Hogan & Hartson has long been a relative garden spot for that unappreciated species, the D.C. deal-maker. Which is why it came as a surprise that three partners in its private equity group are leaving for Boston-based financial services firm Goodwin Procter.

J. Hovey Kemp says the move means the three can build up a private equity operation in the District from the ground up. Partners Christopher Hagan and James Hutchinson are also moving to Goodwin.