Mayer Brown announced that James Adams and Frederick Cristman, partners in the firm’s Global Leveraged Finance and Private Capital Group, have joined the Washington, DC, office. They have years of experience closing deals in intricate financial transactions and join from Hogan Lovells.

This week, Baker & Hostetler added three Knobbe Martens partners to its Orange County and Los Angeles offices. Susan Natland, who will co-lead the firm’s worldwide trademark and brand protection practice, is part of the group. Natland joined the firm’s Orange County branch, and Jessica Sganga and Katherine McMorrow joined in Los Angeles.

In July, Rachel Weiner Cohen, an IP litigator, joined Weil, Gotshal & Manges in Washington, D.C., marking the firm’s ninth lateral intellectual property appointment from Latham & Watkins.

The announcement follows a protracted period of conjecture over the destination of one of the partners. In London, a Ropes & Gray private equity team will join rival Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, a U.S. firm.

According to a recent research, despite rising costs, law firms reached “new heights” in the third quarter thanks to a strong increase in demand.

By hiring two Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer partners, Baker Botts is increasing its footprint in Saudi Arabia’s cutthroat legal market.

What is the connection between Paul Weiss, Freshfields, Kirkland, Alston & Bird, Cadwalader, and the majority of Big Law? According to the Global Lawyer, they aren’t paying much attention outside of the United States and the United Kingdom.

Following the departure of two senior tax partners from the firm last month, Paul Hastings has begun the process of rebuilding its London tax offering by bringing on two partners from competing firms.

Gibson Dunn provided Platinum Equity and Solenis with advice for the purchase of NCH Corporation, a specialist in industrial solutions and middle-market water treatment.

The international energy storage business Gelion plc has made an oversubscribed placing, offer for subscription, and retail offer. K&L Gates has advised Strand Hanson Limited (as nominated adviser), Allenby Capital Limited, and Oberon Investments Limited (as joint brokers).