Big Law laterals were starting big new things this week, including new firms, new offices and new practices.

It began with a shock to the international arbitration market, as an eight-partner team from Am Law 50 firm Shearman & Sterling broke off to form a new boutique, Gaillard Banifatemi Shelbaya Disputes. Led by global practice founder and head Emmanuel Gaillard, the new firm will have offices in Paris, London and New York, with plans to expand into Asia. The partners also reportedly plan on taking around 30 associates.