Several Am Law 200 law firms are lately expanding into multiple locations at the same time. Law firm leaders say that growing in one market can be used to propel another, especially in complementary markets, whether it’s Houston and Silicon Valley or Milwaukee and the Mile-High City.

“As we look at new cities, we’re always looking for what’s the strategic value—does it complement another office or another practice we have?” said Barnes & Thornburg managing partner Andy Detherage. “We’re not looking to open an office just to add it to our letterhead. It’s always because we think it adds something.”