Sidley Austin

Sidley Austin is one of the largest law firms in the world by revenue, but despite an early presence in London, traditionally maintained a fairly modest mixed practice there. The firm has distinguished itself in the past five years by investing in its private equity and leveraged finance teams more aggressively than perhaps any other firm in the City, transforming its per lawyer revenues and profitability in the process.

Prior to 2015, Sidley Austin had nearly no presence in private equity or leveraged finance in the London market or otherwise. Like many firms, it saw these transactional areas as key strategic focuses for expansion. Like many firms, it recognised that the way to achieve this was through strategic lateral acquisitions of partners with large private equity clients. Unlike many firms, Sidley Austin had the ambition, speed, and deep financial coffers to execute this plan.