Sidley Austin LLP

Our Survey Says

Vault Verdict 

Sidley’s prestige and importance to both the Chicago and national markets cannot be overstated. The culture in this very large firm is social but respectful of the boundary between attorneys’ work and personal lives. Partners value associate input and treat them with respect, but there is some opacity between firm leadership and the associates when it comes to firmwide policies. The firm has a requirement of 1,800 client billable hours, and 2,000 total hours are needed for bonus eligibility with the 200-hour difference fillable with pro bono, DEI, and/or training-related and CLE hours. Sidley pays its attorneys market salaries and bonuses, offering above-market bonuses for high billers. Associates generally perform substantive, client-facing work at or above their formal experience levels. Technology is good if not cutting-edge, and the firm’s tech team is very responsive whenever issues arise. Wellness efforts and buy-in from partners are good, but the time needed to engage with the programs offered tends to compete with that needed for billable work. Training and mentorship are strengths at Sidley, be they formal or informal, with mentor relationships and training opportunities both formally structured and arising organically. Promotion to partner is realistic for those willing to put in the work, and the path is transparent. Other viable long-term opportunities at Sidley are not as evident as they are at some peer firms, but the exit opportunities are excellent. Pro bono is credited toward bonuses at an unlimited rate provided the 1,800 client billable hours have been recorded, and the firm has a robust infrastructure dedicated to connecting attorneys with pro bono opportunities. Sidley also offers strong support for DEI-oriented programming and affinity groups. It also offers billable credit for DEI-related activities.