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WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

BIG BROTHER PROGRAM? - You've heard of the partnership track—but how about being tracked by the partnership? Goodwin Procter announced last week that it was rolling out a system called "Colleague Connect," which would allow employees to search a firm-wide database to see who is in the office at any given time. The email said the firm believed it would "enhance the way we interact with each other, making our office communication more efficient and productive." However, as evidenced by comments from a Fishbowl posting, not everyone saw it that way, with some arguing the technology is overly intrusive. Still, Goodwin is not the first—and definitely won't be the last—firm to make use of tracking tech. AshLea Allberry is the COO of Maptician, Inc, which offers an application that helps organizations manage hybrid working environments via office reservations and, among other elements, seeing who is in the office. (Goodwin's app was built in house.) She told Law.com's Patrick Smith the company has seen massive interest from Big Law over the last several months.

URGING MERGING - When 10-lawyer L.A. boutique Barton Klugman & Oetting combined with Am Law 100 firm Clark Hill this summer, the smaller firm was feeling some pressure. According to Barton Klugman managing partner Tod Beebe, clients were seeking the "cachet" of a large firm to handle their matters, even if the boutique's lawyers are equally skilled. As Law.com's Brenda Sapino Jeffreys reports, that dynamic may prompt leaders of more small firms to pick up the phone when bigger firms call to talk about an acquisition or merger. And it may be an opportune time to talk, given that, according to a recent report by Fairfax Associates, law firm mergers are expected to accelerate as 2023 winds down. Lisa Smith, a principal at Fairfax, said she is seeing more and more clients "looking for a brand that isn't going to be questioned by the board or … a brand to signify to the other side that they are serious."

ON THE RADAR - Western Midstream Partners, through one of its operating subsidiaries, has agreed to acquire Meritage Midstream Services II for $885 million in cash. The transaction, announced Sept. 5, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023. The Woodlands, Texas-based Western Midstream was advised by a Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher corporate team led by partner Tull Florey. Meritage Midstream was represented by Vinson & Elkins. The Vinson & Elkins team was led by New York-based partners James Fox and Dan Komarek. Stay up on the latest state and federal litigation, as well as the latest corporate deals, with Law.com Radar.  

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