The latest transatlantic law firm merger might lead to more consolidation as lawyers are forced to consider their options.

Richards Butler, a UK law firm, said this month it planned to merge with US rival Reed Smith. The combined practice will have more than 1,300 lawyers and expects revenues to reach $725m (€598m) in the first year. Other recent Anglo-American law mergers have included DLA's link with Piper, Rudnick, Gray Cary and Nicholson, and Graham & Jones's merger with Kirkpatrick & Lockhart.