Sidley Austin
Established in 1866, Sidley Austin boasts a rich legacy of excellence in corporate finance, employment, and regulatory law. With revenues of $2.92 billion and over 1,800 lawyers across 23 offices, this Chicago-headquartered firm continues to redefine the legal landscape.
Sidley Austin boasts a formidable presence in the legal arena, with a focus on corporate law and litigation. In 2015, the firm represented Facebook Inc. in a high-profile privacy case brought by the Federal Trade Commission, resulting in a landmark $5 billion settlement.
Area of Specialization:
- Asset Finance
- Business & Human Rights
- Capital Markets
- Commercial Litigation
Landmark Cases:
- In 1985, Rex E. Lee, the former U.S. Solicitor General, established Sidley Austin’s Appellate Practice Group, aiming to provide representation in various appellate courts. Following Lee’s passing, leadership of the group transitioned to Carter Phillips, recognized for his extensive experience arguing cases before the Supreme Court among private practice attorneys.
- During the savings and loan crisis, Sidley & Austin, along with several other law firms, became entangled in legal proceedings. The firm agreed to pay $7.5 million to settle malpractice claims tied to its representation of the Lincoln Savings and Loan Association. This legal episode was chronicled in the book “No Contest: Corporate Lawyers and the Perversion of Justice in America” by Ralph Nader and Wesley J. Smith.
- Furthermore, in 2007, Sidley Austin resolved allegations of fraudulent tax shelter activities with the Internal Revenue Service, reaching a settlement of $39 million to avoid potential criminal charges. Additionally, the previous year saw Sidley and KPMG agreeing to a $54 million payout to investors who had acquired these shelters.
List of 10 Largest Law Firms in the World
In the ever-evolving global legal landscape, law firms play a pivotal role in shaping jurisprudence, influencing policy, and safeguarding clients’ interests across various sectors. As the demand for legal services continues to soar, the largest law firms wield significant influence, boasting extensive resources, diverse expertise, and a track record of landmark cases. Here, we explore the world’s top 10 largest law firms, highlighting their notable cases, landmark judgments, and contributions to the legal profession.
Table of Content
- Kirkland & Ellis LLP
- Latham & Watkins LLP
- DLA Piper
- Baker McKenzie
- Dentons
- Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
- Sidley Austin
- White & Case
- Morgan, Lewis & Bockius
- Gibson Dunn