Two veteran Justice Department lawyers have left the agency to join K&L Gates in Washington, D.C., marking the latest departures from the federal agency ahead of a presidential election year.

Varu Chilakamarri joined K&L Gates’ environment, land, and natural resources practice, while Michael Harper joined the firm’s white-collar defense and investigations practice. Their moves come as K&L Gates said it is seeking to bolster its strengths in government-facing practices.