Edward Colbert, the managing partner of intellectual property boutique Kenyon & Kenyon, which recently has seen a number of partner departures, said he expects the firm to decide this year whether to merge or stand alone.

He said he anticipates “a decision this year, one way or another,” adding, “I don’t want to linger forever.” If the firm decides against merger, he said, “we’ll make an announcement that we’re just going to be Kenyon & Kenyon.”