What Is Sidley Austin Known For?

Who does Sidley Austin represent?

Right now, the firm works with two of the "Big Four" accounting firms and one of the largest domestic financial services companies. They also handle plenty of international work for foreign firms and governments. Plus, Sidley takes on Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes litigation, regulatory investigations, and big-ticket transactions. If you're running a large corporation that needs top-tier legal firepower in the U.S. or overseas, Sidley is usually near the top of everyone's shortlist.

What makes Sidley Austin unique?

This firm has argued more than 124 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and filed briefs in over 225 merits cases—so their appellate practice is among the most active in the world. With over 2,000 lawyers spread across offices in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Sidley combines deep expertise with geographic flexibility. And here's the kicker: their compensation system lets associates pick their preferred projects and practice groups. That kind of flexibility tends to boost both satisfaction and productivity.

How much does a lawyer at Sidley Austin make?

What is White & Case famous for?

Founded way back in 1901, White & Case often gets called the original international law firm. They've got a strong presence in over 40 countries. Their antitrust practice is ranked among the top five globally by the Global Competition Review, and they regularly lead cross-border deals in emerging markets. If you're dealing with international transactions or complex regulatory issues, White & Case is usually at the top of the list.

Is Sidley Austin a good place to work?

Current and former attorneys often highlight fair management, a professional culture, and competitive pay as major perks. The benefits package is solid—comprehensive health coverage, generous parental leave, and wellness programs. That said, workloads can vary a lot depending on the practice group and client demands. If you care about work-life balance and transparent assignment processes, Sidley's system is frequently praised as a standout.

How much is Sidley Austin worth?

The firm employs roughly 2,000 lawyers across 20 offices worldwide. Revenue figures come from publicly available reports and industry rankings as of 2024; more recent financial data typically shows up in annual reviews by legal industry analysts like The American Lawyer. Sidley's financial performance puts it in the top tier of global law firms.

Is Sidley Austin free market?

Under this model, associates can market themselves to partners across different practice groups and choose their preferred projects. The idea is to give associates more autonomy and make the firm more efficient. Of course, this also means you'll need to be comfortable with self-promotion and networking. If you prefer the traditional lockstep system, this approach might not be your cup of tea. It's all about weighing the benefits of choice against the demands of self-advocacy.

Who is the CEO of Sidley Austin?

As of 2026, Bergen leads the firm’s executive team and oversees global operations. The role of Executive Director is basically the CEO position in most law firms, focusing on strategy, management, and client relations. Sidley doesn't have a single "CEO" in the corporate sense—instead, leadership is shared between the Executive Director and a Management Committee. For the most up-to-date executive roster, check the firm’s official website.

How many partners does Sidley Austin have?

Partnership elections usually happen every year, and the number can shift based on firm performance and growth. As of 2026, the total partner count is around 500 globally. Partnership offers are highly competitive and depend on billable hours, client development, and contributions to the practice group. If partnership at Sidley is your goal, focus on building high-value client relationships and delivering consistent results in your practice area.

How much does a partner make at Sidley Austin?

Partner compensation varies widely depending on the practice group, office location, and individual book of business. Sidley uses a profit-sharing model where partners get a cut of firm profits based on their contributions. For comparison, partners at top peer firms like Kirkland & Ellis often earn significantly more, especially in litigation-heavy practices. Profit distribution is typically disclosed annually in partnership agreements and firm reports.

How much do big law summer associates make?

These numbers come from 2026 data from The American Lawyer and can vary by firm and market. At Sidley Austin, summer associate pay for the most recent class was in the top quartile, landing between $4,000–$4,500 per week in major markets like New York and Chicago.

How much do lawyers at Kirkland and Ellis make?

The salaries are based on 2026 data from Glassdoor and reflect reported figures for Kirkland’s U.S. offices. Kirkland is known for paying some of the highest base salaries in Big Law, with first-year associates starting at $235,000 in major markets. Total compensation can skyrocket for those in specialized litigation or corporate practices.

Is White and Case prestigious?

Their antitrust practice is ranked among the top five globally by the Global Competition Review, a major industry benchmark. White & Case also consistently ranks in the top tier for international arbitration, M&A, and finance by Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500. If prestige in global regulatory or cross-border work is what you're after, White & Case is a top-tier pick.

Is White and Case good?

Clients and peers often praise the firm for its ability to coordinate resources across offices in different time zones and handle complex disputes seamlessly. Communication is usually clear and timely, even in multi-jurisdictional matters. While no firm is perfect, White & Case’s reputation for responsiveness and deep bench strength makes it a go-to partner for multinational clients and high-stakes transactions.

Is White & Case lockstep?

First-year associates start at $180,000 in New York and $160,000 in other U.S. offices. The lockstep model ensures predictable raises based on tenure, but in some offices beyond New York and Chicago, compensation can dip below standard scales for mid-level and senior associates. This variation is more common in smaller or less profitable markets. If salary predictability is a priority for you, double-check the specific office’s track record before accepting an offer.