According to a survey by Altman Weil MergerLine, law firm mergers in the United States were up 47% in 2013. Apparently, this is the highest in 7 years, with 88 reported law firm mergers and acquisitions. "The surge in 2013 numbers was driven by a boom in acquisitions of small law firms," said Altman Weil principal Ward Bower. "These kinds of deals are smart, low-risk moves to enter new markets and acquire new clients, and we expect the trend to continue in 2014."