Pittsburgh's growing startup and technology scene is hardly a secret. And now it's drawing the eyes of large law firms across the United States, as they begin to notice what local firms have been tapping into for years.

Legal industry watchers in Pittsburgh say more large firms are likely to build outposts in the city, as they aim to be close to its research institutions and young talent pool, while potentially drawing in lateral hires from Pittsburgh whose practices fit well in a national or international platform.

“Pittsburgh is sort of uniquely positioned because of the lower overhead associated with practicing in Pittsburgh, as well as the growing and dynamic tech community,” said Maura McAnney of McAnney, Esposito & Kraybill Associates, whose Pittsburgh-based legal recruiting business stands to benefit from the trend. “I do think more firms will begin to open up, mostly because there are so many Pittsburgh lawyers who have global practices.”