notable clients: Not publicly disclosed 

Tressler LLP combines national reach with a close-knit, service-driven culture, guiding clients through matters that involve layered regulations and multiple venues.  

Its attorneys have handled cases in all 50 states, frequently coordinating with local authorities and industry regulators to keep proceedings aligned with business priorities.  

With an estimated annual revenue of $112.4 million, the firm has earned a place on any best Chicago law firm list by pairing broad geographic coverage with consistent, hands-on counsel.  

Clients often highlight Tressler’s ability to manage detailed legal frameworks without losing sight of practical outcomes. 

23. Levenfeld Pearlstein 

Founded: 1999 
Core services: Corporate, real estate, litigation, financial services and restructuring, intellectual property, employment and executive compensation, tax planning, trusts and estates, community association 
Best for: Companies seeking practical, business-minded counsel that aligns legal strategy with growth objectives 
Notable clients: Not publicly disclosed 

Levenfeld Pearlstein approaches legal work as a long-term investment, focusing on strategies that strengthen business outcomes rather than just resolving issues in isolation.  

Its attorneys build close advisory relationships with clients, working through difficult corporate, real estate and financial matters with an emphasis on measurable value.  

That mindset has helped the firm generate $97.7 million in revenue while becoming known for improving return on investment through precise pricing models, process efficiency and disciplined project management.  

By combining insight with personal attention, Levenfeld Pearlstein has positioned itself as a firm where legal counsel actively supports business momentum. 

24. Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila 

Founded: 2016 
Core services: Litigation and trial, white collar investigations and compliance, commercial disputes, class actions, product liability, antitrust, labor and employment, business transactions, real estate services, financial services, corporate governance 
Best for: High-stakes matters that require trial readiness and coordinated strategy across litigation and business deals 
Notable clients: Not publicly disclosed 

Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila was built by trial lawyers and C-suite advisors who saw the need for a more agile approach to complex legal work.  

Its attorneys have led major class actions, defended companies in nationwide investigations, and structured high-value transactions while keeping business objectives firmly in view.  

With estimated annual revenue of $57 million, RSHC has become a trusted choice for companies that need counsel who can manage risk, protect reputation and move initiatives forward without slowing momentum. 

25. Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella 

Founded: 1992 
Core services: Corporate, banking and financial services, real estate, litigation, labor and employment, public finance, wealth and succession planning, tax advisory, health care, restructuring and insolvency 
Best for: Companies seeking full-service counsel delivered through direct relationships and lean, cost-aware staffing 
Notable clients: Not publicly disclosed 

Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella has stayed independent while many competitors merged into larger firms, keeping its structure centered on direct attorney-client work.  

Its single-office setup streamlines collaboration, allowing matters to move without the delays often seen in multi-office operations.  

Each case is handled by lawyers whose experience fits the scale and complexity of the work, keeping costs aligned with outcomes.  

Best Chicago Law Firms By Practice Area

Chicago’s legal market spans dozens of specialties, so we’ve grouped the city’s leading firms by their core practice areas:

Top Corporate Law Firms In Chicago

Chicago’s top corporate law firms advise on billion-dollar mergers, private equity deals and complicated financial transactions that shape entire industries.

1. Kirkland & Ellis: Large-cap private equity, cross-border corporate deals
2. Sidley Austin: Multinational transactions, regulatory clearance
3. Mayer Brown: Capital markets, banking and finance, fintech
4. Vedder Price: Global transportation finance, corporate counsel
5. McDermott Will & Schulte: Corporate, transactional and tax, global investigations
6. Chapman and Cutler: Asset securitization, project finance, investment management
7. Much Shelist: Corporate, private equity, M&A, finance
8. Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella: Corporate, banking, financial services
9. Amundsen Davis: Corporate, securities, M&A, commercial lending

When to choose a Big Law partner: compressed timelines, multi-country diligence, complex carve-outs, regulatory sensitivities.

Best Litigation Law Firms In Chicago

These Chicago litigation powerhouses handle high-stakes disputes, class actions and regulatory battles where outcomes carry lasting business impact.

1. Winston & Strawn: Commercial litigation, class actions, corporate disputes
2. Jenner & Block: Bet-the-company litigation, investigations, regulatory disputes
3. Eimer Stahl: Antitrust, MDLs, complex commercial disputes
4. Swanson, Martin & Bell: Trial-first approach, complex high-stakes disputes
5. Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney: Complex commercial litigation, product liability, insurance
6. Hinshaw & Culbertson: Commercial litigation, professional liability defense
7. Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila: Class actions, commercial disputes, product liability
8. Tressler LLP: Litigation, appellate, transportation and aviation law

Selection tip: ask for sample trial calendars, win rates, and partner courtroom hours in the past 24 months

Top Intellectual Property Law Firms In Chicago

Chicago’s leading IP law firms protect and commercialize innovations, guiding companies through patents, trademarks, licensing and tech-driven disputes.

1. Marshall, Gerstein & Borun: Patents, trademarks, IP strategy in technical industries
2. Banner Witcoff: Patent prosecution, IP litigation, global brand/IP portfolios
3. Katten: Media, privacy, cybersecurity, commercial IP strategy
4. Goldberg Kahn: Corporate law, IP, international lending
5. Much Shelist: IP, commercial litigation, tech sector focus
6. Levenfeld Pearlstein: IP, corporate, financial services & restructuring

What to review: inventor interviews process, FTO methodology, PTAB outcomes, integration with product roadmaps

Best Employment Law Firms In Chicago

Top employment law firms in Chicago help companies navigate evolving labor laws, workplace disputes, and executive compensation issues across global teams.

1. Seyfarth Shaw: Employment and labor, executive comp, ESG & sustainability
2. Winston & Strawn: Executive comp/benefits, workforce litigation
3. Amundsen Davis: Employment, corporate governance, regulatory issues
4. Hinshaw & Culbertson: Labor and employment, risk-heavy matters
5. Tressler LLP: Labor and employment, HOA/condo law

What to request: sample playbooks such as handbooks, union strategy, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) & pay equity audits, claim timeline benchmarks

Top Real Estate/Finance Firms In Chicago

These firms manage large-scale real estate deals, financing structures and regulatory matters that drive Chicago’s financial and property markets.

1. Mayer Brown: Structured finance, mortgage finance, CRE debt/equity
2. 2. Chapman and Cutler: Public/project finance, fund finance, renewable energy
3. Vedder Price: Real estate and transportation finance intersections
4. Levenfeld Pearlstein: Real estate, financial services, tax planning
5. Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella: Banking, financial services, real estate

Due-diligence checklist: lender/investor references, closing timeline stats, recent transactions by asset class

Plaintiffs’ & Impact Litigation Law Firms In Chicago

A few standout Chicago firms specialize in plaintiff-side class actions and public impact litigation, often reshaping law through precedent-setting cases.

1. Edelson PC: Class actions, public impact litigation, mass torts
2. Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila: White collar investigations, class actions, high-stakes litigation

Note: Rare among the list as primarily plaintiff-side firms; useful contrast for SEO breadth and readers seeking that angle.

Big Law Firms In Chicago: When Scale Matters

Large, global firms dominate many of Chicago’s most complex matters and for good reason. 

Their bench depth and global reach can be decisive when timelines are short and risk is high.

Pros:

• 24/7 cross-office execution
• Parallel workstreams and large discovery teams
• Breadth of regulatory, industry, and jurisdictional expertise
• Reputational assurance with boards, investors and regulators

Cons:

• Higher rates and multilayered approval processes
• Risk of team rotation or less partner face time
• Potential conflicts with other clients in their large portfolios

Fit Test:

• Will your matter require multiple practice areas and global coordination?
• Does your board or investor group want a “name brand” firm for assurance?
• Is speed more important than cost?

If the answer is yes to most, Big Law may be the best fit, provided you get clarity on partner involvement and billing governance upfront.

Boutique Vs. Large Law Firms In Chicago

Chicago’s legal landscape also includes boutique firms that rival Big Law in expertise, without the overhead.

Boutique Advantages:

• Direct senior attorney involvement
• Faster decision-making and greater agility
• Lower rates and leaner teams
• Fewer client conflicts

Big Law Advantages:

• Depth across specialties and offices
• Ability to scale teams quickly
• Institutional processes that reduce execution risk

Hybrid Approach:

Many companies combine both: using a Big Law firm as lead counsel while engaging boutiques for specialized tranches (employment, privacy, IP) where speed, cost control, or confidentiality is critical.

This model blends bench depth with senior attention, often yielding better outcomes and lower overall cost.

How To Choose The Best Law Firm In Chicago For Your Matter

Selecting a law firm means finding the right strategic fit. Use this five-step framework to guide your search:

• Define success: Clarify what outcome matters most (speed, risk mitigation, precedent-setting win, etc.), along with budget, timeline and disclosure limits.
• Match specialty: Shortlist firms that have handled similar matters recently, not just those known for your industry in general.
• Interrogate the team: Ask about partner time commitments, associate-to-partner ratios and who will own strategy vs. execution.
• Model the economics: Request phase-based budgets, alternative fee structures (fixed or success-based), and clear metrics tied to milestones.
• Check digital signals: Review their website, case studies, thought leadership and attorney bios to confirm their credibility, focus areas and client fit.

Why An Online Presence Is Essential For Chicago Law Firms 

Even the best law firm in Chicago can’t rely solely on reputation and referrals to drive growth in today’s market.  

With demand climbing and competition intensifying nationwide, firms are using their digital presence as a strategic asset to improve market positioning, win new business and deepen client relationships. 

Some of the key ways law firms in Chicago can benefit from an online presence include: 

1. Enhanced Visibility 

With more than 62,000 resident lawyers in Illinois in 2024, visibility is less about being seen and more about being seen by the right prospects.  

Many clients begin researching potential counsel quietly, long before making contact, which means firms need to appear early in that process.  

Targeted keyword strategies, geo-specific campaigns and industry-focused thought leadership can place a firm in front of high-value opportunities rather than a general audience.  

2. Better ROI 

Average demand for legal services grew only 2.6% in 2024, which means competition is rising faster than the market itself.  

Treating digital marketing as a performance portfolio allows you to track key performance indicators like cost per qualified lead, compare lifetime value by matter type and shift budget toward the channels with the strongest yield.  

This approach ties marketing spend directly to financial outcomes and reframes marketing as a revenue engine rather than a fixed expense. 

3. Stronger Credibility 

With 74% of lawyers using their websites as marketing tools, digital presence has become the first stage of due diligence for prospective clients.  

Most assess risk before they assess pricing and they want evidence of operational strength and industry fluency.  

Case studies that show cross-practice collaboration, profiles that highlight leadership roles in regulatory bodies and original market insights can all position your firm as low-risk and high-value.  

4. Improved Client Engagement 

Client relationships can lose momentum between matters and digital channels offer a way to keep them active.  

Building client portals, delivering tailored content series or running post-engagement feedback programs creates structured digital touchpoints that sustain engagement.  

These interactions often uncover new needs earlier, allowing you to shape upcoming work rather than waiting to compete for it.  

Build Your Chicago Law Firm’s Online Presence With Digital Silk 

A strong digital presence shapes how your firm gets chosen when clients are weighing their options.  

It shows the depth of your capabilities, signals the caliber of your work and frames the value you bring before they read your proposal.  

Digital Silk uses tailored strategies to help top law firms in Chicago turn that presence into measurable growth and long-term authority. 

As a full-service digital agency, our experts offer: 

• Web design for law firms 
• Web design for Chicago brands 
• Custom web development 
• Law firm branding 
• Law firm digital marketing 
• Law firm SEO and PPC services 

We manage every aspect of the project from start to finish, ensuring transparent communication and measurable results throughout the partnership. 

Contact our team, call us at (800) 206-9413 or fill in the Request a Quote form below to schedule a consultation.  

Albert Badalyan

SEO Strategist

With a Ph.D. in Business Studies, Albert brings over 10 years of experience in Business, SEO and Marketing. He excels at developing comprehensive SEO and business strategies and providing expert consultancy for growing brands. His passion lies in helping Startups and big companies build strong online presence and guiding them to thrive in the digital sector.