Why Sidley Austin Law Firm, Where the Barrack and Michele Met, is the BEST for Appellate Cases 

Sidley Austin LLP is not just any law firm; it’s where former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama first met. This prestigious firm has a rich history and a stellar reputation, making it a top choice for many seeking legal representation.

What sets Sidley Austin apart is its commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.

The firm offers a wide range of legal services, from corporate law to litigation. Furthermore, it ensures that clients receive comprehensive support for their legal needs.

Sidley Austin’s lawyers are popular for their expertise, professionalism, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for their clients.

Moreover, the firm has been consistently ranked among the top law firms by various legal publications, including Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500. This recognition is a testament to the firm’s high standards and successful track record.

But should you choose this for your case? What can they help you with? What should you keep in mind before reaching out to them?

If you are looking for an answer to all these questions, I have got you covered! So, keep on reading this blog till the end to learn more…

Sidley Austin LLP: What You MUST Know About the Law Firm

Being the eleventh-largest corporate law firm in the United States, it is primarily popular as the place where the Obama couple first met. In an interview with Oprah, Barrack had stated:

“I met Michelle in 1988, after my first year of law school, when I took a summer job at Sidley & Austin, a law firm in Chicago.”

But if you ask me what is Sidney Austin known for, I will say that the Obamas are not the only reason why this law firm is popular.

Sidley Austin Law Firm Overview

Founded in 1866, Sidley Austin LLP is a global law firm that has grown to employ over 2,300 lawyers across 21 offices worldwide.

With its headquarters in Chicago, Sidley Austin has a strong presence in major cities like New York, London, and Hong Kong.

Known for its exceptional legal services, Sidley Austin has a strong reputation for excellence in many practice areas.

For instance, these include corporate and securities law, litigation, intellectual property, tax, and international trade.

The firm’s clients include Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, governments, and individuals.

One of the most notable aspects of Sidley Austin is its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The firm has a long history of promoting diversity within its ranks and is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees.

Sidley Austin’s track record of success is unparalleled. The firm has been involved in some of the most significant legal cases of our time, including representing clients in landmark Supreme Court cases and complex international disputes.

Moreover, Sidley Austin is deeply committed to social responsibility. The firm dedicates over 150,000 hours annually to pro bono work, supporting various community initiatives and charitable organizations.

This commitment to giving back underscores the firm’s values and role in fostering positive change.

Additionally, with its deep bench of experienced attorneys, commitment to excellence, and dedication to diversity and inclusion, Sidley Austin is the law firm that can help you achieve your legal goals.

Whether you’re facing a complex legal challenge or simply need guidance on a legal matter, Sidley Austin has the experience and resources to deliver exceptional results.

Area of Expertise

Sidley Austin LLP has a broad spectrum of legal expertise. This makes it a go-to firm for diverse legal needs.

The firm excels in several key practice areas, ensuring clients receive top-tier legal support tailored to their situations.

Some of them include the following:

Corporate Law

Firstly, Sidley Austin is a leader in corporate law, advising some of the world’s largest corporations on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and corporate governance.

Moreover, their team of experts helps businesses navigate complex transactions and regulatory landscapes, ensuring smooth and successful outcomes.

Litigation

Secondly, the firm’s robust litigation practice handles high-stakes disputes across various industries.

Sidley Austin’s litigators are popular for their strategic approach and courtroom prowess, representing clients in both trial and appellate courts.

Furthermore, they cover commercial litigation, product liability, and intellectual property disputes.

Regulatory and Government Affairs

Thirdly, Sidley Austin offers extensive experience in regulatory and government affairs, assisting clients in navigating the intricate web of regulations that impact their operations.

Additionally, the firm provides counsel on healthcare, environmental law, financial services, and more, ensuring compliance and strategic advantage.

Intellectual Property

Protecting intellectual property is crucial in today’s innovation-driven economy. Additionally, Sidley Austin’s IP practice helps clients safeguard their inventions, brands, and creative works.

They offer services in patent litigation, trademark registration, and copyright issues, providing comprehensive protection for intellectual assets.

Real Estate

The firm’s real estate practice covers all aspects of real estate transactions, including acquisitions, financing, development, and leasing.

Additionally, Sidley Austin’s real estate lawyers bring deep industry knowledge and practical solutions to complex real estate deals.

Pro Bono Work

Finally, Sidley Austin is committed to giving back through pro bono work. Moreover, the firm dedicates significant resources to providing free legal services to those in need, addressing issues such as civil rights, immigration, and access to justice.

Sidley Austin in the Chambers USA

Sidley Austin LLP has achieved remarkable recognition in the Chambers USA 2024 rankings.

Furthermore, the firm has secured an impressive 133 practice rankings and 307 lawyer rankings, showcasing its extensive expertise and excellence in the legal field.

Notably, Sidley Austin has been ranked in the top tier, Band 1, in 28 practice areas, an increase of nine from the previous year.

Attorney Ranking

The firm’s lawyers have also received significant accolades, with 48 Band 1 lawyer rankings. Among these, two partners have been distinguished with commendations above Band 1.

For instance, Chambers recognized Michael J. Schmidtberger as an Eminent Practitioner in Hedge Funds (Nationwide), highlighting his dual role in leading Sidley’s Executive Committee and his hedge funds practice.

Additionally, Carter G. Phillips has been honored as a Star Individual in Appellate Law (Nationwide), reflecting his exceptional skills and influence.

Practice Area Ranking

Sidley Austin’s Band 1 practice area rankings span a wide range of specialties, including:

• Banking & Finance (Illinois)
• Capital Markets: Securitization: ABS and RMBS (Nationwide)
• Corporate/M&A & Private Equity (Illinois)
• Corporate/M&A: Highly Regarded and Takeover Defense (New York)
• Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (Illinois)
• Energy Transition (Nationwide)
• Environment (District of Columbia)
• False Claims Act (Nationwide)
• Financial Services Regulation: Broker Dealer (Compliance & Enforcement) (Nationwide)
• Healthcare (District of Columbia and Illinois)
• Hedge Funds (Nationwide)
• Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory (Illinois)
• Intellectual Property (Illinois)
• International Trade: Customs and Remedies & Policy (Nationwide)
• Life Sciences: Regulatory/Compliance (Nationwide)
• Litigation: General Commercial (Illinois, Texas: Dallas, Fort Worth & Surrounds, and New York), Securities (Illinois), White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations (California)
• Private Equity: Buyouts: Mid-Market (Nationwide)
• Transport: Aviation: Transactional and Rail (for Railroads) (Nationwide)

The annual Chambers USA guide is a respected resource that provides detailed analyses of legal practitioners in the United States.

These rankings are based on in-depth interviews with clients and in-house counsel, ensuring thorough and reliable evaluations.

Bonus: Why Sidley Austin’s Summer Program is the BEST Way to Launch Your Career

If you’re a law student looking to gain valuable experience and build your network, the Sidley Austin Summer Program is an excellent opportunity.

Additionally, this prestigious program offers students the chance to work alongside top attorneys and gain exposure to real-world legal practice.

The Sidley Austin Summer Program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the firm’s culture and practice areas. According to the firm:

“The goal of Sidley’s summer program is to provide law students with a realistic experience of what it is like to be a lawyer at Sidley.”

Participants can work on various legal projects, including research, drafting legal documents, and assisting with client matters.

In addition to gaining practical experience, students in the Sidley Austin Summer Program will also have the chance to build relationships with experienced attorneys and other legal professionals.

Additionally, these connections can be invaluable as students transition from law school to their careers.

Overall, the Sidley Austin Summer Program is highly competitive and only accepts a select number of students each year.

Therefore, the students must have a strong academic record, excellent communication skills, and a passion for the law if they want to join the firm’s summer program.

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