Law firm leaders are quick to point out they don’t want to “grow just for growth’s sake,” noting their lateral or group additions are tied to a particular practice, industry, market or larger strategy.

But growth is usually a good thing for a Big Law firm. And with a spate of lateral partner and group moves at Am Law 200 firms in new and key locations over the last two weeks, firms appear to be doing what they can to keep pace in what’s been dubbed the “Great Growth Race,” an Am Law 200 competition that’s causing them to be more aggressive in expanding marketshare with lateral hires while also honing their strategy.