Milbank's remarkable streak continues into 2026 as they set up shop in Chicago, escalating the local legal salary wars in the process. After redefining Biglaw’s salary standards earlier this year and adding hefty summer bonuses, Milbank isn't slowing down. Their latest power move? A brand-new office in the Windy City.

The firm made headlines on Monday by announcing the opening of its Chicago branch, a strategic expansion into a new but highly competitive market. Many of Chicago’s native legal powerhouses like Kirkland, Sidley, and Mayer Brown have yet to respond to Milbank’s aggressive new pay scale. While the local giants have been slow to adopt, Milbank’s entry might just tip the scales.

The timing of Milbank’s move is nothing short of bold. They are entering the market as the highest-paying employer, potentially luring top talent from established Chicago firms that have yet to match Milbank's salary offers. This aggressive strategy puts immediate pressure on local firms to reconsider their compensation plans.

Leading the charge for Milbank in Chicago is Nadav Klugman, a prominent figure in renewable energy and project finance. Klugman, who joins from White & Case, will enhance Milbank’s capabilities in their Global Project, Energy & Infrastructure Finance Group. Chairman Scott Edelman emphasized that Chicago represents a crucial market for attracting top-tier talent, crucial for Milbank’s ongoing success and client service enhancement.

For Chicago’s top law firms, the arrival of Milbank signals a seismic shift. No longer can they quietly sidestep salary increases that have been set by a newcomer right in their backyard. The competition for attracting and retaining the best legal minds just intensified, with Milbank setting a challenging pace.

As Milbank plants its flag in Chicago, the local legal landscape braces for change. The firm’s aggressive salary scale and strategic talent acquisition signify a new era in Chicago’s competitive legal field, where being the best might also mean paying the best.