Sidley Austin LLP - True Picture

Firm profile

Sidley is an elite global law firm powered by lawyers who practice at the highest level of the profession. Backed by 157 years of trailblazing heritage, we deliver superior service to a high-caliber group of market leaders worldwide, while placing a premium on collaboration and diversity. Our firm boasts a roster of more than 2,300 lawyers who wield deep experience in litigation, transactional, and regulatory matters spanning over 50 legal disciplines and industries. With 21 offices situated in major commercial and financial capitals around the world, our lawyers possess the cultural awareness and legal acumen needed to advise clients in today’s global economy.

Main areas of work

We handle a vast array of litigation, transactional, and regulatory client matters with practices in: antitrust/competition; capital markets; corporate governance; derivatives; employment; food, drug and medical device; global finance (including structured finance); healthcare; hedge funds, insurance; investment funds; private equity; real estate; real estate finance; restructuring; and tax. 

Trainee opportunities

The firm is not a typical City firm, nor is it a ‘legal factory.’ Everyone is encouraged to be proactive and to create their own niche from the first day onwards, so there is no risk of being just a number. Trainees spend time in the firm’s main groups. In each group, trainees will work with a partner or associate to ensure individual training with practical hands on experience. You will be encouraged to take on great responsibility where appropriate. Regular meetings with your supervisor ensure both the quality and quantity of your time at Sidley. In addition, there is a structured timetable of training on a cross-section of subjects.

Vacation scheme

We run a one-week winter vacation scheme and two-week vacation schemes in both the spring and summer each year. You will get to experience the day-to-day life of a lawyer at the firm and will have the opportunity to undertake real casework, rather than just observing or shadowing. This practical experience will be supplemented by a programme of presentations and workshops that will ensure you get to know the full firm culture. We aim to recruit all of our trainees from the vacation schemes.

Other benefits

Benefits include: private health insurance, life assurance, contribution to gym membership, interest-free season ticket loan, income protection scheme, and pension.

Open days and first-year opportunities

Sidley is offering first year students the opportunity to attend an Open Day held in March. For more information, please visit our website. 

Sidley and Sidley Austin refer to Sidley Austin LLP and affiliated partnerships as explained at www.sidley.com/disclaimer