Big Law firms are indicating that after a decline in activity in the first half of the year, bankruptcies and related financial transactions are expected to roar back.

In response to anticipated demand, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has brought on the former co-leader of Vedder Price's insolvency, bankruptcy and reorganization group on the West Coast, Scott Olson, while Akerman has added McGuireWoods bankruptcy partner John Thompson.

Olson, Bryan Cave's first bankruptcy and finance partner in San Francisco, said in an interview that he was "impressed with the firm's strategic plan for business transformation. Particularly, bankruptcy and finance is a growth engine for the firm."