As the third largest city in the United States, Chicago is a hub of commerce and culture. It is also the hometown or home base of many respected law firms, attorneys, and legal consultants. If you're considering relocating a legal practice to Chicago, discover below some important things to know about the Windy City so you can get the most out of the move.

The Market

The legal industry in Chicago is as diverse as the city itself. It boasts a number of multinational firms, both headquarters and satellite offices, as well as smaller, independent practices, a number of patent and intellectual property boutiques, and a wealth of legal consultants, paralegals, and other industry professionals. Larger firms tend to be the "big players" in the Chicago legal world, but offices of all sizes have experienced growth in recent years, especially as more people have looked to the individualized service of local firms rather than the impersonality of massive nationwide corporations.

Popular Practice Areas

Because Chicago has a large, varied, and robust economy, corporate law is one of the powerhouses in the city's legal industry. You can find firms that handle everything from general corporate matters, like formation and incorporation of companies, directors' and shareholders' rights, and mergers and acquisitions, to highly specialized practices like private equity law and corporate securities.

One particularly thriving part of Chicago's economic fabric is the tech industry. This has led to the emergence of tech-related law practices all over the city, primarily those that deal with intellectual property rights, patents, and compliance. General litigation firms are always needed—and always busy—in Chicago. And, given the recent housing boom, real estate lawyers and legal consultants are in increasing demand.

Recruiting

If you're looking to grow your practice, Chicago is an ideal place to be. The University of Chicago, Northwestern, DePaul, and Loyola are just a few of the city's widely respected law schools, each producing a consistent pool of highly qualified legal professionals. While the city may be in the heart of the Midwest, it is still a desirable place for attorneys to launch their careers; salaries, billable hours, and opportunities rival those of big coastal cities.

When you're ready to grow your legal practice in Chicago, contact MB Attorney Search. Serving the Midwestern United States, their headhunters provide legal placement services for attorneys, legal consultants, and other industry professionals. With more than 25 years of experience, they are committed to helping you meet your staffing needs. Call (888) 563-5984 or visit them online to schedule a consultation.