Eversheds Sutherland is opening up a Chicago office, the first new US office since the combination of Eversheds and Sutherland Asbill & Brennan in February 2017.  According to reports, the next stop may be California.

Consequential growth

Chicago marks the first Midwest presence for Eversheds Sutherland - which has served clients in the region for decades – bringing the firm’s total to 68 offices in 34 jurisdictions. The Chicago office, which is set to be housed in a prime location at 900 North Michigan Avenue, will be led by Marc A Benjamin, a veteran real estate lawyer who will join from White & Case at the beginning of June; Susan V Kai, a real estate lawyer who will join from Kirkland & Ellis later in June; and litigator Robert D Owen, a partner with Eversheds Sutherland who is relocating from New York. Mark D Wasserman, co-ceo of Eversheds Sutherland, said “We plan for Chicago to become a significant focal point for us. Chicago is the third-largest legal market and the third-largest city in the US. We have spent a great deal of time over the past two years listening to our clients in the US and around the world, and Chicago is one of the places where they would like us to have a strong presence.” Mr Wasserman said, “Growth isn’t the strategy - it is a consequence of our strategy to be a leading global law practice, underpinned by a clear focus on delivering outstanding client service. Our investment in this new office is the first step in establishing a significant Midwest presence, built on the base of over 100 active clients in Chicago and the Midwest who are already leveraging our US and global platform.” said.

Revenue growth

The Chicago opening comes shortly after Eversheds Sutherland reported global revenue of $1.175 billion for 2018, a 10 percent increase over the previous year. The firm says the Chicago office will allow Eversheds Sutherland to serve more effectively Midwest-based clients and clients from around the United States and the world that are engaged in activities in Chicago and the Midwest. Initially, the office will concentrate on real estate, M&A and litigation work while targeting key sectors including diversified industrials, technology, media and telecommunications, financial institutions and energy. Mr Benjamin added, “Eversheds Sutherland’s historical Midwestern ties and strong relationships in the region combined with its international platform and collaborative culture really resonated with me on both a personal and a professional level.”