Conrad O’Brien (Philadelphia): Patricia Hennessy joins the firm as co-chairwoman of the education law group in the West Chester, Pa., office. She will focus on education law plus class and commercial litigation. Previously, Hennessy was a partner at Latsha Davis & McKenna.

DLA Piper: Christina Houston joins the firm’s corporate and finance practice as partner in the Wilmington office and will focus on advising clients on alternative entities such as limited liability companies and partnerships, focusing on organizational, operational and governance issues. Previously, Houston was a partner at K&L Gates.