Bankruptcy lateral hiring continues on a hot streak amid the COVID-19 health and economic crisis, with Vinson & Elkins adding a partner in New York and Bradley Arant Boult Cummings expanding in Dallas with a senior attorney.

George Howard joined Vinson & Elkins on Monday, coming from Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, where he had been counsel. George Barber started at Bradley on June 10, joining from Johnston Clem Gifford.

Firms have been busily adding bankruptcy and restructuring lawyers, spurred by the economic downturn and low oil prices. That provides opportunities for both lateral moves and career advancement, as in the case of Howard, who was counsel at Skadden but joined Vinson & Elkins as a partner.