BY JENNIFER SMITH

As law firms cut back on entry-level hires, they have resumed chasing growth by poaching partners from other practices.

Partner defections rose last year, and legal experts predict the trend will continue this year as firms compete for established books of business amid sagging demand for legal services. January kicked off with a flurry of announcements as firms lured top litigators and other experienced partners from rival firms.

One reason: Stealing talent—and clients—is a speedy path to growth, while investing in business development could take years to bear fruit.

"The fastest way to increase volume is to buy it," said ...