Law Firm Mergers Continued Slow Going in Pandemic Stricken 2021

Law firm mergers continued at a slower-than-usual pace last year, as the continuing pandemic put off what was expected to be an uptick in tie-ups.

Firms completed 41 mergers last year, according to data compiled by legal consultancy Fairfax Associates, with five mergers between firms occurring in the fourth quarter. The total was up slightly the 40 mergers Fairfax tracked in 2020, but well below the historical average of 55 mergers per year over the previous decade.

Firms were hampered in pursuing tie-ups by practical considerations, Fairfax Associates said. Firm mergers are expected to return to pre-pandemic levels in the ...