K&L Gates > Seattle, United States > Firm Profile

K&L Gates > The Legal 500 Rankings

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 1

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market ($500m-999m) Tier 1

Fielding an ‘extremely knowledgeable and professional’ team, K&L Gates has extensive expertise in the tech, healthcare, and financial services sectors, frequently assisting clients with traditional M&A as well as with bet-the-company deals. The practice has maintains advises Fortune 500 companies as well as venture capital funds and is jointly headed by Charlotte-based growth equity specialist Rick Giovannelli and Seattle-based cross-border M&A expert Annette Becker. In New York, Robert Zinn is an expert on corporate finance and Calvina Bostick is noted for her expertise with private equity investments, while Kevin Stichter focuses on cross-border acquisitions from Charlotte. Seattle lawyer Jessica Pearlman is an expert on securities and finance matters, while Leah Baucom concentrates on general corporate issues from Charlotte. Pittsburgh lawyer David Edgar, who primarily acts on behalf of boards of directors, and Aleksandr Imas, who practices from Seattle, are further names to note.

Transport > Shipping: litigation and regulation Tier 1

K&L Gates‘ ‘pragmatic, ethical and very knowledgeable’ maritime practice is consistently mandated to advise on arrests, attachments, and seizures of vessels and cargo. The team also assists with cargo claims, limitation of liability proceedings, vessel collisions, allisions, groundings, and personal injury and death-related matters. The firm additionally houses experts in marine insurance claims; and charter party, bill of lading and other maritime contractual disputes, as well as piracy-related issues. On the environmental side, the group regularly defends ship owners, operators, managers, charterers and crew members facing civil fines or criminal prosecution under domestic and foreign environmental regulations. In Boston, Jeffrey King focuses on commercial litigation and arbitration involving maritime and transportation. In Washington DC, Michael Scanlon‘s maritime practice involves both domestic and international maritime work, Mark Ruge ‘has an incredible handle on policy’, Darrell Conner is a government affairs counselor in the firm’s public policy and law group, and Elle Stuart assists with transportation-related federal regulatory, policy and legislative matters. In the firm’s New York office, George Kontakis is ‘a very bright, knowledgeable and easy-to-reach partner’. Jorge Romero retired in April 2024, and Luke Reid left the firm in June 2024.

Dispute resolution > E-discovery Tier 2

Offering a team of highly experienced lawyers, K&L Gates assists clients with e-discovery matters from pre-trial to post-trial stages, information governance, document processing and reviews. It has a strong reputation for handling litigation work along with arbitration and investigation aspects. The team is led in Seattle by Julie Anne Halter, who brings experience of advising clients in all stages of the discovery process, including management, review, litigation readiness and document-intensive issues. Daniel Miller in Pittsburgh counsels on records preservation and collection issues, and e-discovery related data breach investigations, while Seattle-based Rachel Tausend has a strong reputation for drafting and evaluating ESI agreements, protective and privilege orders.

Energy > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 2

K&L Gates‘ full-service energy group is well equipped to represent clients before FERC and other federal authorities, while also fielding longstanding experience with regional electricity markets. The practice is regularly involved in a wide range of matters relating to transmission planning, enforcement investigations, and compliance, in addition to acting for clients including lenders and developers in the acquisition and financing of renewable energy and storage projects. John Crossley, who is based in Kansas City and centers his practice around project development and transactional matters, leads the team jointly with Washington DC’s Kimberly Frank, whose focus lies on regulatory work before FERC and state public utility commissions. Jennifer Mersing has left the firm for an in-house position.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 2

Primarily operating from its Kansas City, Portland and Seattle offices, the renewable energy offering at K&L Gates is regularly selected as development counsel, borrower’s counsel, and sponsor’s counsel in the full spectrum of green energy projects in the US. M&A, tax, project agreements, environmental law and financing are all areas of expertise for the broad practice group, which is led by John Crossley in Kansas City. He focuses on developing, buying, and selling renewable energy projects throughout the country. Alongside him, Jim Goettsch is well versed in wind and solar project acquisition, and Brogan Sullivan has transactional and tax equity specialisms. Bill Holmes is a key contact in Portland for wind, solar and energy storage projects, and at the Seattle office, Eric Freedman excels in the renewables industry and Martha Pugh is the tax expert to note. At a more junior level, associate Kaitlyn DeYoung in Kansas City supports across the full range of matters.

Government > Government relations Tier 2

Providing strategic counsel and policy advocacy services to both public and private organizations, K&L Gates‘ public policy group demonstrates substantive experience across financial services, energy, environment, healthcare, tech, and education. Leadership of the team is shared between: Michael Scanlon, who has a significant practice in domestic and international maritime matters; David Wochner, an energy expert with strong credentials in the natural gas and hydrogen industries; Karishma Page, who manages a diverse portfolio of tax, financial services, healthcare, and employee benefits clients; and Andrew Wright, who is well-versed in congressional oversight, executive compliance, and enforcement actions. Emanuel Rouvelas is another maritime law giant, and often works with the US and foreign governments on international trade and transport matters. Bruce Heiman is a recognized authority on cybersecurity and privacy policy issues, while Daniel Crowley focuses on financial services and capital markets. Tax expert and Of Counsel Leonard Bickwit, and energy, environment, and natural resources specialist Matthew Leggett joined the firm in February 2023, from Miller & Chevalier Chartered and the Senate, respectively. Senior counsel to former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer Jamie Jackson joined in April 2023, expanding the group’s reach in national security and emerging technologies.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Delaware counsel Tier 2

At K&L Gates, the group in Wilmington are experienced in advising clients on matters of Delaware entity law. Scott Waxman leads the team, described as being ‘smart‘ and giving ‘clear, insightful advice‘ as well as ‘knowing Delaware laws inside and out.’ A distinguishing feature of the practice as a whole its international reach, and therefore its ability to provide global clients in a range of industries with relevant advice. Other key lawyers in the team are Nicholas Froio, who is ‘hard-working, responsive and always reliable’ and Eric Feldman who ‘is a brilliant lawyer and knowledgeable about all types of transactions‘.

Energy > Energy regulation: oil and gas Tier 3

K&L Gates has extensive experience advising on regulatory issues related to natural gas pipeline transportation and storage as well as LNG imports and exports, with notable expertise in FERC processes for new facilities and safety reviews before PHMSA. Washington DC-based David Wochner routinely advises clients on matters concerning interstate natural gas and oil pipelines as well as on regulatory issues associated with offshore energy facilities, including LNG terminals. Timothy Furdyna, who is also based in Washington DC, advises clients on federal energy regulatory proceedings before FERC. Jamie Lavergne Bryan has left the firm.

Energy > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 3

K&L Gates is well-positioned to act on a wealth of energy deals, possessing wide-ranging expertise that covers M&A, joint ventures and varied financing structures. The firm has a notable specialism constructing buy-side power purchase agreements for large multinational corporates, as well as demonstrating strong engagement with tax equity financing mandates. Sitting in the Seattle office, practice co-chair Eric Freedman is instructed by a wide array of public and private sector clients who rely on both his transactional and commercial expertise. Fellow co-chair John Crossley, who operates from Kansas, is a highly experienced adviser who frequently engages with mandates pertaining to the acquisition and disposition of large scale conventional and renewable energy builds. Seattle’s Elisabeth Yandell McNeil‘s recent highlights include electric utility, solar, wind and battery storage sales, while Kansas-based Brogan Sullivan is predominantly focused on M&A and tax-equity financings, often working alongside Martha Pugh who has been deeply involved in production tax credits and investment tax credit matters.

Finance > Fintech Tier 3

Noted for its global fintech offering, ‘the extremely agile’ practice K&L Gates is particularly skilled in banking and technology company partnerships, regulatory compliance, and investment finance transactions. The practice is also a key port of call for international clients on licensing approvals and is highly knowledgeable of blockchain, marketplace lending, and payments. In New York, Judith Rinearson has over three decades of experience in financial services matters and is well-versed in prepaid and emerging payment systems, electronic payments, and cryptocurrency. She is also praised by clients for her ‘naturally client-centric approach’ and ‘is an expert when it comes to devising legal strategies and options for complex client problems.’ San Francisco-based Jeremy McLaughlin is proficient in digital asset compliance, while Andrew Hinkes in Miami is noted for his capabilities in NFTs and stablecoin matters. New York-based Eden Rohrer is adept in the development and operation of funding portals, capital raising platforms, and trading platforms.

Insurance > Advice to policyholders Tier 3

K&L Gates’ insurance recovery team, under the leadership of David McGonigle in Pennsylvania, exclusively represents policyholders, including companies of all sizes, officers, directors, government entities, and organizations. They handle claims through litigation, addressing matters including COVID-19 business losses, environmental pollution, and product liability cases. With long-standing expertise in insurance coverage litigation and counseling, McGonigle specializes in disputes related to asbestos, chemical exposure, aviation, and errors and omissions. Key contacts further include, Donald W. Kiel, in Newark, who manages major insurance coverage disputes, Lucas J. Tanglen, in Pittsburgh, well-versed in handling complex insurance matters, and Washington DC-based Jonathan Cohen who brings extensive experience in recovering insurance proceeds for Fortune 500 and smaller companies in the food, supplements, technology, and consumer products industries. Geoffrey J. Greeves, a new partner in the DC office from Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, further supports the practice, renowned for providing customized insurance advisory and litigation services to Fortune 500 companies using mediation, arbitration, and litigation to address disputed claims.    

Intellectual property > Trademarks: non-contentious (including prosecution, portfolio management and licensing) Tier 3

Capitalizing on its global network, K&L Gates fields a varied non-contentious practice that encompasses the full spectrum of matters, including global clearance, maintenance, policing and enforcement, advising notable clients such as Abercrombie & Fitch and TripAdvisor. The practice is jointly led by Chicago-based Robert Barrett, who is notably active across biotech, chemical and software sectors and experienced litigator Theo Angelis, who operates from the firm’s Seattle office. In Washington DC, Susan Kayser contributes her expertise in the luxury, consumer goods and technology industries to the practice, while in Seattle, Pam Jacobson strengthens the firm’s offering with her portfolio management and procurement expertise. Boston’s David Byer and Austin’s Stewart Mesher are also recommended.

Investment fund formation and management > Mutual/registered/exchange-traded funds Tier 3

K&L Gates are particularly active with US registered funds, namely exchange traded funds, open-end funds and closed-end funds, for a wide range of managers. The firm covers the full array of transactional and regulatory issues, as well as being mandated to advise on developments in regulatory requirements and the implementation of new requirements. The practice is led across two locations, with Mark Amorosi and Ndenisarya Meekins co-heading the team in Washington DC and Michael Caccese and Clair Pagnano leading in Boston. Amorosi frequently works with investment advisors and diverse fund complexes on a wide range of matters, including but not limited to fund formation, securities offerings and regulatory questions. Ndenisarya Bregasi frequently acts as counsel to independent directors and trustees, while Caccesse is well recognized for his expertise on investment performance and in the area of investment management, and Pagnano is well versed in exemptive applications as well as no-action letter requests to the SEC for registered investment companies. Mark Goshko is a preeminent practitioner in the mutual funds place and key name based in Boston. The practice grew in 2023 with Lance Dial, who has extensive experience working with asset managers, joining the Boston office from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, the private investment funds expert Christopher Lokken joining in Chicago from Sidley Austin LLP and financial services regulations lawyer Jennifer Klass joining the New York location from Baker McKenzie LLP.

Transport > Aviation and air travel: finance Tier 3

With ‘excellent coverage both domestically and globally’, K&L Gates‘ aviation finance work includes representing lenders, lessors, airlines, and aviation industry-related new technology providers. The team’s expertise also encompasses commercial finance advice in the aerospace sector, including financings, as well as leasing and licensing programs for manufacturers of hydrogen fuel tanks, magnetic propulsion and range services. The group additionally assists with the acquisition of aircraft and aerospace technology. In Orange County, the ‘highly skilled, experienced and dedicated’ Amanda Darling focuses on asset and project finance. The department also features Seattle-based Milos Kovacevic, an advisor to airlines, financiers and leasing companies on commercial aircraft-related financing, leasing, and sale and purchase transactions. Elizabeth Evans and Howard Chang have left the firm.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

With its extensive experience assisting global corporations on investigation and enforcement matters, K&L Gates stands out for its cross-border capabilities. The team routinely advises on securities enforcement, antitrust laws, fraud, and corruption, among other forms of misconduct. Serving as managing partner of the firm’s Boston office, Christopher Nasson is recommended for cases relating to health care fraud and corporate embezzlement. Located in Washington DC, David Rybicki is highly skilled at navigating internal as well as congressional investigations. Practicing in Pittsburgh, Brian Saulnier regularly advises audit committees on investigations into fraud. Saulnier also has experience assisting with anti-bribery and anti-corruption compliance programs. Another notable lawyer within the team is Neil Smith; he is based in Boston and is recommended for FCPA investigations and anti-corruption matters.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 4

K&L Gates has a robust track record in trials, arbitrations and mediations, with the group's expertise extending across cases related to securities, construction, bankruptcy, and banking litigation, among many others. In Pittsburgh, Melissa Tea predominantly represents public and private companies in the manufacturing, technology, and health care sectors. Tea co-chairs the practice alongside Boston-based antitrust and financial services litigation expert Jeffrey Patterson as well as Dallas lawyer Artoush Varshosaz, whose practice emphasizes commercial disputes, internal investigations and financial services litigation.

Energy > Energy litigation: electric power Tier 4

K&L Gates balances a busy workload of representing clients in litigation before FERC and federal courts of appeals, and is noted for expertise in matters relating to the interconnection of utility-scale generation facilities, transmission planning and cost allocation. The practice is co-headed by Kansas City-based John Crossley and Kimberly Frank in Washington DC, who is praised by clients for being ‘adept at quickly grasping technical issues’, and is proficient in administrative and appellate litigation on matters such as energy market design, transmission service, rate and cost allocation, and contested utility mergers. Also in Washington DC, Donald Kaplan‘s broad practice encompasses disputes arising from antitrust, economic regulation, and pricing issues. Boston’s Theodore Paradise joined the team in August 2023 from an in-house role, strengthening the group’s capabilities in the wind energy sector.

Energy > Energy litigation: oil and gas Tier 4

K&L Gates represents midstream and upstream clients in a wide range of judicial and administrative proceedings related to crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids royalty payment issues, as well as disputes over gas sales contracts, personal injury, municipal regulation of oil and gas development and storage rights disputes. Jeffrey King is based in Fort Worth and act for a number of oil and gas producers, gas marketing companies and pipeline companies in complex litigation before federal and state courts. Another key member is Elizabeth Tiblets, an expert in putative class action litigation, who handles disputes over non-payment of royalties, title issues and a wide range of other contractual matters. Dallas’ Chris Brown and Pittsburgh’s Thomas Ryan are also recognized as experts in oil and gas litigation. Jamie Lavergne Bryan has left the firm.

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 4

The team at K&L Gates litigates a spread of work related to natural resources damages, brownfield redevelopment projects and environmental justice. The team is home to the Seattle-based Ankur Tohan, who regularly defends governmental and citizen enforcement actions, particularly those related to carbon management and energy development, Newark’s Brian Montag, who is a key point of contact for clients within the manufacturing sectors for his strong track record handling hazardous waste matters, product liability and toxic tort before administrative, state, and federal court proceedings, in addition to Craig Wilson, of the Harrisburg office, who is known by oil, gas, energy and chemicals clients for his defense of enforcement proceedings. Also in Newark, Dawn Lamparello is another name to note, she is recommended for her deep knowledge of federal and state environmental statutes.

Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 4

Clients seek out the assistance of the environmental group at K&L Gates for its deep knowledge of environmental and natural resources law, which includes natural resources damages, brownfield redevelopment and environmental justice. Newmark’s Brian Montag works with chemicals, construction and manufacturing clients, regularly assisting with issues to do with hazardous waste and product liability, while Craig Wilson, of the Harrisburg office, works handles environmental permitting and land development approvals for clients developing energy projects. In Seattle, Ankur Tohan counsels clients on compliance, with a strong focus on energy transition work.

Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 4

Alongside its expertise in regulatory matters and environmental litigation, K&L Gates advises on several environmentally related corporate and real estate transactions. Both based in Harrisburg, Craig Wilson is noted for routinely handling business transactions and litigation matters involving environmental rights or liabilities, and for advising on environmental permits and zoning, while Timothy Weston’s practice focuses on environmental counselling and litigation. The team also includes Chicago-based David Rieser, whose broad practice spans regulatory advice and corporate, commercial, and real estate transactions, and Seattle’s Ankur Tohan, an expert of energy infrastructure and natural resource development. Newark’s Brian Montag is another key contact in the team.

Government > Government contracts Tier 4

K&L Gates offers a full government contracts service covering counseling, litigation, and regulatory representation to contractors in defense, IT, healthcare, construction, and emerging technologies. Collaboration with the firm’s public policy, IP, and international trade specialists also provides seamless access to advice on legal and business solutions in navigating federal, state, and local government relationships. Dallas-based Sheila Armstrong has assumed leadership of the team, and draws on a wealth of experience in cradle-to-grave procurement matters, including compliance, investigations, FCA defenses, and bid protests. In Newark, Rebecca Freed, who joined in July 2023 from Genova Burns LLC, assists with the regulatory frameworks surrounding procurement processes.

Healthcare > Service providers Tier 4

Ken Marlow, Limo Cherian and Gary Qualls lead the team at K&L Gates, which acts for a varied client list of hospital systems and health consortiums. In the Nashville office, Marlow has vast corporate expertise, often handling joint ventures and M&A, while Cherian focuses on regulatory mandates involving Stark and Anti-Kickback regulations in Chicago. John Lawrence divides his time between Tennessee and North Carolina, assisting clients with government investigations and FCA claims. Seattle’s Carla DewBerry is well versed in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement issues, and healthcare M&A.

Investment fund formation and management > Alternative/hedge funds Tier 4

With a large roster of hedge fund investment manager clients, the hedge fund and alternative investment team at K&L Gates regularly advises US based clients in cross-border trading and registration matters. Washington’s Mark Amorosi and Ndenisarya Bregasi co-lead the team with Boston’s Michael Caccese and Clair Pagnano. Standout recent deals include representing a US-based asset management firm and counselling them on mutual fund business matters. The team's other key strengths include private funds and investment regulation work. San Francisco’s Matthew Mangan leads on advising hedge funds in the technology sector in digital asset fund related matters. Pablo Man and Mark Goshko are other key contacts in the Boston office, leading on mutual and private fund related matters, representing global asset managers, and serving as fund counsel for hedge fund offerings. Nicholas Hodge is also recommended.  

Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 4

K&L Gates acts for global institutional investors, asset management firms and on behalf of fund sponsors on diverse private equity fund formations and launches, on senior loan investments and major transactions. A further strength of the firm is its cross-practice capabilities, where clients benefit from expertise across tax and regulatory on fund formation mandates. Four practitioners oversee the practice: in Washington DC are Mark Amorosi and Ndenisarya Bregasi, while Michael Caccese and Clair Pagnano are in Boston. Sasha Burstein is a key practitioner and is based in San Francisco, where she covers private equity funds, credit and distressed credit debt funds as well as hedge funds and Edward Dartley is based in New York and focuses on alternative investment asset classes for institutional investors and private fund managers.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: design Tier 4

The team at K&L Gates is headed by Rikki Sapolich-Krol and Karrie Johnson Diaz. Based in San Francisco, Sapolich-Krol is experienced with designing tax-qualified, tax-advantaged, and nonqualified retirement plans. Diaz, working from Seattle, often counsels clients regarding their deferred savings plans, retirement savings plans, and employee savings plans. One example of Diaz’s recent works is the development of a new equity compensation plan for a client which converted from a limited liability company to a corporation. Lauren Crossett joined the Pittsburgh office from Dentons in January 2023.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts: middle-market (Up to $500m) Tier 4

K&L Gates‘ private equity team comprehensively guides middle-market private equity funds such as Incline Equity and Falfurrias Capital through their investment lifecycles by offering transactional, finance, and regulatory advice in connection with growth investments, PIPE transactions, and leveraged buyouts as well as with high-value exits. The practice also specialises in handling mergers and add-on transactions for private equity-backed portfolio companies. The team is led by Rick Giovannelli, an authority in cross-border private equity and debt finance transactions, from the Charlotte office, which is also home to cross-border M&A expert Kevin Stichter. Curt Anderson and Christopher Thel, who joined the Pittsburgh office from Dentons Cohen & Grigsby in January 2023, bolster the team’s strengths in private equity transactions within the manufacturing, consumer, and healthcare sectors.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 5

Demonstrating broad geographical reach, K&L Gates’ international arbitration group represents a mix of sovereign and corporate clients in cross-border proceedings under ICSID, LCIA, ICC and ICDR rules, among others. The team’s ability to draw on its lawyers’ combination of judicial and arbitral experience also ensures that it is often selected to handle parallel litigation, including enforcement actions. Most notably, it is defending the Kingdom of Spain before US District Court in a case seeking to enforce a €291m ICSID Award. New York-based Matthew Weldon ‘is not afraid to get stuck in when the going gets tough.’

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 5

With global full-service IP capabilities, K&L Gates represents companies in a broad range of industry sectors, including chemistry, materials science, mechanical engineering, tech, and pharmacology, in patent infringement cases. IP litigator Theo Angelis in Seattle has extensive experience acting for clients in cases before the District Courts and the International Trade Commission and co-heads the team with Chicago lawyer Robert Barrett. IP experts Christina Goodrich and Jason Engel in Los Angeles are also seasoned trial lawyers, and Chris Centurelli in Boston focuses on complex litigation with an emphasis on representing tech companies in patent, copyright and trade secrets disputes. Jeffrey Gargano in Chicago, who represents clients in IP disputes in the federal courts and at the ITC as well as counseling on IP strategy and litigation, is also a notable contact.

Real estate > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 5

K&L Gates assists clients across a wide range of construction issues, ranging from contract negotiation and administration, and construction project support to construction disputes. The group also regularly advises clients in the alternative energy and clean tech sphere. In the firm's London office, Matthew Smith jointly leads the team alongside Nashville-based Slade Sevier, who has experience in construction litigation and contract negotiations. In Pittsburgh, Richard Paciaroni handles cross-border construction-related disputes, while Nashville-based Rob Dodson advises on healthcare, energy and hospitality projects. Other key members of the team in the Nashville office include Ryan Lee and Emma Wolfe, while Pittsburgh-based Jason Richey’s practice covers construction disputes, transactions and bid protest procurement mandates.

Real estate Tier 5

Praised by one client as ‘a market leader in hospitality real estate transactions’, K&L Gates‘ wide-ranging real estate practice is particularly stand out for its global resort, hospitality and leisure practice, together with its Caribbean practice affinity group. Charleston-based lawyer and ‘exceptional team leader’ Matthew Norton chairs both groups, overseeing a blend of development, transaction, and finance mandates. In addition to advising a multitude of US companies, asset management firms, and developers, to name a few, the department regularly represents foreign investors, including a recent uptick in those from East Asia. Seattle's Marisa Bocci is noted for her farmland, food processing and agribusiness transaction expertise. In Pittsburgh, Pierce Richardson advises corporate and institutional clients on a variety of real estate and energy mandates.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 6

Noted for its expertise in state and local tax matters, K&L Gates’ non-contentious tax practice advises a broad range of clients, from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies. Cindy Ohlenforst in Dallas, experienced in the energy, tech, broadcasting, transport, and airline sectors, leads the group alongside state and local tax specialist Sam Megally, also in Dallas, who often handles income, sales, franchise, and property tax issues. William LeDoux specializes in multistate tax planning. He also advises on the tax implications of acquisitions and restructurings. Adam Tejeda in New York is strong in the private investment funds space, while Charlotte’s Jared Mobley advises on a wide range of local, state, and federal tax matters.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate