Chicago's Top 10 Biggest Law Firms Ranked
Chicago isn't just the heart of the Midwest – it's the beating pulse of America's legal scene, driving innovation and setting national trends. Chicago is the third-largest legal market in the United States, hosting a dynamic mix of Fortune 500 powerhouses and innovative tech startups source.
This review examines Chicago's top 10 law firms based on attorney headcount, revenue, and practice breadth. These firms not only shape the local legal scene but also influence national and international legal trends.
Overview of the Chicago Legal Landscape
Chicago's legal market has evolved alongside the city's business community. The market continues to be led by historically strong, large firms with deep roots in the city's business culture.
In 2025, amid ongoing market shifts, Chicago law firms continue to secure premier office spaces that foster collaboration, spark innovation, and attract top legal talent. These law firms also drive legal recruitment trends, influencing talent acquisition strategies that firms like Crescent Edge Consulting leverage to match top legal professionals with premier opportunities.
These top firms provide legal counsel to major industries including healthcare systems, technology startups, and manufacturing companies, making them vital to Chicago's economic ecosystem. These dynamic trends not only redefine legal strategies in Chicago but also influence how firms recruit and retain top legal talent.
Methodology: How We Ranked the Biggest Law Firms in Chicago
Our rankings prioritize the number of attorneys based in Chicago, followed by global revenue, practice diversity, and market influence. We gathered data from public records, firm websites, and industry reports to create a comprehensive picture of each firm's standing.
We focused on firms with headquarters or significant operations in Chicago, rather than those with small satellite offices. This approach highlights the firms that truly shape the city's legal landscape.
Firm #1: Sidley Austin LLP
Founded in 1866, Sidley Austin has maintained its position as Chicago's largest law firm with over 600 attorneys in its downtown office. With global revenue exceeding $3.1 billion, the firm offers comprehensive legal services across all major practice areas.
Founded: 1866
Local Attorneys: 600+
Sidley's Chicago roots run deep, yet its influence extends globally. The firm counts former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and Vice President J.D. Vance among its alumni, adding to its prestige and connections.
Firm #2: Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Founded in 1909, Kirkland & Ellis has grown to become a global powerhouse. With more than 500 attorneys in Chicago, the firm made history in 2023 by becoming the first law firm to surpass $7 billion in annual revenue.
Founded: 1909
Local Attorneys: 500+
The firm dominates in private equity, restructuring, and litigation. Founded by Robert McCormick, heir to the Chicago Tribune, Kirkland & Ellis has transformed from a local firm to the largest in the world by revenue.
Firm #3: Mayer Brown
Established in 1881, Mayer Brown's Chicago office serves as the firm's original and largest location. With approximately 1,500 attorneys globally and revenue of $1.9 billion in 2023, the firm has maintained its position among Chicago's elite.
Founded: 1881
Local Attorneys: Part of 1,500 globally
Revenue: $1.9 billion (2023)
Mayer Brown advised on the original incorporations of Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Continental Bank, cementing its place in Chicago's business history. Today, the firm excels in banking, capital markets, and corporate transactions.
Firm #4 to Firm #10: Brief Profiles
4. Winston & Strawn LLP
Founded: 1853
Local Attorneys: 290+
Winston & Strawn is one of Chicago's oldest law firms. They represent 90 companies in the Fortune 500 and excel in antitrust, capital markets, and intellectual property.
5. Jenner & Block
Founded: 1914
Local Attorneys: Approximately 500
The firm has argued several prominent cases before the United States Supreme Court and maintains strong corporate litigation and public sector practices.
6. ArentFox Schiff (formerly Schiff Hardin)
Founded: 1864
Local Attorneys: More than 300 before merger
Revenue: $193 million (before merger)
Founded in 1864 and merging in 2022 to form ArentFox Schiff, the firm boasts a rich legacy in serving corporate clients, highlighted by defending the Chicago Board of Trade after the Great Fire.
7. McDermott Will & Emery
Founded: 1934
Local Attorneys: Part of 3,700+ globally
The firm has grown beyond its tax roots to offer comprehensive legal services in antitrust, corporate transactions, and crisis management.
8. Baker McKenzie
Founded: 1949
Local Attorneys: Part of 4,800+ globally
Revenue: Part of the firm's global revenue
The firm began when Russell Baker and John McKenzie shared a chance taxi ride in Chicago and has since become one of the world's most recognized legal brands.
9. DLA Piper
Founded: 2005 (through merger)
Local Attorneys: Part of 4,300+ globally
The firm's broad footprint and diverse practice areas have fueled eight consecutive years of revenue growth.
10. Katten Muchin Rosenman
Founded: 1974
Local Attorneys: Part of approximately 700 total
The firm offers services in corporate law, financial services, litigation, and intellectual property.
Comparative Analysis and Trends
Top Chicago law firms not only boast robust corporate practices and deep ties to local industries but are also embracing emerging trends—like increased legal process outsourcing and a heightened focus on privacy and data security—that are reshaping both market dynamics and legal recruitment.
Current trends include:
Increased focus on privacy and data security law
Strategic mergers to expand practice areas and geographical reach
Growing use of legal process outsourcing to improve efficiency
Investment in prime office spaces to attract and retain top talent
These firms continue to adapt to changing client needs while maintaining their positions as market leaders.
Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Chicago's Legal Landscape
At Crescent Edge Consulting, our deep industry insights help legal professionals navigate and join these prestigious firms.
Chicago's top law firms represent a blend of storied tradition and modern innovation. From Sidley Austin's 159-year legacy to Kirkland & Ellis's record-breaking revenue, these firms showcase the diversity and strength of Chicago's legal market.
For legal professionals considering career moves, these firms offer prestigious platforms with global reach. For businesses seeking counsel, they provide deep expertise across virtually every practice area.
To explore current legal career opportunities, visit our Jobs Portal.
For legal professionals and businesses alike, these top firms not only set the benchmark for legal excellence but also offer unparalleled opportunities for career growth. Contact Crescent Edge Consulting to learn how we can help you tap into this dynamic market.
