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.