Chicago is now a hot spot for Big Law mergers and growth spurts, with several new entrants over the last year and multiple Big Law members reportedly in discussions to grow or gain a foothold in the Windy City.

California-based Cooley and Washington, D.C.-based Arent Fox are among the firms now looking to enter the city, according to sources. Law firms see the benefit of a high billing rate city that is less competitive than other major markets and an area teeming with growing sectors along with private equity and life sciences industries.