These lateral moves are not in areas that have recently been active in Texas because of pandemic-related issues, such as bankruptcy and restructuring, labor and employment or insurance coverage. That shows the strength of the Texas lateral hiring market, which has been looking up after some slower months earlier in the pandemic, recruiter Robert Kinney, of Kinney Recruiting, said.

"The level of hiring seems plenty strong in sheer numbers. Interest in interviewing and that type of activity is strong, too," Kinney said.

New King & Spalding partner Hamilton said he looks forward to helping the firm build its corporate practice in Houston, and also leverage his experience in M&A and securities. He also is pleased to continue to working with Newton, a lawyer Hamilton described as a mentor.

"I've worked with Jonathan for many years now, and he's a great lawyer. Obviously when he made his move, that was something that I considered," Trisdale said.

"King & Spalding is a solid firm. They've got really, really deep Houston roots, which was appealing to us," Trisdale said. "The Houston market is unique in that it's a small market and everyone knows everyone, but still large enough that there's a ton of work. King & Spalding is uniquely situated in that market."

They declined to identify clients, but Trisdale's are in energy, life sciences, health care, manufacturing and technology, while Hamilton works in the energy, chemicals and life sciences sectors, and with real estate investment trusts.

Newton said he is pleased Trisdale and Hamilton joined him at King & Spalding because they are "very capable partners in the capital markets area."

At Thompson & Knight, managing partner Mark Sloan said Brown and Lionberger bring depth and breadth to the transactional practice as the firm works on a strategy to grow in Houston. Similarly, Sloan said in a press release, Bourgeois' in-house, government and private practice experience gives him unique expertise to help the firm.

Lionberger said he is excited to help Thompson & Knight grow its Houston office and its capital markets practice. "Just working with Thompson & Knight over the years, I really like the people [and] its really strong Texas culture," he said.

Brown said the firm is a market leader in energy, which supports a "thriving" corporate and securities practice.

Lionberger said that while he and Brown both do capital markets work, they have largely represented different clients. He joined on Sept. 1, while Brown moved to Thompson & Knight on Wednesday.

Asked for a comment on the departures from Vinson & Elkins, chair Mark Kelly wrote, "We thank Doug and James for their contributions and wish them well in their future endeavors."

About the lawyers who left Baker McKenzie, Texas managing partner Bobby Albaral wrote, "Many thanks to Heath and Michael for their contributions to our Firm. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors."

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