Top 10 Law Firms In Chicago
By Sheila Morgan | Published: 2025-02-28 | Category: Law Firms
About Law Firms In Chicago
Law firms in Chicago provide legal representation and advice across various practice areas to individuals and businesses. These services range from personal injury litigation and family law to corporate transactions and intellectual property.
How We Evaluated
Firms were evaluated based on client reviews and ratings, reported case results, practice area specialization, peer recognition, and local presence. Consideration was given to both client volume feedback and specific expertise.
Rating Criteria
- → Reputation & Reviews
- → Practice Area Breadth/Depth
- → Client Service Communication
- → Resources & Reach
The Best Law Firms In Chicago
Winston & Strawn LLP
Visit Website →An international law firm with significant Chicago history, offering robust litigation, corporate, intellectual property, and labor & employment services.
Target Audience
Corporations, Financial Institutions, Technology & Energy Companies
Service Offerings
Litigation
Handles complex commercial, intellectual property, antitrust, and sports law litigation.
- Strong trial practice
Corporate & Transactional
Advises on M&A, private equity, capital markets, and finance.
Labor & Employment
Provides counseling and litigation defense for employers.
- Well-regarded employment practice
Scorecard (Overall: 4.6 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly/Retainer
Typically bills hourly, with specific fees subject to consultation.
Pros
- + Broad range of practice areas
- + Strong litigation department, including IP and sports law
- + Global presence and resources
Cons
- - High service costs
- - Primarily serves corporate clientele
Verdict
"A well-established international firm offering comprehensive services, particularly strong in litigation across various sectors and corporate transactions."
Jenner & Block LLP
Visit Website →Known primarily for its powerhouse litigation practice, including complex commercial disputes, investigations, and significant pro bono work.
Target Audience
Corporations, Boards of Directors, Individuals (in specific high-profile cases/pro bono)
Service Offerings
Complex Commercial Litigation
Represents clients in major disputes across various industries.
- Renowned trial capabilities
Investigations & White Collar Defense
Handles internal investigations, government enforcement actions, and compliance.
Content, Media & Entertainment
Strong practice focused on First Amendment, copyright, and media law.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.6 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly/Retainer
Primarily utilizes hourly billing structures.
Pros
- + Elite litigation and investigations capabilities
- + Strong commitment to pro bono work
- + Expertise in media and First Amendment law
Cons
- - More specialized focus than some other large firms
- - Premium rates for services
Verdict
"A go-to firm for complex, high-stakes litigation and investigations, with notable strengths in media law and a strong public service ethos."
Mayer Brown LLP
Visit Website →Global law firm with strong Chicago origins, recognized for finance, corporate, litigation, and appellate practices.
Target Audience
Multinational Corporations, Financial Institutions, Technology Companies
Service Offerings
Banking & Finance
Expertise in structured finance, lending, project finance, and financial services regulation.
Corporate & Securities
Advises on M&A, capital markets, corporate governance, and technology transactions.
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Handles complex commercial disputes, Supreme Court and appellate litigation, and international arbitration.
- Highly respected appellate practice
Scorecard (Overall: 4.6 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly/Retainer
Typically employs hourly rates; specific arrangements discussed upon engagement.
Pros
- + Strong capabilities in finance and complex transactions
- + Premier Supreme Court and appellate practice
- + Global platform serving major corporations
Cons
- - Services are high-cost
- - Oriented towards large corporate and institutional clients
Verdict
"A top-tier firm for complex financial transactions, corporate matters, and high-stakes litigation, especially appellate work."
GWC Injury Lawyers LLC
Visit Website →One of Illinois' largest firms concentrating on personal injury and workers' compensation, with a reputation for handling complex cases.
Target Audience
Injured Workers (esp. Union Members), Accident Victims, Individuals with Serious Injuries
Service Offerings
Workers' Compensation
Extensive experience representing injured workers, including many union tradespeople.
- Often referred by labor unions
Personal Injury
Handles construction accidents, vehicle collisions, premises liability, and wrongful death.
- Known for taking on complex injury litigation
Scorecard (Overall: 4.5 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Contingency Fee
No fee unless successful recovery in injury and workers' comp cases.
Pros
- + Significant experience and resources dedicated to injury law
- + Strong reputation, particularly within labor unions
- + Proven ability to handle complex and serious injury cases
Cons
- - Focused exclusively on injury-related law
- - Fewer public reviews compared to some high-volume PI firms
Verdict
"A leading choice in Chicago for complex workers' compensation and personal injury litigation, especially for union workers and serious accidents."
Disparti Law Group
Visit Website →Focuses on personal injury, social security disability, and workers' compensation, emphasizing client communication.
Target Audience
Injured Persons, Disabled Individuals, Workers
Service Offerings
Social Security Disability
Helps clients navigate the SSDI and SSI application and appeals process.
- Dedicated team for disability claims
Personal Injury
Covers car accidents, slip and falls, and other injury types.
Workers' Compensation
Represents employees injured at work.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.4 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Contingency Fee
Works on contingency for injury and disability cases.
Pros
- + Strong emphasis on client communication and support
- + High volume of positive feedback, particularly regarding staff helpfulness
- + Clear focus on disability, injury, and workers' comp
Cons
- - Limited scope of practice areas
- - Focus is primarily on individual client representation
Verdict
"Well-regarded firm for individuals needing assistance with social security disability, personal injury, or workers' compensation, praised for client service."
Malman Law
Visit Website →Large personal injury and nursing home abuse law firm serving the Chicago area, noted for high volume of positive client reviews.
Target Audience
Accident Victims, Nursing Home Residents and Families, Injured Workers
Service Offerings
Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
Significant focus on representing victims of elder abuse and neglect in care facilities.
Personal Injury
Handles car accidents, premises liability, medical malpractice, and wrongful death.
- Large number of successfully handled cases
Workers' Compensation
Assists individuals with work-related injury claims.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.5 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Contingency Fee
No fees unless a settlement or verdict is obtained in injury cases.
Pros
- + Very high volume of positive client reviews
- + Strong focus on nursing home abuse cases
- + Accessible through contingency fee arrangements
Cons
- - Specialized focus, not a full-service firm
- - High case volume might impact personalized attention for some
Verdict
"A strong contender for personal injury and particularly nursing home abuse cases, known for positive client experiences and accessibility."
Horwitz, Horwitz and Associates, Ltd.
Visit Website →Well-regarded firm specializing in personal injury and workers' compensation law, known for significant verdicts and settlements.
Target Audience
Injured Individuals, Construction Workers, Union Members
Service Offerings
Workers' Compensation
Strong focus on representing injured workers, particularly in complex cases.
- Record-setting verdicts in Illinois workers' comp
Personal Injury
Handles serious injury cases including construction accidents, trucking accidents, and wrongful death.
Nursing Home Abuse
Represents victims of neglect and abuse in care facilities.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.6 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Contingency Fee
Operates on a contingency fee basis for injury cases.
Pros
- + Outstanding client satisfaction and reviews
- + Proven track record of high-value results in workers' compensation
- + Deep expertise in specific injury niches
Cons
- - Practice focus limited primarily to injury law
- - May have high case volume
Verdict
"Excellent option for complex workers' compensation claims and significant personal injury cases, backed by strong client testimonials and results."
Ankin Law
Visit Website →Prominent Chicago firm focused on personal injury, workers' compensation, and social security disability claims.
Target Audience
Injured Individuals, Workers, Disability Claimants
Service Offerings
Personal Injury
Represents clients injured in car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and other negligence cases.
- Extensive experience with accident cases
Workers' Compensation
Assists employees injured on the job navigate the claims process.
Social Security Disability
Helps individuals apply for and appeal denied SSDI/SSI claims.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.6 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Contingency Fee
Typically works on a contingency basis for injury and disability cases (no fee unless recovery is made).
Pros
- + Excellent client reviews and high satisfaction ratings
- + Specialized focus on injury and disability law
- + Contingency fee structure reduces upfront cost for clients
Cons
- - Practice areas are relatively narrow compared to full-service firms
- - Primarily focused on individual clients
Verdict
"Highly rated choice for individuals seeking representation for personal injury, workers' compensation, or social security disability claims in Chicago."
Sidley Austin LLP
Visit Website →A major international firm with deep Chicago roots, excelling in regulatory, litigation, and transactional law.
Target Audience
Corporations, Financial Institutions, Government Entities
Service Offerings
Regulatory & Government Affairs
Strong practice in areas like healthcare, environmental, energy, and financial services regulation.
- Significant Washington D.C. presence
Litigation
Handles complex commercial litigation, appellate work, and securities litigation.
- Renowned appellate practice
Transactional Law
Expertise in M&A, capital markets, structured finance, and investment funds.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.7 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly/Retainer
Generally uses hourly billing; detailed fee structures discussed during consultation.
Pros
- + Exceptional regulatory expertise
- + Strong international network
- + Highly respected litigation and appellate teams
Cons
- - High cost of services
- - Focus largely on institutional clients
Verdict
"Top choice for businesses needing sophisticated regulatory guidance, complex litigation, or international transactional support."
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Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Visit Website →A global powerhouse known for complex litigation, corporate transactions (especially private equity), intellectual property, and restructuring.
Target Audience
Large Corporations, Private Equity Firms, Financial Institutions
Service Offerings
Corporate Law
Handles M&A, private equity, capital markets, and finance.
- Market leader in private equity buyouts
Litigation
Represents clients in high-stakes commercial disputes, intellectual property, antitrust, and white-collar defense.
- Extensive trial experience
Restructuring
Advises debtors and creditors in complex bankruptcy and restructuring matters.
- Globally recognized practice
Scorecard (Overall: 4.8 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly/Retainer
Primarily bills based on hourly rates; specifics require consultation.
Pros
- + Top-tier expertise in complex matters
- + Global reach and extensive resources
- + Strong reputation across multiple practice areas
Cons
- - Premium pricing structure
- - Primarily serves large institutional clients
Verdict
"Premier choice for complex, high-stakes corporate, litigation, and restructuring matters, particularly for large corporations and private equity."
Final Recommendation
Chicago's legal market features a mix of global powerhouses excelling in complex corporate and litigation matters, and highly-rated specialized firms focusing on individual needs like personal injury and workers' compensation. Large firms offer extensive resources and global reach, while specialized firms often provide highly focused expertise and accessible fee structures for individuals.