Similarly, Simpson Thacher emphasized its decision to enhance its presence in Boston by capitalizing on the city’s growing sectors which align closely with the firm’s areas of expertise. The firm’s recent hiring from Skadden Arps highlights its commitment to integrating more deeply into Boston’s market.
Blank Rome’s strategy involved a significant acquisition, bringing on 25 attorneys from Burns & Levinson LLP. This move not only expanded its footprint but also merged its core practice areas like banking, finance, and corporate law with Boston’s economic strengths in tech and life sciences.
The Competitive Edge in Boston
Despite the promising growth, the competition for top legal talent in Boston is fierce. “Boston’s supply of partners from the top 100 U.S. firms is significantly lower than in New York, making it a highly competitive environment,” Moss stated. Alan Stone from Stone Legal Recruiting also noted that while firms are eager to establish themselves, attracting top talent requires more than just opening an office. “Firms need to enter with a clear and compelling story to really make an impact in such a competitive market,” he advised.