In a significant development for the legal community, a former partner at HWG LLP has established a new firm in Washington, D.C., dedicated to legal ethics. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive counsel to law firms and individual attorneys on professional responsibility matters, as well as representation in disciplinary proceedings, regulatory investigations, and malpractice cases.
The founder, who previously served as Vice-Chair of HWG’s Legal Ethics and Malpractice group, brings a wealth of experience to the new venture. During their tenure at HWG, they advised on a broad spectrum of legal ethics issues and represented clients ranging from individuals to Fortune 500 companies in civil litigation and white-collar criminal investigations. Their election to partnership at HWG in December 2021 was a testament to their expertise and leadership in the field. ([hwglaw.com](https://hwglaw.com/2021/12/13/hwg-elects-hilary-gerzhoy-partner/?utm_source=openai))
Beyond their practice, the founder has been actively involved in the legal community, serving on the D.C. Bar Rules of Professional Conduct Review Committee and teaching as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center. Their contributions to legal scholarship include numerous articles on developments in legal ethics, with several recognized among Law360’s most-read expert analyses in 2021. ([hwglaw.com](https://hwglaw.com/2021/12/13/hwg-elects-hilary-gerzhoy-partner/?utm_source=openai))
The establishment of this firm reflects a broader trend in the legal industry, where seasoned attorneys are launching specialized boutiques to address niche areas of law. For instance, in July 2025, former HUD Acting General Counsel Benjamin Klubes founded Klubes Law Group in Washington, D.C., focusing on white-collar litigation and defense. ([news.bloomberglaw.com](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/business-and-practice/ex-hud-legal-chief-klubes-rolls-out-dc-focused-defense-boutique?utm_source=openai)) Similarly, in June 2024, Roberta Kaplan, known for her high-profile litigation work, launched a boutique firm with former prosecutors, emphasizing a client-centric approach. ([news.bloomberglaw.com](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/business-and-practice/roberta-kaplan-to-launch-new-boutique-with-former-prosecutors?utm_source=openai))
These developments underscore a growing demand for specialized legal services, particularly in areas requiring deep expertise and nuanced understanding. The new legal ethics firm in D.C. is poised to fill a critical role, offering tailored guidance and robust representation to legal professionals navigating the complexities of professional responsibility and ethics.