Struggling with the loss of a key client and a series of lateral defections, former Am Law 200 firm Dow Lohnes lost two more partners Friday, with Venable confirming its hire of Ralph Hardy Jr. and Stephanie Loughlin.

The Am Law Daily reported late last month on Dow Lohnes holding talks with potential merger partners as it grapples with a steep decline in its attorney head count and the decision by key client Cox Communications to diversify its panel of outside legal advisers.