Washington, D.C. is witnessing a surge in the establishment of boutique law firms, with the latest addition being Liu Shur Kravis, a litigation boutique spearheaded by three former federal prosecutors. The founders, Jessie Liu, Justin Shur, and Jonathan Kravis, have impressive resumes with past tenures at top-tier firms like Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, MoloLamken, and Munger, Tolles & Olson, respectively. Their decision to launch their own firm marks a significant trend of seasoned litigators leaving large, established law firms to create more focused and specialized practices.

Liu remarked on their long-standing professional relationships, which have included both collaborations and oppositions in various legal capacities. She expressed enthusiasm about their new venture, emphasizing the desire to build something uniquely their own. "We've really known each other for a long time," Liu said in an interview with Law.com. "We all felt like it was a time in our careers when we wanted to build something new that was our own project."

The trio is betting on their ability to offer what large firms often cannot: direct senior-level engagement without the traditional hierarchy of junior associates. This approach promises more efficient legal services and potentially lower costs for clients. Kravis highlighted the firm’s strategic advantage in handling high-stakes investigations and complex litigation, where a lean, specialized team could offer significant benefits, especially in co-counsel arrangements.

The burgeoning number of boutique firms in D.C. reflects a broader shift within the legal industry. Since the start of 2025, several new firms have been established, including Dunn Isaacson Rhee, Civil Service Law Center, and Washington Litigation Group, among others. These firms often focus on litigation and investigations, areas that can operate effectively without the extensive infrastructure required by larger corporate law firms.

This shift is driven by several factors, including the desire for greater rate flexibility, fewer client conflicts, and the avoidance of internal conflicts that can arise when a firm’s clients have opposing needs. Boutique firms offer a streamlined approach where lawyers can focus more on practicing law and less on navigating the complexities and bureaucracies that come with larger firms.

As Liu Shur Kravis begins its journey, the founders are clear they do not intend to mimic the Biglaw model but rather aim to cultivate a robust team of top-tier lawyers, starting with themselves. While they plan for growth, the focus will remain on maintaining a tight-knit, efficient team capable of delivering high-quality legal services.

The legal community and potential clients will undoubtedly watch closely as Liu Shur Kravis and other boutique firms reshape Washington D.C.’s legal landscape, offering new choices and potentially setting new standards in the practice of law.