Lateral Attorney Report

I just learned that K&L Gates distributed an internal memo announcing that the firm has entered into discussions with the Bell, Boyd & Lloyd LLP in Chicago “with a view to combining the two firms in the first quarter of 2009.” (Bell Boyd distributed a similar memo today). I must admit that my first reaction was one of sadness. After all, as a native of Chicago who practiced at two mid-sized law firms in the city, I have many friends and former colleagues who work or have worked there (okay, I also have a close family member who spent 40 years there as well). Bell Boyd has been a significant part of the Chicago legal market for countless years, and to see it dissolve into K&L Gates made my stomach queasy. Just a few short years ago, it was known as “the” place to work. Associates who secured jobs at the firm were considered some of the luckiest people around.
Thankfully, my first reaction only lasted a moment. My second reaction to this announcement was one of excitement. After all, there is always more than one way to view a major change, and I am making a conscious effort to see this as a good thing for the attorneys at Bell Boyd and the Chicago legal market. Sure, it’s sad to see a highly regarded player in the Chicago market disappear, but it is also exciting to see the entrance of another one. K&L Gates is a global firm with over 1600 attorneys and 25+ offices. In fact, it is one of the largest firms in the world. The addition of such a major player to the city of Chicago is exciting and will surely provide legal opportunities for many Chicago attorneys in the future. So, while I am sad to see one of my favorite Chicago firms say goodbye, I am watching with great excitement and anticipation to see how K&L Gates fits into the Chicago market.