Chicago’s Landsman Saldinger Carroll Earns Spot In 2026 Best Law Firms Rankings

Today’s topic: Business litigation firm in Chicago

Currently, business litigation in Chicago is largely characterized by a focus on specialized data privacy disputes, an increase in AI-related legal challenges, and a slight adjustment of the city’s traditional reputation as a plaintiff-friendly venue for biometric claims.

Standard commercial disputes still form the bedrock of the market, but new categories are quickly unfolding. These are primarily the:

• The BIPA Shift
• AI & Emerging Tech
• ESG & Corporate Disclosure

In the past, the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) was the main driver of a huge wave of class actions. 

An amendment made in 2024 (Public Act 103, 0769) capped damages at one violation per person, rather than per scan. This led to a 60% drop in new cases filed.

Additionally, shareholders are increasingly pointing the finger at Chicago-based corporations for alleged misrepresentations in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosures.

Considering the complex environment of business in Chicago, it is important that you are able to get the right help from the best business litigation firm in Chicago.

And recently, Chicago’s Landsman Saldinger Carroll has earned a spot in the Best Law Firm rankings. To know more about this, keep reading…

How Landsman Saldinger Carroll Earned A Spot In The Best Law Firms Rankings [2026]?

A Chicago business litigation firm just landed a spot in this year’s Best Law Firms rankings – a nod reserved for firms that really stand out for their work and how they treat their clients.

Landsman Saldinger Carroll (LSC) made it into the 2026 edition after going through a tough review process. These rankings have built their reputation over the past 16 years on careful, detailed evaluations.

The selection team pulled together information from all sorts of sources to determine which firms truly lead the pack.

They examined 127 legal practice areas across 188 regions, digging into client testimonials, feedback from other lawyers, and lots of firm data.

Over 110,000 clients sent in more than 200,000 evaluations this time, so the feedback was pretty overwhelming.

The firm’s management, on the other hand, pointed out that getting a nod from clients and competitors is very meaningful because these are the groups that have a direct experience of the quality and effectiveness of their legal representation.

LSC’s reputation is principally based on its litigation practice, which, the firm says, is focused on thorough case preparation, strategic planning, and prompt communication with clients.

The firm’s methodology is basically to treat each case as if it were the most important one, without considering its size or complexity.

The 2026 Best Law Firms designation is a testament to LSC’s standing in Chicago’s legal market. This is very competitive, and it is also a recognition of the firm’s success in business litigation and dispute resolution.

Anyone interested can find the complete rankings report online, where they can see all the firms and practice areas that have been recognized.

Understanding Business Law In Chicago

Among the highlights for business law in Chicago for the years 2025-2026 are the ambitious updates to the labor rights, new corporate tax methodologies on a state level, and a landmark law governing Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the workplace.

1. 2026 AI And Digital Regulations

Starting January 1, 2026, Chicago businesses have to follow new rules under the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) when it comes to using AI.

They can’t use AI tools in ways that discriminate against anyone because of things like race, gender, or age.

If a company uses AI to make decisions about recruiting, hiring, or disciplining employees, it needs to let people know and explain what the AI is looking at.

There’s also a tax change. The city is bumping up its Personal Property Lease Transaction Tax on digital services – for example, SaaS or cloud computing – from 11% to 15%, beginning on the same date.

2. Labor And Employment Mandates

Chicago keeps raising the bar when it comes to protecting workers. Starting July 1, 2025, the city’s minimum wage jumps to $16.60 an hour for most workers, and $12.62 for tipped employees.

On top of that, if an employer violates the Chicago Paid Leave Ordinance, workers can sue. Employers still get a 16-day window to fix things, but that only lasts until June 2026.

Looking ahead, new rules in 2026 bring more good news. Nursing mothers get paid breaks, and even part-time employees will have paid leave if they donate an organ.

The city’s also tightening the rules on transparency. For instance, employers can’t use confidentiality agreements to hide wage violations or workplace safety problems anymore.

3. Corporate Tax And Reporting Shifts

There were a number of big changes to the taxation of companies in Illinois, which took effect from the tax year 2025:

• Finnigan Method: Unitary business groups are now required to include sales of all members, even those without a physical presence in the state, in their Illinois tax calculation, thus potentially increasing the tax liability.
• GILTI Taxation: The state of Illinois now taxes 50% of the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI), a significant departure from the previous 100% deductions.
• NOL Deduction Cap: The deduction for Corporate Net Operating Loss (NOL) will be limited to $500, 000 for the period of 2024 through 2027.
• Nexus Thresholds: As of January 1, 2026, the threshold of 200 transactions for remote retailers will no longer exist. Their tax liability will be determined solely on the basis of gross receipts exceeding $100,000.

4. Licensing And Small Business Support

Finally, most businesses in Chicago require a City Business License. However, some state-regulated activities (like certain medical practices) are exempt.

Besides, the Chicago Department of Business Affairs (BACP) hosts popular “Small Biz Expos” throughout 2026 (March 12, May 16, and August 29) to help with licensing and tax compliance.

What Is The Role Of Business Litigation Firm In Chicago?

Operating in Chicago’s intricate and intense commercial landscape, a business litigation law firm is essential for addressing issues that could disrupt a company’s core image and financial health.

However, such firms do not focus solely on law enforcement. They also offer strategic advisory services for risk mitigation and the quick resolution of conflicts.

1. Dispute Resolution At The Highest Level:

Firstly, law firms handle complex cases such as:

• Breach of contract.
• Partner breakups.
• Intellectual property theft.

They use standard techniques of dispute resolution, such as mediation and arbitration. This helps people agree on a compromise that does not involve the expenses of a full trial.

2. Strategic Risk Management:

Litigators are extremely proactive when it comes to giving advice, like helping draft “airtight” agreements and setting up compliance programs. In this way, the issues do not go out of hand.

3. Courtroom Advocacy:

When a settlement is not an option, a litigation firm acts as an attorney at law who takes the battle to the court, managing the entire process from filing pleadings to presenting evidence and cross-examining witnesses.

4. Asset And Reputation Protection:

Finally, when a high-level case is on, it may bring down the company’s reputation. It can also have a negative impact on the company’s value.

Seasoned lawyers go about it in a professional way to safeguard the assets and mitigate the negative publicity impact of a public legal battle.

What Is It Important To Know About Business Litigation Firm In Chicago?

There are some unique tactical advantages to hiring a firm based strictly in Chicago:

1. Knowledge Of The Local Courts:

Firstly, Chicago lawyers are well-versed in the workings of the local court system. This includes the specific judicial preferences and the detailed provisions of the Illinois Human Rights Act and other state-specific laws.

2. Regional Precedent Awareness:

Secondly, by local lawyers, it means those who have intimate knowledge of the legal trends and decisions made in Chicago-area courts. This knowledge can be effectively used to develop compelling legal arguments.

3. Professional Networks:

Local firms usually have an established rapport with:

• Court personnel.
• Opposing counsel.
• Local expert witnesses.

This is something that can make the litigation process more systematic and faster.

4. Availability:

Finally, if you have a local firm, you can have face-to-face meetings quite often.

This is something that might be essential, especially in rapidly developing ’emergency litigation’ situations like the pursuit of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO).