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

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter

Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:

• Immigration Law
• Workers Compensation
• Insurance
• Family Law
• Trust and Estate
• Municipal law
• And many more...

This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

• Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
• Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
• Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
• Growing firms in small and rural markets

He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

• His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
• He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
• His placement success is unmatched-see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
• He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.

Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes

If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here

With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

• Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
• Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
• Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.

This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.

A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

He has worked with:

• Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
• Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
• Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
• Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.

For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.

Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation

If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.

Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.

Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.

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.