“We want . . . to create the best possible law firm. I don’t think anyone can predict what that’s going to look like.”

Sound familiar? This quote pretty much sums up the attitude of many law firms looking to merge with other firms. Successful law firms, like successful businesses, often grow because of the founders’ vision, entrepreneurial skills, or plain dumb luck. In all the frenzy of recent merger activity, though, only a few firms appear to have become stronger and more effective.