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.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘What makes the K&L Gates team unique is the combination of their distinct legal knowledge with their deep industry knowledge, coupled with clear communication that de-escalates and settles the most entangled disputes amicably.’
‘The team works together collaboratively to resolve complex issues. Further, the team employs a flat structure and encourages open communication, which is helpful in addressing and resolving complex issues in a quick and efficient manner.’
‘The people I work with are open-minded and always willing to help.’
‘The team has deep subject matter expertise in M&A. More importantly, they know how to use this knowledge and make it understandable to the client when providing guidance. They are thorough, responsive and reliable.'
‘David Edgar has been one of the most important business partners for me. I've come to rely on him heavily and regularly for any corporate matters. He is my go-to. He has deep subject matter expertise and provides clear advice. He's responsive, reliable and personable.'
‘The team has been terrific. They've been consistently good partners for many years. The team has been stable too, allowing deep knowledge of our business, culture and risk. More than that, the K&L Gates team has invested in getting to know our lawyers and business leaders to help with the transactions.'
‘Lots of great global talent to help us with an international project. Very accessible.'
‘Our experience is with Bob Zinn, who is terrific in every regard. Great tactical advisor, familiar and comfortable with commercial negotiations.'
Key clients
- Akoustis Technologies
- Barefoot Mosquito and Pest Control
- Butler Health System
- Carousel Capital Partners
- Exact Sciences Corporation
- FUJIFILM Electronics
- Incline Equity Partners
- Lehigh Valley Health Network
- Pacific Trellis Fruit
- The SEER Group
Work highlights
- Advised Saltchuk Resources, Inc. in its pending acquisition of Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), Inc., in a transaction that values OSG at an aggregate equity value of approximately $653m and a total transaction value of $950m.
- Advised Axonics, Inc in its definitive agreement to be acquired by Boston Scientific Corporation, for $71 in cash per share, representing an equity value of approximately $3.7bn.
- Represented FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation and FUJIFILM Electronics Materials USA., Inc in the acquisition of a semiconductor high-purity process chemicals business from Entegris, Inc.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leah Baucom
Practice head
Rick Giovannelli
Other key lawyers
Robert Zinn; Kevin Stichter; Calvina Bostick; Jessica Pearlman; David Edgar; Leah Baucom