Day Pitney: Karen Spilka joins the firm’s corporate and business law department as of counsel to the Boston office. She will focus on regulatory matters in the biotechnology, life sciences and clean-energy industries. Spilka continues to serve as a Massa­chusetts state senator.

Beirne, Maynard & Parsons (Hous­ton): Renée McElhaney joins the firm as partner in the San Antonio office and will focus on appellate work, commercial and aviation litigation, and alternative dispute resolution. Previously, McElhaney served as a Texas state-court judge in San Antonio.