The departure of three Hogan Lovells lawyers to launch a litigation boutique in Boston is one of several Big Law spinoffs this year, as smaller law firms continue to see steady demand despite economic headwinds.

The new Boston firm formed by Hogan Lovells lawyers—Silva, Kettlewell and Pignatelli—includes Sara Silva, Elizabeth Pignatelli and Bill Kettlewell. All three just left Hogan Lovells. Bill’s son, Andrew Kettlewell, a veteran of the District Attorney’s Office in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, is the boutique’s fourth lawyer.