September is the time to go back to school—and start a new job. A slew of big-time litigators or groups made lateral moves this month, shifting the competitive landscape in practices ranging from aviation to antitrust to entertainment. Among the winners: Kirkland & Ellis; Jones Day; Hogan Lovells and DLA Piper.

A disproportionate number of the moves are from government to private practice, as the tail-end of Obama administration alums go back to work. Sorry kids—summer vacation is over.