Largest Law Firms of 2009 – A word to our readers

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The jury’s out on whether the national and world economies are back on track yet.

As we have reported in the past year, Wisconsin’s largest law firms clearly have felt the impact of this economic uncertainty. Yet, they by and large remain a healthy lot, looking just at their numbers of attorneys.

Of the 20 largest firms, almost all have lost attorneys from 2008. Most of them, however, constricted only slightly, just a couple of attorneys here and there — a notable exception is Foley & Lardner LLP, losing 28 attorneys in Wisconsin. In fact, Quarles & Brady LLP now holds the distinction as the state’s largest law firm, overtaking Foley for the first time in the 10 years that Wisconsin Law Journal has been publishing this special section.

For a closer look at what happened within the 20 largest firms, turn to page 22.

This section also contains a variety of information about each of the firms, including key contact people and summaries of their practices. Many provided information about the hourly expectations for new attorneys and the benefits they provide lawyers and staff.

Thanks to all who responded to our Largest Law Firms survey. And, as always, we welcome your feedback. Contact Sarah McQuin at [email protected] or via phone at 414-225-1814.

The Editors