Baker Botts has expanded its C-suite ranks by hiring a veteran recruiter as its first-ever chief recruiting officer amid a highly competitive market for laterals in private equity, litigation, antitrust, energy and technology.

Dani Barnard, who was chief recruiting officer at Polsinelli and spent nearly 10 years at the firm, joined Am Law 100 firm Baker Botts on Monday. Based in Washington, D.C., she is tasked with working with senior firm leaders to design a strategic recruiting plan, along with recruiting and integrating lateral hires across the firm.