Winston & Strawn Chair Navigates Big Law’s Changing Growth Game

Winston & Strawn chairman Tom Fitzgerald sees major law firms making bigger investments in mergers or group lateral hires because growth has become more difficult in a competitive environment.

“There is a need for firms to make investments either in people, practices, sectors or offices,” Fitzgerald said in an interview. “That’s the way our industry has evolved because organic growth has become so much more difficult.”

Big Law has seen a wave of merger news in recent weeks. Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe created a 1,000-plus lawyer firm by merging with Buckley. Morrison & Foerster acquired litigation boutique Durie Tangri. Shearman ...