Partners at big law firms eager to hang on to cash-strapped clients and attract more amid this year’s corporate belt-tightening are jumping to smaller firms where they can lower their billing rates and bump into fewer conflicts of interest.

Partners from DLA Piper, K&L Gates, Katten Muchin Rosenman, and Jenner & Block are among those who have made moves during the past four months to smaller firms that allowed them not only to protect their client bases but also to win new business on lower rates.