Overview
K&L Gates LLP is a global law firm formed in 2007 through the merger of Pittsburgh-based Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham (originally founded 1946) and Seattle-based Preston Gates & Ellis (whose roots trace back to 1883). It serves multinational corporations, emerging and growth companies, public-sector entities, educational institutions and individuals across diverse industries.
Mission and focus areas
K&L Gates’ mission emphasises delivering rigorous legal counsel combined with creative, practical problem-solving. The firm covers a broad suite of practice areas, including corporate and transactional law, finance and financial services, energy, infrastructure, real estate, intellectual property, labour and employment, litigation, regulatory and policy work, among others. The firm’s regulatory and policy practices enable clients to navigate complex governance, compliance and public-policy challenges, including environmental, financial-services and infrastructure sectors — areas where legal guidance often supports sustainable-finance, ESG and long-term value considerations.
Structure and governance
K&L Gates operates as a fully integrated global partnership, with more than 2,000 lawyers across offices on five continents. A global leadership team — including a Global Managing Partner and a Management Committee with practice-area and regional managing partners — guides firm strategy, client services and quality standards. Practice-area leaders, office managing partners and policy teams support operation and coordination across jurisdictions.
Programs and offerings
K&L Gates provides legal advisory across corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, financing, regulatory compliance, real estate, intellectual property, litigation and public-policy engagement. The firm’s integrated global platform enables complex cross-border work, while its policy and regulatory practice offers clients counsel on governance, sustainability, compliance and regulatory risk management. Additionally, its “People” directory allows clients to locate lawyers by region, expertise and practice area. Overall, K&L Gates combines broad legal capabilities with global reach, offering corporate, regulatory and transactional services to meet the needs of businesses and institutions operating internationally.
