Biglaw's Merger Market Is Heating Up - And More Firms Are Willing To Talk - Above the Law

"Madeleine McDonough, chair of Shook Hardy & Bacon, said the firm gets regular outreach from potential partners and is willing to consider a range of possibilities, from acquisitions to mergers of equals to even combinations with larger firms. Nothing is currently in the works, she stressed, but the door isn't closed."

"No one is announcing a tie-up tomorrow. But the tone is noticeably different from the old days, when even acknowledging merger conversations could feel like admitting weakness. These days, being "open to growth" has become the standard diplomatic phrasing, a polite way of saying the firm would absolutely take the call."

"Nixon Peabody's CEO and managing partner Stephen Zubiago emphasized that culture and talent would matter more than geography or size when considering a deal. Ballard Spahr chair Peter Michaud pointed to the firm's past combinations as successes and said he'd welcome another if the right opportunity presented itself."

Following a significant year of law firm combinations in 2025, merger discussions continue to accelerate across Biglaw. Firm leaders from McGuireWoods, Nixon Peabody, Ballard Spahr, Shook Hardy & Bacon, and Miles & Stockbridge have publicly indicated openness to potential deals. The tone surrounding mergers has fundamentally shifted; being "open to growth" now represents standard diplomatic language rather than an admission of difficulty. Shook Hardy & Bacon's chair reports regular outreach from potential partners and willingness to explore various combination structures. Nixon Peabody emphasizes culture and talent alignment over geography or size considerations. Ballard Spahr points to successful past combinations as precedent for future opportunities. However, not all firms are actively pursuing mergers, with some like Akin Gump and Gunderson Dettler focusing on organic growth strategies.

Read at Above the Law