Hinshaw Celebrates the Firm's 90th Anniversary
Press Release | 2 min read
Sep 20, 2024
On September 1, 1934, our founders—Joseph "Joe" Hinshaw and James Culbertson—opened the doors to their first office in Chicago, Illinois.
On the 90th anniversary of Hinshaw & Culbertson’s founding, we proudly celebrate the generations of talented lawyers and professional staff who fostered our collegial culture, unwavering commitment to excellent client service, and ethical approach to the practice of law—the cornerstones of our success.
From those humble beginnings nine decades ago, Hinshaw has grown into a national law firm, offering legal services and solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client we serve. We have expanded to 25 offices in 16 U.S. states and provide counsel to a range of industries, including aviation and aerospace, energy and environment, financial services, healthcare, insurance, life, health and disability, manufacturing, real estate, construction, and transportation.
"Our firm’s commitment to client service, entrepreneurship, creativity, diversity, and integrity makes Hinshaw a wonderful place to do business and build a career," said Peter Sullivan, firm chairman. "I’m incredibly proud of the work we do for our many clients daily and of our reputation as a principled and dependable legal advisor."
Promoting opportunity and inclusion is part of the fabric of Hinshaw culture. In the 1950s, Hinshaw hired Violet Benedeck as the firm’s first female attorney after the FBI under Director J. Edgar Hoover had offered her a job as a secretary, even though she already had a law degree. Today, you can see evidence of our commitment to diversifying the talent pipeline in many ways, including our multi-year Mansfield Rule certification and our Management Committee, the highest governing body, which is over 55 percent diverse.
Our 90 years as a firm are testimony to the confidence our clients have placed in us to address their legal needs. As a business, we remain committed to adapting to change and taking advantage of new technologies and opportunities, and we look forward to further growth.
Media Coverage
The POLITICO: Illinois Playbook covered the firm's anniversary in its September 23, 2024 edition. The Playbook subsequently published a correction in its September 24, 2024 edition.
Featured Insights

In The News
Sep 3, 2026
Jennifer Driscoll Analyzes FTC Suit over Amazon’s Advertising Pricing Practices

In The News
Sep 2, 2026
Yvonne Ocrant Discusses Horse Business Legal Protection on the EquineRevShare Podcast

Consumer Crossroads: Where Financial Services and Litigation Intersect
Sep 2, 2026
Two Key Wins for Mortgage Lenders on Illinois Statute of Limitations

Press Release
Sep 2, 2026
Jennifer Driscoll Reappointed to CBA's Antitrust & Trade Regulation Section Executive Committee

Employment Law Observer
Sep 1, 2026
Illinois Employers: Prepare Now for These Three Employment Law Changes Taking Effect in 2027

In The News
Aug 24, 2026
David Schultz Reviews a Humorous—But Important—FDCPA Procedural Ruling

Press Release
Aug 20, 2026
115 Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2027 Editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and Ones to Watch®

Press Release
Aug 20, 2026
Hinshaw’s Landmark Tower Client Project Receives 2026 Top Projects Award




