History

Sidley's enduring tradition of more than 140 years of commitment to client service, quality and collegiality continues to distinguish and define our firm.

In May 2001, the law firms of Sidley & Austin and Brown & Wood merged to become Sidley Austin Brown & Wood, a significant legal power in the international arena. The two firms melded a 235-year combined legacy of service and legal innovation in the U.S. and around the world.

Brown & Wood was founded in 1914 in New York and, over the years, established a preeminent position on Wall Street. Brown & Wood’s practice focused on the international capital markets, serving investment banks and major financial institutions.

Sidley & Austin was founded in 1866 in Chicago and established a strong and highly regarded practice representing corporate America in litigation, regulatory, corporate and general banking areas. 

On January 1, 2006, Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP changed its name to Sidley Austin LLP. Sidley Austin LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership which operates at the firm’s offices other than Chicago, London, Hong Kong, and Sydney, is affiliated with other partnerships, including Sidley Austin LLP, an Illinois limited liability partnership (Chicago); Sidley Austin LLP, a separate Delaware limited liability partnership (London); Sidley Austin, a New York general partnership (Hong Kong); Sidley Austin, a Delaware general partnership of registered foreign lawyers restricted to practicing foreign law (Sydney); and Sidley Austin Nishikawa Foreign Law Joint Enterprise (Tokyo). The affiliated partnerships are referred to herein collectively as Sidley Austin, Sidley, or the firm.