“But Fairfax principal Lisa Smith expects that the pace of mergers will rise next year, as firms look to increase market share and enhance their depth and scale. She’s heard from a number of firms engaged in discussions, and expects that it will be easier to pursue in-person meetings to ease along the process in 2022.”

“Another draw for Austin is geography, Smith said. Texas has multiple business centers, and to be effective, many firms decide they need multiple offices, such as one in Dallas and another in Austin.”

Kristin Stark is quoted on international firm presence: “In order for an international presence to be successful for any firm… the international presence has to be driven by a particular practice or the firm’s client base…”

Kristin Stark is quoted on associate moves and firm counteroffers: “Kristin Stark… said most Big Law firms are not naïve to that reality… ‘Firms aren’t doing these counteroffers because…’ “

Kristin Stark is quoted:  “Kristin Stark… said some firms have already been looking at hiring more staff attorneys who want to work at a slower pace, with different expectations than a traditional, partner-track associate, for less money…”

Lisa Smith and Fairfax merger data is quoted: “Lisa Smith…said in an interview that she expects the number of completed mergers in 2021 will “certainly” beat the 2020 numbers…”

Fairfax merger data is cited: Fairfax’s April 1 report …anticipated “an uptick in active discussions in the coming months and a return to higher levels of completed mergers by the end of 2021 or early 2022.”

Lisa Smith is quoted: Midsize firms will likely experience relatively flat revenue, but they could see another year of strong profit growth because of continued expense savings for the first two-thirds of 2021, said Lisa Smith of Fairfax Associates, who advises law firms nationally.