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. In January 2006, Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP changed its name to Sidley Austin LLP.