A Higher Law

International legal practice Seyfarth Shaw is known for its unpretentious, welcoming culture—characteristics that Gensler made sure to instill in the law firm's nine-level, 300,000-square-foot Chicago headquarters. Design director and principal Todd Baisch did opt for a somewhat corporate aesthetic in the office areas, 15 conference rooms, café, and other communal spaces. However, he explains, "We used a color palette, textures, and artwork that one might expect in a residence." In the inviting reception area, the desk is built largely of a tropical hardwood and marble, the wall behind is paneled in sienna-red MDF, wool rugs bring softness to the eucalyptus floor, and seating is upholstered in earth-tone cotton-nylon blends, suede, and leather.

The firm's five practice floors are reached via lounges, encouraging interaction between attorneys. And each practice got to choose its lounge's finishes and furniture. The litigation group preferred dining tables and chairs, while the labor group's relaxed "living room" features mobile club chairs equipped with tablet tables.

All the offices and conference rooms are glass-fronted. Further supporting equality, Gensler made the 330 attorneys' offices virtually the same size, 175 to 180 square feet. That goes for the partners, too.

Clockwise from top left: At Seyfarth Shaw in Chicago, a custom granite-topped table anchors one of the 15 conference rooms. Between it and a lounge featuring leather-covered chairs and a mahogany table, a marble pedestal supports a bronze sculpture by Harry Bertoia. The custom reception desk combines tropical hardwood, marble, and brushed stainless steel; stacked faux stone defines the corridor.

Clockwise from left: From the café, employees look out at the Metropolitan Tower by Graham, Anderson, Probst & White. A cotton-nylon blend upholsters sofas in reception. On a corporate practice floor, the entry lounge is anchored by an antique Persian rug. Glass fronts the 330 attorneys' offices.

CUSTOM TABLE (CONFERENCE ROOM): FCI. PENDANT FIXTURE: BALDINGER. DOOR PULLS: ROCKWOOD MANUFACTURING COMPANY. CURTAIN FABRIC (CONFERENCE ROOM), LOUNGE CHAIR FABRIC (PRACTICE LOUNGE), FILE CABINETS, WORKSTATIONS (OFFICE AREA): KNOLL. CHAIRS (CONFERENCE ROOM), STOOL (OFFICE AREA): KEILHAUER. CHAIRS (CONFERENCE LOUNGE): GRETCHEN BELLINGER. TABLE: Q COLLECTION. CUSTOM RUGS (CONFERENCE LOUNGE, RECEPTION): HOKANSON. FAUX STONE: OWENS CORNING. WALL SYSTEM (RECEPTION): HAWORTH. TABLES (CAFÉ): FALCON PRODUCTS. BANQUETTE UPHOLSTERY: HBF TEXTILES. CARPET TILE: INTERFACEFLOR COMMERCIAL. CHAIRS (CAFÉ), SOFA (PRACTICE LOUNGE): THROUGH DESIGN WITHIN REACH. SIDE CHAIR (RECEPTION): PROMEMORIA. SOFAS: HOLLY HUNT. NESTING TABLES: DONGHIA. LAMP: RALPH LAUREN HOME. WING CHAIR: A. RUDIN. CEILING SYSTEM: NOVAWALL SYSTEMS. LOUNGE CHAIR (PRACTICE LOUNGE): BAKER FURNITURE. ARMCHAIRS: HBF; GLANT TEXTILES CORPORATION (FABRIC). RUG: THROUGH OSCAR ISBERIAN. STOREFRONT SYSTEM (OFFICE AREA): TEKNION. CARPET: COLLINS & AIKMAN. MILLWORK: PARENTI & RAFFAELLI.