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:

1. Initial screening call

2. Video interviews with partners

3. In-person meetings with practice group

4. 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.