The number of Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith lawyers who have signed on to the new firm founded by former labor and employment leaders has risen to 130, roughly split halfway between associates and partners, sources at the new firm said Thursday afternoon.

As the newly formed Barber Ranen nears its projected 140 ex-Lewis Brisbois lawyer head count by the middle of the month, lawyers at the founders' previous firm receiving solicitations are faced with a choice: hang on to the stability of their familiar employer or take a chance on the new startup.