Law firm Baker Botts LLP has hired nine partners, formerly with Norton Rose Fulbright, in its Houston office. The move strengthens the firm’s services to the energy industry, it said. The partners moving to Baker Botts include Edward Rhyne; David Peterman, former head of Norton’s U.S. mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and securities practices; Robert Phillpott, former head of Norton’s U.S. tax practice; Efren Acosta, former head of Norton’s Houston corporate, M&A and securities practices; Ned Crady; Daniel Mark; Natasha Khan; Ron Scharnberg; and Dan Tristan.