When a large practice group leaves a local law firm, they're often either establishing a boutique firm or paving entry for a large out-of-town firm. But three of the area's biggest recent departures, reflecting more recent trends, were flights to other Pittsburgh firms.
As firms cope with the weakened economy, the national trend of lawyers jumping ship could accelerate. Midsize offices here expect to benefit by adding seasoned professionals with established books of business.
Reed Smith LLP, one of Pittsburgh's largest law firms, may soon enter Chicago via a merger with Wildman Harrold, a 215-lawyer firm based in Chicago that's roughly one-fifth its size.