THE FIRM: Sidley Austin LLP, with offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia and approximately 2300 lawyers, is one of the largest law firms in the world. Our diversified global practice encompasses the entire spectrum of corporate, transactional, litigation and governmental matters. Nationwide and throughout the world, Sidley Austin LLP prides itself on the breadth of its practice and the quality of its representation of an extraordinary client base, including many of the world's leading industrial enterprises, financial institutions, professional firms, health care providers and media and communications companies, as well as governmental and public entities and sovereign nations.

THE CHICAGO OFFICE: Tracing its origins back to 1866, our office has grown with the city, and has been among the largest, most well-known, and best-respected firms in Chicago. Today, approximately 450 lawyers work in our Chicago office, where we represent a broad range of clients, including financial services, industrial and communication businesses, in a broad range of transactional, litigation and regulatory matters. We regularly handle important matters for some of the world's largest corporations, private investment firms, entrepreneurial businesses, associations, government agencies and individuals.

NEW ASSOCIATES: In addition to a firmwide orientation, many of the practice groups provide additional group-specific orientation and training. Other opportunities include the Litigation Skills Program and "Corporate College." We engage in detailed, semiannual reviews of each associate's performance, progress toward partnership, and overall growth as a lawyer. We normally begin considering associates for partnership during their eighth year. Progress toward partnership is determined on an individual basis and may vary among associates graduating in the same year.

SUMMER PROGRAM: Our summer associate program is an invaluable window into our practice and firm culture. We provide our summer associates with something priceless -- experience. Our summer associates are able to select projects that interest them and perform legal work under the supervision of our lawyers. Such direct participation enables the summer associate to observe the way our attorneys help to solve problems and create opportunities for our clients. We also offer voluntary training programs.

BUILT TO LEAD: In 2022, Sidley launched Built to Lead?, its groundbreaking associate leadership and executive development program  uniquely designed to deepen associates’ business acumen and leadership abilities. The program strives to prepare associates to rise to the challenges that clients face in an increasingly complex and dynamic global business environment—helping our associates better understand our clients and speak the language of business.  Beginning in associates’ fourth year of practice, Built to Lead features MBA-level executive training at top U.S. business schools, along with professional development and personal career and business development coaching opportunities. Built to Lead also includes title changes, to Managing Associates (4th-year associates) and Senior Managing Associates (7th-year associates), in recognition of the increased managerial responsibilities at those career stages. Built to Lead serves as a key part of Sidley’s comprehensive approach to associate development. No matter where their careers may lead—whether ascending to partnership at Sidley, moving to an in-house or public service role, or pursuing another path—Sidley associates will be better prepared to succeed as the next generation of legal, business, and civic leaders.