While overall M&A activity fell to its lowest point in a decade last year, the market has also shown signs of life, both at the end of 2023 and to kick off 2024.

M&A activity rose by 23% in Q4, marking the strongest quarter for worldwide dealmaking since Q2 of 2022. Perhaps reflecting more optimism in the market, Big Law firms have announced a slew of corporate hires this week, including at Willkie Farr & Gallagher, Mayer Brown, Kramer Levin and Baker & Hostetler.