Baker Botts and Covington & Burling have both recruited sizeable teams from Howrey in the wake of the firm's dissolution yesterday (15 March).

A nine-partner team has joined Baker Botts' Washington DC office today (16 March) which includes Howrey's former vice chair Sean Boland – who also co-headed the antitrust practice at the firm.

The team comprises a total of 32 lawyers, as well as economists, analysts and support staff. Additional lawyers and staff are expected to join Baker Botts in the coming weeks.

Baker Botts managing partner Walt Smith said: "This is a world-class group of antitrust lawyers with very sophisticated and diverse practices. We are excited that they decided to make Baker Botts their home, and we plan to grow this practice both in the US and Europe, and over time in other areas in which we operate, including Asia."

Covington & Burling, meanwhile, has picked up a four-partner antitrust litigation team, which will join the firm's Washington office next week (21 March). The Howrey partner quartet joining the firm are John Nields, Alan Wiseman, Andrew Lazerow and Jason Raofield.

The news comes just over a week after Howrey's partnership voted to wind down the firm. The firm last week issued 60-day notice letters to 702 associates, secretaries, paralegals and support staff ahead of its dissolution.