The best corporate law firms in Chicago in 2026 include Kirkland & Ellis, Sidley Austin, Mayer Brown and Winston Taylor among global firms with large Chicago offices, Katten Muchin Rosenman for a full-service national practice, and Levenfeld Pearlstein and Chuhak & Tecson for mid-sized companies.
| Firm | Office | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Kirkland & Ellis | River North | Transactions, litigation, restructuring | Private equity and major litigation |
| 2. Sidley Austin | The Loop | Global transactions and litigation | Multinational companies |
| 3. Mayer Brown | The Loop | Complex transactions and disputes | Corporations, funds and financial institutions |
| 4. Winston Taylor | River North | Litigation, M&A, private equity | Transatlantic and technology matters |
| 5. Katten Muchin Rosenman | West Loop | Full-service national practice | Mid-market and national companies |
| 6. Levenfeld Pearlstein (LP) | West Loop | Corporate work for owner-led companies | Mid-sized and owner-led companies |
| 7. Chuhak & Tecson | West Loop | Corporate and financial services | Regional businesses and nonprofits |
This guide is for companies choosing outside counsel. Global firms suit large transactions, complex regulation and bet-the-company litigation, and they charge accordingly. Mid-sized Chicago firms are often a better value for owner-led companies. If you're an individual or small business, see our guide to business lawyers in Chicago.
Global firm that started in Chicago.
Kirkland & Ellis describes itself as a global firm serving clients in corporate transactions, litigation, restructurings and IP. Its Chicago office is at 333 West Wolf Point Plaza.
Good to know: It works mainly with large corporate clients.
333 W Wolf Point Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654
Global firm working with clients in more than 70 countries.
Sidley Austin describes itself as a global firm working with clients in more than 70 countries. Its Chicago office is at One South Dearborn Street, in the Loop.
Good to know: Ask who would lead your matter and where they're based.
One S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60603
International firm on South Wacker Drive.
Mayer Brown describes itself as representing major corporations, funds and financial institutions in complex transactions and disputes. Its Chicago office is at 71 South Wacker Drive.
Good to know: A good fit for finance-heavy matters.
71 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
A transatlantic firm with more than 1,400 lawyers.
Winston Taylor describes itself as a transatlantic law firm with more than 1,400 lawyers, advising on litigation, M&A, private equity, venture capital and IP. Its Chicago office is on North LaSalle Drive.
Good to know: Search under the current name, since the firm has changed its name.
300 N LaSalle Dr, Suite 4400, Chicago, IL 60654
Nearly 650 attorneys in the US, London and Shanghai.
Katten Muchin Rosenman is a full-service firm with nearly 650 attorneys in US locations and in London and Shanghai, with a Chicago office on West Monroe Street.
Good to know: Ask about alternative fee arrangements.
525 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60661
Chicago firm offering a lower-cost alternative.
Levenfeld Pearlstein offers corporate, tax, IP, employment and restructuring work, from Riverside Plaza and Northbrook. It can be a practical alternative to a global firm for owner-led companies.
Good to know: Compare budgets with a global firm before choosing.
120 S Riverside Plaza, Suite 1800, Chicago, IL 60606
Full-service firm in the West Loop.
Chuhak & Tecson offers corporate, financial services, employment and tax work for businesses and nonprofits, and it has an office in New York too.
Good to know: Ask for a clear scope, particularly for a smaller transaction.
120 S Riverside Plz, Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60606
Several of the world's largest firms have major Chicago offices, including Kirkland & Ellis, Sidley Austin and Mayer Brown. The size of each office changes, so check each firm's site for current figures.
Large firms generally bill by the hour at high rates, varying by seniority and matter. Alternative fee arrangements exist for some work. Ask for a budget before you begin.
Generally for large transactions, multi-jurisdiction disputes, complex regulatory matters or situations where the firm's experience and capacity justify the cost. Many routine matters don't require it.