Top Chicago Law Firms Actively Recruiting New Talent
Chicago's legal market is buzzing with opportunities right now. Many top firms are expanding their teams and seeking talented attorneys across multiple practice areas. Let's look at which major Chicago firms are hiring and what they want.
Kirkland & Ellis
The city's largest firm continues its aggressive growth. They're actively recruiting in:
Private equity and M&A
Restructuring
Investment funds
Commercial litigation
They focus on mid-level to senior associates with strong academic credentials and large law firm experience. The firm offers market-leading compensation and clear partnership tracks.
Sidley Austin
This global firm seeks to grow its Chicago headquarters. Current priorities include:
Capital markets
Healthcare regulatory
Technology transactions
White collar defense
Sidley values candidates with industry experience and subject matter expertise. They offer extensive professional development and mentoring programs.
Winston & Strawn
Winston shows strong demand in these practice areas:
Corporate/securities
Patent litigation
Labor and employment
Real estate finance
The firm seeks associates with 3-6 years of experience and demonstrated leadership potential. They emphasize work-life balance and flexible arrangements.
Mayer Brown
Current hiring focuses on:
Banking and finance
Tax
Environmental
Infrastructure projects
They look for candidates with strong technical skills and business acumen. The firm offers global mobility opportunities and cross-office collaboration.
McDermott Will & Emery
McDermott targets growth in:
Healthcare transactions
Private client/wealth management
IP prosecution
Employee benefits
The firm values industry specialization and client relationship skills. They promote an entrepreneurial culture and business development training.
What These Firms Look For
While each firm has its specific needs, some common requirements emerge:
Strong academic credentials from top law schools
Experience at AmLaw 100 firms
Portable business for senior candidates
Technical expertise in practice area
Business development potential
How to Position Yourself
To improve your chances of landing a role at these firms:
Build expertise in high-demand practice areas
Develop industry knowledge beyond legal work
Maintain strong relationships with clients and colleagues
Stay current with legal technology and tools
Professional networking remains key to accessing opportunities at these firms. Many positions get filled through referrals and existing connections.
The Interview Process
Top Chicago firms typically follow a multi-step interview process:
Initial screening call
Video interviews with partners
In-person meetings with practice group
Final discussions about compensation and terms
For interview success tips, check out our guide on interview DOs and DON'Ts.
Beyond the Big Names
While this post focuses on large firms, many mid-size Chicago firms also offer excellent opportunities. These firms often provide faster partnership tracks and more direct client contact.
Making Your Move
The Chicago legal market remains strong, with firms competing for top talent. But competition for positions is fierce. Success requires careful preparation, strong credentials, and smart positioning.
For personalized guidance on Chicago law firm opportunities, connect with our team. We work directly with many of these firms and understand their specific needs and culture.
Remember that timing matters in legal recruiting. When you see an interesting opportunity, act quickly but thoughtfully. The best candidates combine prompt action with careful preparation.
