Sidley Austin: The Growth Journey of a Midwest Star Law Firm

Established in 1866, Sidley Austin is one of the oldest large-scale law firms in the United States, with roots tracing back to the 1860s in Chicago. From its inception, the firm has served notable clients, including former First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, George Pullman, and Western Union (later AT&T). In 2001, this Chicago-headquartered firm merged with a top Wall Street law firm, forming the highly trusted Sidley Austin LLP of today.

More Than “Romantic” – Driven by Ambition

For many, the firm is remembered for its “Presidential romance”—the meeting and courtship of Barack and Michelle Obama. However, beyond the headlines lies a story of ambition. Over the years, this Midwest legal powerhouse has achieved remarkable success through its exceptional attorney training programs and unique combination of litigation, transactional, and regulatory expertise, consistently ranking in the global top ten. In 2023, the firm ranked seventh globally with nearly $3 billion in revenue.

Sidley operates from 21 offices worldwide with over 2,300 lawyers collaborating across disciplines and borders to support clients from more than 70 countries in cross-border transactions, investigations, litigation, and regulatory matters. Its primary practice areas include mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and private equity, litigation, restructuring, life sciences, energy, environmental law, capital markets, Supreme Court and appellate cases, securities enforcement, regulatory matters, and white-collar and government investigations.

Sidley handles private equity, M&A, and broader corporate matters in major international markets. Its clients include public and private companies, private equity funds, financial sponsors, boards of directors, special committees, and financial advisors. In 2023, Sidley managed over 630 private equity and M&A transactions worth over $235 billion, maintaining its leading position in global legal advisory rankings, including first place for corporate-side matters in Bloomberg’s Global Shareholder Activism Rankings.

Supreme Court Expertise and Strategic Flexibility

Sidley’s Supreme Court and appellate practice has achieved victories in the U.S. Supreme Court and 13 appellate courts over the past two years. Since 2010, its attorneys have participated in over 250 Supreme Court filings, argued more than 150 cases, and handled 450+ federal appellate cases. The firm has frequently been featured on The National Law Journal’s Appellate Hot List and ranks highly on Vault’s appellate rankings.

Sidley adopts a “free-market” work allocation system, allowing attorneys to choose projects and partners freely across offices. While initial relationship-building takes time, this system enables lawyers to continually work with preferred partners once established. Practice areas span securities and shareholder litigation, product liability, antitrust, intellectual property, and Supreme Court and appellate matters, among others.

Commitment to Pro Bono and Diversity

Sidley encourages pro bono work, allowing up to 200 pro bono hours to count as billable time. Pro bono projects cover areas like immigration, housing, veterans’ rights, criminal appeals, and domestic violence. Junior attorneys are encouraged to take early advocacy roles in pro bono cases. The firm’s flexible hybrid work policy further supports its attorneys, helping manage the demands of a high-pressure environment.

Talent Acquisition and Expansion

Despite a slowing global legal market, Sidley has continued to grow. In 2023, the firm advanced to seventh place in the Global 200 rankings, achieving both revenue and profitability growth, including a 12% increase in profit per equity partner (PEP). Its lawyer count rose by 6.5% year-over-year, with significant lateral hires bolstering its capabilities.

Notably, Sidley’s London office has attracted top-tier talent, including key hires from Weil Gotshal & Manges, Shearman & Sterling, and Proskauer Rose. These hires strengthen the firm’s UK and European private equity capabilities and reinforce its close relationship with Apollo Global Management.