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

K&L Gates > The Legal 500 Rankings

Transport > Shipping: litigation and regulation Tier 1

The maritime practice at K&L Gates is distinguished for its ‘outstanding’ regulatory and policy knowledge, harnessing extensive experience working alongside legislative and executive brand agencies, as well as international governmental bodies and officials. With a large global network, the firm is well-equipped to provide comprehensive support to clients in the full gamut of maritime issues, notably arrests, attachments, and seizures of vessels; marine insurance claims; vessel collisions, allisions, and groundings; and a range of maritime contract disputes. In Washington DC, Michael Scanlon co-leads the policy and regulatory practice, representing US and foreign shipping companies and marine service providers before federal agencies, US Congress and federal courts; Mark Ruge handles federal government matters, and associate Elle Stuart assists on regulatory, policy, and legislative matters. Boston-based Jeffrey King specialises in complex commercial litigation and arbitration concerning maritime and transportation matters, whilst the ‘intelligent and responsive’ George Kontakis leads on domestic and international commercial and criminal matters in the New York office. Houston-based associate Jody Schisel-Meslin is another key contact for maritime litigation.    

Dispute resolution > E-discovery Tier 2

K&L Gates has a robust advisory offering in the e-discovery field, assisting with the effective management of all discovery phases from identification and review through to production. The firm is well-versed in analyzing vast quantities of data and using innovative technologies to reduce data volumes for its clients. The group also shows strength in handling e-discovery processes for contentious matters, ranging from class action, qui tam action and government-requested investigations. Julie Anne Halter leads the team with a focused practice on commercial and business litigation, arbitrations and government investigations.

Government > Government relations Tier 2

Demonstrating strength in congressional investigations, the K&L Gates public policy and law group is also frequently retained by private companies, alliances and associations for strategic advice and policy advocacy. The practice is active across the financial services, postal, maritime, space, LNG and transportation industries. Michael Scanlon has a specialism in shipping and maritime matters and advocates in this area for new legislation and regulation and compliance with this, while David Wochner focuses on the natural gas and hydrogen industries and has extensive experience representing clients before the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Karishma Page lobbies on behalf of clients in the financial services, retirement, healthcare and employee benefits areas, while Andrew Wright is adept at congressional investigations. All four partners are based in Washington DC and make up the leadership team. Daniel Crowley handles public policy issues relating to financial services, Bruce Heiman focuses on cyber security, privacy policies and IP, while Emanuel Rouvelas handles policy issues in the maritime and shipping industry. Joe Trahern joined the practice in January 2024 and brings experience in the Senate and House of Representatives with him.

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

In Wilmington, K&L Gates advises on a range of financial and corporate legal matters in state and national judiciaries, led by Scott Waxman. The team, which counts Bloomberg Finance, Churchill Asset Management, and Wells Fargo Banks as clients, regularly assists with joint ventures, credit facility financing, limited liability partnerships, and corporate acquisitions. Waxman has strong links to the state legislature, as a former chairman of the Alternative Entities Subcommittee of the State Bar, which strengthens his ability to serve LLCs and LLPs. Eric Feldman excels at M&A and is equipped to handle securities transactions, bankruptcy matters, and structured finance. Nicholas Froio is a statutory trusts expert and currently helps draft the relevant statute in the State Bar Association. Andrew Skouvakis is adept at handling domestic and multi-jurisdictional financial matters but has a broad skill set that covers banking law and hedge fund work as well. Kelly Terribile joined the firm from Greenberg Traurig LLP in August 2024, bringing with her expertise in corporate governance and IPOs.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market ($500m-999m) Tier 2

Reputed for its ‘deep industry knowledge’, K&L Gates operates across the life sciences, healthcare, and energy industries, and displays both corporate and transactional strengths, advising clients on M&A and private equity transactions. Rick Giovannelli leads the department and is ably supported by the ‘terrific’ New York-based Robert Zinn, who has ample experience in strategic and venture capital investments, corporate governance, and financial restructuring. Kevin Stichter’s scope of work includes cross-border M&A and related tax and regulatory concerns, while Leah Baucom covers spin-offs, joint ventures, and public and private divestitures. New York-based Calvina Bostick advises on public and private M&A in the fashion and medical healthcare sectors, whereas Seattle lawyer Jessica Pearlman represents emerging and established companies within the AI and data security fields on corporate and securities matters. The ‘responsive, reliable, and personable’ David Edgar operates out of Pittsburgh, and advises boards of directors and special committees on leveraged buyouts and activist planning and defense. Unless otherwise mentioned, all named lawyers are based in Charlotte.

Energy > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 3

K&L Gates offers comprehensive regulatory and litigation expertise, representing clients before FERC, the Texas Public Utilities Commission (PUC), state commissions, and federal courts of appeals. The team regularly handles high-profile FERC litigations, hearings, settlements, and other regulatory initiatives, while also representing clients in contested proceedings, investigations, and compliance matters before the Texas PUC. The firm assists clients in securing necessary authorizations, approvals, and waivers from regulatory requirements, ensuring seamless navigation through complex energy regulations. The practice is co-led by Kimberly Frank, based in DC, who focuses her electricity regulatory work before FERC and state public utility commissions. She has deep experience in administrative and appellate litigation involving regional capacity and energy market designs, transmission service and rates, and cost allocation. Co-head Brogan Sullivan, based in Kansas City, adds broad regulatory expertise, while Austin-based Maria Faconti focuses on state-level energy regulatory issues within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas.

Energy > Energy regulation: oil and gas Tier 3

K&L Gates has a well-regarded natural gas regulatory team with significant experience in US pipeline transportation, storage, and LNG imports and exports. The firm advises on all aspects of the FERC authorization process for new LNG facilities and navigates regulatory intersections with other agencies. The team is also noted for its expertise in FERC pipeline regulation, covering transportation capacity, rates, and service terms. London-based practice head Ben Holland leads the team alongside Washington D.C.-based David Wochner, who advises on federal regulatory and policy matters affecting energy infrastructure. Washington D.C.-based Timothy Furdyna focuses on energy infrastructure development, representing LNG facility developers and pipeline shippers.

Energy > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 3

Offering assistance on both domestic and international energy transactions including M&A deals, joint ventures, and debt and equity offerings, the energy, infrastructure, and resources practice at K&L Gates is predominantly instructed by institutional investors, tax equity investors, and lenders. Alongside its deep experience in the field, the group has cross-border capabilities which continue to attract notable clients including the likes of Acciona and CIT. In Washington DC, Kimberly Frank heads up the team while Brogan Sullivan leads the department in Kansas City. Sullivan stands out for his aptitude handling acquisitions, joint ownership, and tax equity financing transactions in the renewable power sector. The office in Kansas City also benefits from the expertise of John Crossley who advises on the life cycle of renewable energy projects including portfolio acquisitions and dispositions and tax equity and debt finance transactions. Another key name in the practice is Kansas City-based Kaitlyn DeYoung who is also adept at assisting with transactions, project financing, and tax equity deals.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 3

Noted for its aptitude for handling acquisitions and dispositions of energy generation projects, sales and purchases of energy projects and portfolios, and tax equity and credit matters, the power practice at K&L Gates continues to attract new clients from the renewable energy and financial services industry sectors to its roster which consists of notable names such as Acciona Energy and Ørsted. The group has particular expertise advising on matters related to solar, wind, and energy storage, as well as hydrogen, biogas, and waste-to-energy both on a domestic and international level. Leading the team is Brogan Sullivan who stands out for his prowess in handling national and cross-border M&A transactions, tax credit purchases and sales, and tax equity finance. The department also benefits from the experience of John Crossley who frequently represents sponsors and tax equity investors on acquisitions, dispositions, and debt finance transactions, while Kaitlyn DeYoung concentrates on project portfolio acquisitions, construction loan financings, and tax equity transactions. All lawyers mentioned are based in Kansas City.

Finance > Fintech Tier 3

K&L Gates offers a team with ‘beyond amazing’ knowledge, known for their ability to advise on complex partnerships, regulatory compliance regarding both state and federal law, and transactional matters. New York-based co-head Judith Rinearson is an expert in prepaid and emerging payment systems, including embedded finance and BaaS, while fellow co-head Jeremy McLaughlin is based in San Francisco and focuses on advising a broad range of clients on money transmitter laws, anti-money laundering laws, and digital asset investments. In Charlotte, Michael Hutson is a key figure in the firm’s transactional offering, focusing on emerging growth and venture capital.

Insurance > Advice to policyholders Tier 3

Pittsburgh-based David F. McGonigle co-leads the insurance recovery practice at K&L Gates. The team is regularly tapped by a variety of corporate entities for assistance with the full spectrum of coverage disputes. Lawyers filling the US bench include Washington DC-based Jonathan Cohen, who specializes in product liability, product recalls, supply chain, and cyber incident matters, and Geoffrey J. Greeves, an experienced trial lawyer well-acquainted with business tort litigation. In Newark, Donald W. Kiel acts for a broad selection of clients before various courts, and Anthony La Rocco, whose practice spans a true variety of sectors and policy types. Pittsburgh-based commercial litigator John Sylvester is well-versed in environmental and product liability matters as well as a range of first-party claims disputes, Laura Veith handles long-tail asbestos and environmental liabilities as well as professional and general liability and business interruption issues, and  Lucas Tanglen advises policyholders on renewals and wording negotiations.

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

Praised for its ability to provide its panoply of clients with ‘unique solutions’, K&L Gates possesses a strong grounding across a diverse range of maintenance, policing, licensing and clearance work. The group is jointly steered by Chicago’s Robert Barrett and Seattle’s Theo Angelis. In Seattle, Pam Jacobson draws upon her background in health tech to advise a host of established corporations. Boston’s David Byer further strengthens the firm’s offering with his established capabilities in trademark, advertising and publicity issues.

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

Practitioners within K&L Gates‘s ‘practical and results-oriented’ group offer clients deep registered funds knowledge which runs the gamut of registered funds, namely exchange traded funds, open-end funds and closed-end funds, being called upon by some of the world’s largest asset managers such as BNY Mellon Investment Management. The team especially stands out for assistance with fund governance and board dynamics, due to its experience of advising leading board members of investment companies, particularly in relation to new state and congressional initiatives and regulatory changes. Indeed Robert Zutz and Ndenisarya Meekins in Washington DC are both noted for their ‘encyclopedic 1940 Act knowledge.’ Meekins leads the team alongside firm chairman Michael Caccese in Boston, Clair Pagnano in Boston and Mark Amorosi in Washington DC, who is key for restructuring matters. Pagnano is key for closed-end fund advice, and is particularly well reputed in exemptive applications as well as no-action letter requests. Elsewhere, Mark Goshko in Boston is experienced in the formation and operation of closed-end funds.

Transport > Aviation and air travel: finance Tier 3

The aviation finance team at K&L Gates  has wide-reaching expertise, from representing both bank and non-institutional lenders to lessors, airlines, and technology innovators. Its services for commercial finance in the sector are a particular highlight. Amanda Darling heads up the team from Orange County, ‘an excellent lawyer’ with notable experience of the Japanese market which leads her to work in structuring and advising on JOLCO transactions. Milos Kovacevic, in Seattle, is also recommended.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

K&L Gates is a top firm in white-collar defense and corporate investigations, representing public companies, executives, and officials in complex matters involving reputational, financial, and operational risks. The firm handles a wide range of issues, including accounting fraud, anti-corruption, money laundering, tax crimes, and cybersecurity, offering multijurisdictional legal advice across various regulatory bodies. David Rybicki  co-leads the practice, leveraging his experience as former second-in-command of the DOJ’s Criminal Division to handle corporate fraud, FCPA violations, and international money laundering. Neil Smith  specializes in government investigations, securities enforcement, and FCPA compliance. Stephen Topetzes defends financial services clients in SEC and DOJ investigations, while Christopher Nasson advises on risk mitigation and defends clients in criminal and civil matters.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 4

Drawing on the firm’s national network, K&L Gates represents clients in state and federal courts and in international arbitral tribunals. Led by Lindsay Sampson Bishop in Massachusetts and Jackie Celender in Pennyslvania, the team is regularly called upon by US and global clients and represents leading companies from the software, financial services and pharmaceutical sectors to the manufacturing, construction, food and beverage, and entertainment industries. Pennsylvania-based Thomas Birsic focuses his practice on complex commercial disputes and insurance coverage litigation, with a strong track record in both national and international arbitration. Thomas Holt, splitting his time across Massachusetts and Washington DC, represents Fortune 500 companies, HNW individuals and governments, while Melissa Tea in Pennsylvania specializes in the manufacturing, technology, and health care industries. Pallavi Mehta Wahi in DC focuses on corporate and tech disputes and Texas-based Artoush Varshosaz is praised as ‘smart, personable, and trustworthy’.

Energy > Energy litigation: electric power Tier 4

K&L Gates is well-versed in handling administrative litigation before the FERC and other regulatory bodies in the electric energy field. The group is led by Washington DC's Kimberly Frank, who has vast experience in administrative and appellate litigation, and Brogan Sullivan from Kansas City. Donald Kaplan focuses his practice on litigation, handling energy matters before the Court of Appeals. Nathan Howe has extensive knowledge of regulatory processes and the evolving energy landscape.

Energy > Energy litigation: oil and gas Tier 4

K&L Gates, with offices across the U.S. oil patch, offers extensive experience in domestic oil and gas litigation and international markets. The firm’s litigators work closely with maritime, offshore policy, and environmental lawyers, providing comprehensive counsel across a wide range of disputes. Known for its strong trial and appellate practice, the team represents lessees in complex upstream cases, including hydraulic fracturing litigation and right-of-way acquisitions. The practice is led by London-based Ben Holland, with Fort Worth-based Jeffrey King representing producers, gas marketing companies, and pipeline operators in court and arbitration. Fort Worth-based Elizabeth Tiblets focuses on high-stakes energy disputes, including royalty underpayment and class actions, while Pittsburgh-based Thomas Ryan is a recognized trial lawyer, representing upstream and midstream clients, particularly in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays.

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 4

Recognized for tackling complex environmental challenges, K&L Gates excels in both regulatory matters and high-stakes litigation. Working with Fortune 500 companies and successful businesses, it offers expertise in air, water, mining, oil, gas, and waste management, along with emerging issues like environmental justice. It has strong ties with federal and state agencies, as well as a global reach and a diverse expertise. Notably, Brian Montag in the Newark office, represents clients in state, federal, and administrative proceedings, including before the DOJ and EPA, and has led landmark cases on environmental justice, Superfund sites, and toxic torts. It is also important to mention Varu Chilakamarri , in DC, who joined from the DOJ, where she most recently led the Torts Branch, overseeing high-stakes litigation defending the US in complex damage suits.

Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 4

K&L Gates’s environment, land, and natural resources practice is geared to support state and federal regulation of air, water, wetlands, mining, oil and gas, and waste management. As a ‘key resource’ for clients, Harrisburg’s Craig Wilson is a key point of contact for clients on permitting and land approvals for the development and operation of energy projects. The deep bench also fields Brian Montag, of the Newark office, who aids chemical, manufacturing, and construction clients on Superfund sites, hazardous waste, and product liability, and Seattle’s Ankhur Tohan, who focuses his practice on renewable energy development and carbon management compliance. Other key names include Raleigh-based Stanford Baird, who represents manufacturing clients on contaminated properties and development permitting, and Tad Macfarlan, who aids on air emissions, wastewater, and hazardous waste management regulatory regimes from the Harrisburg office.

Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 4

Trusted by an array of clients, K&L Gates combines regulatory and litigation expertise with notable transactional capabilities, to advise on real estate and corporate transactions. Craig Wilson demonstrates activity on the development and operation of renewable, commercial, and industrial energy projects operating out of the Harrisburg office, alongside Timothy Weston, who focuses on energy development and natural resources management matters. The team includes Chicago-based David Rieser, who offers a broad practice across legislative, regulatory, and compliance matters, with notable environment-related transaction instructions from power generation, chemicals, and financial services clients, among others, on real estate transactions and commercial transactions, and Seattle lawyer Ankur Tohan, who is recognized for his work in energy infrastructure and natural resources development. Newark’s Brian Montag is also recommended.

Healthcare > Service providers Tier 4

Noted for its ‘deep specialization’, K&L Gates is noted for handling issues concerning billing systems and value-based payment work, in addition to acting in cases concerning FCA allegations. Ken Marlow co-leads the team from Nashville, regularly assisting private equity funds and healthcare clients with strategic transactions within the healthcare space. Chicago-based practice co-head Limo Cherian is noted for her specialism in Medicare fraud and abuse mandates, and payment disputes, while co-head Gary Qualls focuses on matters concerning Certificates of Need in North Carolina. Seattle’s Carla DewBerry is well-placed to advise on Medicare and Medicaid audits and disputes, in addition to assisting with tax issues on both a state and federal level. In North Carolina, Kelsey Jernigan often acts in Stark and AKS mandates, in addition to handling operational issues concerning medical staff.

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

The hedge fund practice at K&L Gates advises sponsors and managers of a range of hedge and alternative investment funds on navigating issues relevant to the structuring, documentation and operation of hedge funds in key jurisdictions worldwide. Washington’s Mark Amorosi and Ndenisarya Meekins co-lead the team with Boston’s Michael Caccese and Clair Pagnano. Christopher Lokken is based in Chicago and focuses his practice on the formation and operation of private investment funds and investment management firms while Matthew Mangan in San Francisco assists with fund formation, product structuring, and regulatory and compliance matters.

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

Drawing upon its national reach, K&L Gates has a nationwide presence of lawyers who have an in-depth knowledge of a variety of private equity fund formations and launches including bespoke fund-of-fund arrangements and OCIO platforms, as well as investment advisers which have just started up. Mark Amorosi and Ndenisarya Meekins in Washington DC and Michael Caccese, and Clair Pagnano in Boston head up a group which is also able to advise on senior loan investments and major transactions. Other key lawyers include Edward Dartley in New York, who has experience in alternative investment asset classes. Elsewhere, Sasha Burstein in San Francisco is key in the private credit space.

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

The benefits, ESOP, and executive compensation practice at K&L Gates provides employers from all sizes and industries the full range of employe benefit advice and counsel. The department is led from San Francisco by Rikki Sapolich-Krol and the ‘approachable, responsive, and super knowledgeable’ Karrie Johnson Diaz from Seattle, who specialize in structuring and administrating benefit plans and compensation arrangements, and qualified retirement plan design as well as compliance and reporting issues related to the Affordable Care Act and COBRA respectively. The executive compensation expert on the team is San Francisco’s Ali Nardali, and the team’s leading associate from Seattle is Jennifer Addis, who has experience working with 401(k)s and other defined benefit pension plans.

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

K&L Gates provides comprehensive counsel to private equity funds across their entire lifecycle, from formation to exit. The firm underpins strong transactional expertise with key regulatory understanding, and demonstrates a solid track record across the tech, healthcare, financial services, and energy sectors. Rick Giovannelli leads the team from Charlotte and possesses a broad sponsor and portfolio-side practice that includes acquisitions, restructurings and financings. Kevin Stichter's technical background is valued by clients active in the tech and life sciences sectors, while John Blair is a go-to for leveraged buyouts. Mary Scott Kennedy works closely with a number of growth-oriented financial sponsors.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 5

K&L Gates boasts a ‘stand out international arbitration practice’ with a ‘very collaborative and diverse team of excellent people’. The team is particularly skilled at handling high-profile infrastructure projects, representing Fortune 100 and 500 companies, as well as ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and sovereigns. Members of the practice recently represented a leading construction company in a complex, multi-billion-dollar international construction arbitration. Team head Matthew Weldon is a ‘stand-out individual in international arbitration’, and based in New York, is ‘sharp and into the detail’. Based in Pittsburgh, Thomas Birsic acts on many of the international disputes undertaken by the practice, while Thomas Holt splits his time between Boston and Washington, and has impressive construction and infrastructure expertise.

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

K&L Gates remains active in district courts and the PTAB, with its varied caseload spanning IPRs, pre-litigation proceedings and appellate proceedings. Notably, the team have been advising RealTek semiconductors in the largest, ongoing patent battle in the semiconductor industry. The team is led by Theodore Angelis in Seattle, a skilled litigator specializing in district court cases for technology companies. Angelis also maintains an active practice in appellate litigation.The practice has a strong presence in Chicago, which spans Jason Engel, who leads on post-grant patent proceedings in the technology sector; Jeffrey Gargano, a seasoned trial lawyer who brings expertise in pharma patents; and Devon Beane, who has a strong track record in achieving favorable rulings on summary judgement and pre-trial motions. In Boston, Chris Centurelli concentrates on complex patent disputes related to electronic devices, robotics and medical diagnostics. Patrick McElhinny, based in Pittsburgh, brings further expertise in complex patent litigation involving various technologies.

Real estate > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 5

K&L Gates‘s construction team serves as project counsel on megaprojects and works to quash the risk of disputes as well as deal with them when they arise. The firm’s roster of clients includes the Seattle Aquarium Society, Novelis, and Fortress Investment Group LLC. London’s Matthew Smith co-leads the team alongside Nashville’s ‘highly recommended’ Slade Sevier, who has contract negotiation and litigation expertise. In Pittsburg, ‘pro’s pro’ Richard Paciaroni and the ‘knowledgeable’ Jason Richey represent owners, engineers and contractors in disputes related to energy, power, and infrastructure projects. Nashville’s Robert Dodson advises on design, defects, and bid protest claims.

Real estate Tier 5

K&L Gates‘ real estate team handles a range of transactions for a diverse client base, advising on acquisition, development, finance, and leasing matters. With a considerable breadth of knowledge and expertise, the team handles work in traditional real estate assets as well as growing areas of industry focus including energy, agri-business, logistics, and technology. Matthew Norton, based in Charleston, serves as the leader of the firm’s global real estate practice, with significant experience in handling matters that involve the sale, acquisition, financing, and development of hotels, resorts, and golf courses. Elsewhere, Pierce Richardson leads the efforts of the Pittsburgh office, regularly representing corporate and institutional clients, while Rhys Hefta leads in Seattle and offers advice on the office, hospitality, and retail sectors.

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 6

K&L Gates’ practice is known for providing practical advice to broker-dealers, hedge funds, private equity, and other fund sponsors on managing complex regulatory issues. The team advises retail and institutional brokers, clearing firms, exchanges, proprietary traders, and fund managers across asset classes and investment structures. Key areas of focus include regulatory compliance, government enforcement, cross-border regulation, capital markets, and portfolio trading, as well as tax and structuring matters. The firm has significant expertise in navigating dealings with regulators and self-regulatory organizations (SROs) globally, including the SEC, CFTC, and FINRA. The team also assists clients with obtaining interpretive, exemptive, or no-action relief. Led by Michael Caccese and Clair Pagnano in Boston, and Mark Amorosi and Ndenisarya Meekins in Washington DC, the practice is recognized for its capability in addressing sensitive regulatory matters and maintaining strong relationships with regulatory authorities.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 6

The tax team at K&L Gates consists of ‘highly skilled professionals who bring a wealth of experience and a diverse range of expertise’, under the stewardship of Randy Clark in Charlotte and Adam Tejeda out of New York. The team displays a strong track record in cross-border and domestic tax planning, private credit fund structuring, and offering IRS guidance. Tejeda is active in the private investment space and is known in the market for his work on pre-sale tax structuring. Clark has a broad skill set and has received praise for his advice on syndicated lending arrangements and matters relating to the healthcare sector.

Healthcare > Life sciences