Big Law Mergers Are Down, But Are They Out?

Have big law firms merged themselves into a long fall nap?

Altman Weil published a report today that law firm mergers and acquisitions in the third quarter were down 40 percent compared to the third quarter last year. The consultancy counted 12 deals announced from July 1 to Sept 30, down from the 20 mergers and acquisitions announced in Q3 of 2015.

Tom Clay, a consultant with Altman Weil, said after the recession there was a a frenzy of M&A activity and now there may be fewer attractive target law firms.

“There is not an infinite supply of tasty morsels out ...