The world’s leading law firms are facing an uncertain new landscape following the demise of two of Wall Street’s biggest and most established investment banks.

Wall StreetThe bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers and the announced acquisition of Merrill Lynch by Bank of America will no doubt produce a flurry of legal activity. In particular, Lehman’s massive filing, involving some $600bn (£337bn) in debt, will keep scores of lawyers occupied for years to come.