Among other things, 2020 will be known for shutdowns, rather than openings.

Still, multiple law firms defied the odds and opened offices in the Windy City during the COVID-19 pandemic, including New York-based Willkie Farr & Gallagher; Detroit-based Dickinson Wright; Milwaukee-based von Briesen & Roper; Washington, D.C.-based Venable; and New York-based financial services boutique Murphy & McGonigle.