Perkins Coie, Freshfields and Squire Patton Boggs have all brought on new laterals in their Washington, D.C. offices this week, with attorneys joining from the government and peer firms.

The new hires are joining the firms' litigation, congressional investigations, antitrust, and national security practices, all of which have been in-demand practice areas in the D.C. market over the past year.

Freshfields has hired Austin Evers, former Department of Justice associate deputy attorney general, as a partner and co-chair of its congressional investigations group, alongside partner Andy Dockham.

"[Evers] addition as co-chair of the congressional investigations practice demonstrates our commitment to having a bipartisan team that can help our clients navigate the complexities of Capitol Hill. When clients face significant crises, dealing with Congress can be as important a part of the response as addressing criminal, regulatory, litigation and reputational risks, and Austin enhances our ability to provide the highest level of service to clients regarding all aspects of these situations," said Adam Siegel, co-head of the global investigations practice, in a firm statement.

Evers' practice focuses on advising clients facing congressional investigations, government investigations and crisis management challenges. His addition at Freshfields comes as many congressional investigations lawyers expect to remain busy in 2025, when Republicans gain control of Congress and the White House.

Meanwhile, Squire has brought on two hires into its D.C. office, the firm announced this week. Longtime Paul Hastings attorney Michael Wise joined the firm as a partner. Wise will serve as the firm's U.S. antitrust practice leader.

“The global antitrust enforcement landscape is changing rapidly with the complexity of cases and risks of adverse outcomes on the rise,” Michele Connell, Squire global managing partner, said in a statement. “Deeping our U.S. antitrust team is a strategic priority for the firm, and Michael has the track record with clients and leadership skills to spearhead our continued growth."

Wise takes over for Barry Pupkin, who retired from the firm in July.

The firm also hired Anthony Vinci as a senior advisor in its national security and geopolitical risk professionals. Vinci was most recently managing partner of Cerberus Capital Management.

He was previously chief technology officer and associate director for capabilities at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

His hire follows former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who joined Squire in September as a senior adviser.

Meanwhile, Perkins Coie brought on Aaron Coombs as a partner in its litigation and insurance recovery practices in D.C. Coombs was previously at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman.

Coombs represents policyholders in insurance coverage disputes and litigation, including coverage for government investigations, securities lawsuits, and product liability, among other matters.