There weren't many run-of-the-mill lateral litigator moves in March, the kind where a mid-level partner at Big Firm A moves to Big Firm B, spouting something about platforms and synergy.

Instead, the most notable March moves were propelled by something extra—launching a new office, like Alston & Bird in San Francisco, or a new firm, like Nichols Liu. Other partners have unique work experience, like Covington & Burling's former Patent Trial and Appeal Board judges, bring welcome diversity, or have personal connections to colleagues at their new firms.

Here are some of the top litigator moves in March.