In its third merger announcement since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dentons is unveiling a combination with Birmingham, Alabama-based Sirote & Permutt, a further sign that midsize firms are unbowed in their pursuit of scale even after a tumultuous nine months.

It’s also the latest example of Dentons’ U.S. expansion plans, which show no signs of stopping. Dentons leaders expect to have more news to announce in the first quarter of 2021.