How much does an Attorney make in Chicago, IL?

 

As of 26^th February 2020, the average salary for an attorney in Chicago was $101,518. However, this rate fluctuates between $88,176 and $116,606 depending on several factors such as experience, level of education, certifications, and special skills.

 

Top law firms in Chicago, IL

With its booming and diverse economy, Chicago is one of the most lucrative legal markets in the US. As a result, many local and international firms call it home. If you are looking for a firm to move to, here is a list of the top law firms in Chicago, IL. If none of these resonate with you, you can always check out our complete catalog of the best firms in Chicago, IL
 

Baker McKenzie

 

Besides being a top law firm in Chicago and the entire United States, Baker McKenzie boasts dozens of offices in virtually every continent on earth. While the firm wears many hats, it is most reputed for tax law and international litigation. However, this firm specializes in a wide range of legal practices including but not limited to employment, capital markets, M&A, intellectual property, private equity, real estate, restructuring, antitrust, international trade, and commerce.
 

Sidley Austin LLP

 

Sidley Austin is a global powerhouse with over 2000 attorneys stationed in 20 offices across the globe. Being one of the best law firms in Chicago and perhaps the whole United States, it boasts a long list of high-end clients. From its 20 offices across the globe, they serve clients from a wide range of industries and specializing in energy, life sciences, health care, banking, insurance, and technology.
 

Jones Day

 

Jones Day is a heavy hitter in the realm of litigation with a hand in virtually all legal practice areas. In its 43 offices on five continents, the firm boasts over 2000 lawyers who specialize in a wide array of legal practice areas. The firm's most notable practices include employment, M&A, private equity, international law, securities, IP, securities litigation, appellate litigation, and labor-just to mention but a few.
 

DLA Piper

 

With over 90 offices across the world and 4200 lawyers, DLA Piper is arguably one of the largest law firms in Chicago and perhaps the world both in terms of revenue and headcount. The firm provides legal services in several practice areas such as real estate litigation, financing, development, construction, REITs, and asset management. But that's not all. With newly emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and machine learning, DLA Piper has expanded its areas of practice to include data protection, security, and privacy, among others.
 

Latham & Watkins LLP

 

Latham & Watkins LLP is a bona fide member of elite US heritage and magic circle law firms, which makes it one of the best law firms in Chicago. With over 2500 lawyers in 29 offices located in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the US, the firm provides legal services in virtually all practice areas. Mainly, Latham & Watkins LLP is an international leader in environmental law, corporate transactions, litigation, finance matters, and tax services.
 

Mayer Brown

 

Mayer Brown is an international firm with offices not only in the US, but also Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. In these offices, it employs over 1500 attorneys who provide legal services in several practice areas. The firm is primarily known for its top-notch finance, appellate, and corporate practices. Even so, it also serves other areas such as life sciences, chemicals, hospitality, private equity, health care, infrastructure, oil and gas, transportation, and many others.
 

Jenner & Block LLP

 

From its Chicago roots, Jenner and Block LLP has grown into a nationwide law firm with offices in other notable US cities such as Washington DC, New York, and Los Angeles. Its client list is a perfect blend of fortune 500 companies such as General Motors, General Electric, and General Dynamics plus other notable players in the technology, arts, and entertainment industries. While it is famous for its litigation prowess, the firm is no slouch in other practice areas such as M&A, complex transactions, startups, real estate, and private equity, among others.
 

Foley & Lardner LLP

 

Foley & Lardner LLP is arguably one of the best firms in Chicago, ILL, with a notable hand in health care practice. However, the firm serves a wide range of industries, with the majority coming from the energy, automotive, technology, and life sciences sectors. Owing to its litigation prowess, it has had the rare opportunity to work with industry trendsetters such as Hewlett-Packard and Harley-Davidson.

What's the Bottom Line?

With Chicago being the third-largest legal market in the United States, there is no doubt that there are opportunities for all legal practitioners regardless of experience and level of education. The robust and booming economy is ever driving the demand, and you will not be mistaken to test how deep the waters are. In other words, it is one of the most lucrative cities in the US, where you can kick start or advance your legal career.
About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.