The early September rash of white-collar hirings around the country is evidence that firms continue to see a need for experienced lawyers to handle government investigations and defense for corporate clients, even if the practice area has slowed somewhat overall.

Baker & Hostetler, which beefed up its white-collar strength in Texas this month by hiring a prominent partner in Dallas, is far from the only national firm snatching up partners who specialize in white-collar defense and investigations.