Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld has opened a new office in downtown Chicago, becoming the latest large law firm to do so. The office, led by partner-in-charge Wendy Gallegos, a specialist in real estate private equity, includes four partners hired from Mayer Brown. This summer has seen several mergers and office openings in the Windy City, including A&O Shearman and various midsize and boutique firms.