California-based Selman Breitman announced its dissolution last week as managing partner Neil Selman prepares to step down from leadership, revealing the succession challenges that are prompting midsize firms to reconsider their future.

Selman Breitman's insurance coverage group is going out on its own under the name Selman, Leichenger, Edson, Hsu, Newman & Moore, with Selman transitioning to an of counsel role. Meanwhile, some 50 litigators on the West Coast are joining Atlanta-based Hawkins Parnell, offering the firm an expanded footprint in San Diego and Orange County in California, as well as Seattle and Las Vegas.