Closing a law office can signal trouble or low demand in a particular market, but industry watchers say it's increasingly just a sign of the times, as firms seek to minimize costs and take advantage of the increased flexibility technology provides.

“Most firms that have satellite offices close to main offices are evaluating whether it makes sense to keep them or not,” said Robert Nourian of recruiting firm Coleman Nourian. “It's much more about how you distinguish yourself, what you're providing … that drives more of who is getting work than just having an office in a particular city.”

There was a time when opening additional offices showed that a law firm was thriving, Nourian said. But now, expanding into second-tier cities or suburbs is less of a priority.