The closing of two Maryland law firms in a month highlights the plight of suburban law firms in the capital beltway now, with growing pressures from a tough economy, competition from larger firms and challenges from succession planning.
Last month, Bethesda firm Paley Rothman disbanded after 51 years, with 15 former attorneys and a handful of its support staff joining fellow Bethesda firm, Lerch, Early & Brewer. That followed the closure of Towson-based boutique Sagal Filbert Quasney & Betten, which specialized in real estate law.
