With Addleshaw Goddard, Irwin Mitchell and, of course, Dentons all linked with either international or domestic tie-ups in recent days, mergers have most definitely been the theme of the last week.
As the pool of Scottish independent firms gets ever-smaller, Addleshaws is in talks with Maclay Murray & Spens, potentially following in the footsteps of CMS UK and Pinsent Masons by combining with a firm north of the border.
Despite the number of similar deals reaction to the news has been mixed with some warning that a Scots tie-up is not a vital ingredient to success.
In contrast to these plans, which have not yet been voted on by either firm, Irwin Mitchell's union with Thomas Eggar looks set to go ahead with the minimum of fuss. The pair will combine under the Irwin Mitchell brand this month, though it remains to be seen how many Thomas Eggar partners will join the combined firm's equity.
Meanwhile Dentons added yet more locations to this year's merger frenzy, with the firm yesterday confirming that it is in talks to enter Latin America with combinations in both Mexico and Colombia.
This followed last week's news of a tie-up in Luxembourg, after approving deals in Singapore and Australia the previous week.
Other highlights over the last seven days include news that firms can expect to be hauled in front of the Public Accounts Committee to justify their rates for government advisory work following criticism of Freshfields' fees on the sale of Eurostar.
On the positive side firms looked last week to have (so far) avoided a levy on their earnings to raise millions to fund the criminal justice system.
Last week also saw Legal Week host the British Legal Awards, which saw RPC crowned Law Firm of the Year and Allen & Overy senior partner David Morley take home the law firm leader of the year award.
You can see pictures of the event here or read our explanation of the Firm of the Year shortlist.
Other highlights over the last seven days include:
Norton Rose management in bid to 're-engage' with City partnership
Clifford Chance to oversee inquiry into Tory bullying scandal
Hogan Lovells picks up key role on Parabis Group break up
'We used to talk in Scotland of there being a Big Four, but that phrase has gone the way of the dodo'
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