Following a host of boutique mergers to start off the year, and as combinations are expected to ratchet up across the industry, a fast-growing Chicago law firm has announced it is joining forces with a seven-lawyer litigation shop.

Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres is merging with Prendergast Layden, a roughly half-century-old litigation boutique, leaders from both firms announced Wednesday, citing the need to expand their offerings, particularly as clients grew and the macroeconomic picture got murkier.