SAN FRANCISCO — Baker Botts has transferred three longtime partners to its Palo Alto office to lay the groundwork for future growth in the Valley and in the state.

Corporate partner John Martin, who chairs the firm's technology sector, relocated to the office in mid-July from Dallas, shortly after IP litigator Eliot Williams arrived from New York. By the end of the month, the pair will be joined by Austin-based civil litigator Kevin Sadler, who defends technology and energy companies in IP and employment claims, among other disputes.