K&L Gates LLP
- Founded
- 2007-01-01 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Headquarters
- K&L Gates Center, 210 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222, USA
- Phone
- (202) 778-9000
K&L Gates LLP is a globally integrated multinational law firm headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Formed in 2007 through the merger of two legacy firms with roots dating back to 1883 in Seattle and 1946 in Pittsburgh, the firm now operates more than 40 offices across four continents, including the United States, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East. With approximately 1,700 attorneys, K&L Gates delivers legal services across nine broad practice areas ranging from corporate and transactional work to regulatory and policy. The firm is consistently ranked among the top law firms globally, earning Tier 1 national ratings from U.S. News & World Report in over 40 practice areas and recognition as one of the most prestigious law firms by Vault. Its public policy and government affairs practice, established in 1973, was one of the first such practices within a law firm. K&L Gates serves multinational corporations, financial institutions, emerging companies, and government entities, with a strong focus on cross-border transactions, regulatory compliance, and complex litigation.
Detailed Review
History and Growth
K&L Gates has built a reputation as a full-service global law firm capable of handling complex, multi-jurisdictional matters across virtually every industry sector. Its nine core practice areas are supported by specialized industry groups including energy, financial services, health care, life sciences, technology, and consumer goods. The firm's litigation and dispute resolution practice is particularly strong, with U.S. News & World Report naming it "Law Firm of the Year" for Environmental Litigation three consecutive years (2017–2019). Its regulatory and policy practice, which employs former U.S. senators, congressional staff, and senior administration officials, provides clients with deep insight into legislative and regulatory developments.
Strategic Expansion
K&L Gates has grown through strategic mergers, including acquisitions of Hughes & Luce (2008), Kennedy Covington (2008), Bell, Boyd & Lloyd (2009), and Australian firm Middletons (2013). The firm operates offices in key global financial and political centers: New York, Washington D.C., London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, and Dubai. In recent years, K&L Gates has invested heavily in technology and innovation, adopting AI-powered legal research tools, e-discovery platforms, and proprietary matter management systems to enhance efficiency.
Recognition and Culture
The firm's lawyers are widely recognized by independent legal directories such as Chambers and The Legal 500. K&L Gates also maintains a robust pro bono practice and is known for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, earning high marks in associate satisfaction surveys by Vault.
Key Products
Corporate and Transactional
Mergers and acquisitions, private equity, capital markets, joint ventures, and corporate governance.
Energy, Infrastructure and Resources
Oil and gas, renewables, mining, project finance, and regulatory compliance.
Finance
Banking, asset finance, structured finance, and restructuring.
Financial Services
Investment management, securities, fintech, and regulatory enforcement.
Intellectual Property
Patent prosecution, trademark, copyright, IP litigation, and licensing.
Labor, Employment and Workplace Safety
Employment litigation, wage and hour compliance, workplace safety, and employee benefits.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Commercial litigation, class actions, product liability, and international arbitration.
Real Estate
Acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, financing, and land use.
Regulatory and Policy
Government affairs, lobbying, antitrust, and trade compliance.
Offices & Headcount
1696 employees (approx.)
Key Persons
- Stacy G. Ackermann
Global Managing Partner
- Michael Caccese
Chairman, Management Committee
- James R. Segerdahl
Former Global Managing Partner