45 Facts About K&L Gates

The Origins of K&L Gates

K&L Gates has a rich history that spans over a century. Let's dive into some key facts about its origins and formation.

1. Founding and Merger: K&L Gates was formed in 2007 through the merger of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham and Preston Gates & Ellis. Preston Gates & Ellis was founded in 1883 by Harold Preston in Seattle, while Kirkpatrick, Pomeroy, Lockhart & Johnson was established in 1946 in Pittsburgh.

2. Global Presence: The firm operates with a global footprint, having offices across five continents. K&L Gates has a total of 48 offices worldwide, with 25 locations in the United States and 23 international offices.

3. Number of Lawyers: As of 2024, K&L Gates boasts a significant workforce with close to 2,000 lawyers. This makes it one of the largest law firms globally in terms of headcount.

Practice Areas and Expertise

K&L Gates is known for its diverse practice areas and expertise in various fields. Here are some highlights.

4. Practice Areas: The firm operates across nine broad practice areas: Corporate and Transactional; Energy, Infrastructure, and Resources; Finance; Financial Services; Intellectual Property; Labor, Employment, and Workplace Safety; Litigation and Dispute Resolution; Real Estate; and Regulatory and Policy.

5. Notable Practices: K&L Gates is renowned for its expertise in several high-profile practices, including transportation: shipping/maritime regulatory, government relations, healthcare, oil & gas litigation, and registered funds.

6. Client Service Rankings: The firm has consistently ranked high in client service rankings. In 2016, it was one of only six firms out of 650 to rank in the top 10 for client service in each of the last two years.

Awards and Recognition

K&L Gates has received numerous awards and recognitions for its performance and policies. Let's explore some of these accolades.

7. Awards and Recognition: In 2015, it was ranked as one of the five best performing brands in the global legal industry by Acritas under the Managing Partners’ Forum (MPF).

8. Family-Friendly Policies: The firm offers flexible work arrangements, parental leave, and supports gender equity. These policies contribute to its reputation as a supportive and inclusive workplace.

9. Leadership: As of March 2017, the leaders of K&L Gates were James Segerdahl (global managing partner) and Michael Caccese (chairman, management committee).

Expansion and Mergers

K&L Gates has grown significantly through mergers and expansions into new markets. Here are some key events.

10. Mergers and Acquisitions: In 2008, K&L Gates combined with Hughes & Luce, a Dallas-based firm with offices in Austin, Dallas, and Fort Worth. The same year, it also merged with Kennedy Covington Lobdell & Hickman LLP, a North Carolina-based firm with offices in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Research Triangle Park.

11. Expansion into New Markets: In 2013, K&L Gates combined with Middletons, an Australian national firm with offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane.

Rankings and Surveys

The firm has consistently performed well in various rankings and surveys. Here are some notable mentions.

12. Rankings in U.S. News & Best Lawyers: K&L Gates was one of two firms to have earned 45 national first-tier rankings in the 2016 U.S. News & Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” survey.

13. Global 20 Survey: For the sixth year in a row, K&L Gates was ranked by Law360 in the publication’s 2016 Global 20 survey as one of the “20 law firms that had the biggest global presence and handled the largest, significant, and groundbreaking international and cross-border matters over the past year”.

14. Corporate Board Member Rankings: In 2016, Corporate Board Member magazine ranked K&L Gates as one of America’s top 25 corporate law firms.

Community and Social Responsibility

K&L Gates is committed to giving back to the community and promoting social responsibility. Here are some initiatives.

15. Global CSR Initiative: K&L Gates received the 2014 Global Legal Award for “Global CSR Initiative of the Year” from The American Lawyer for its Global Day of Service. This annual week-long volunteer effort focuses on serving charitable organizations in the cities and regions where the firm has offices across five continents.

16. Recession Performance Index: The American Lawyer ranked K&L Gates first among the world’s largest 100 law firms in the Recession Performance Index, which measured compound annual growth rate of revenue and revenue per lawyer.

Associate Experience and Career Development

K&L Gates places a strong emphasis on the well-being and development of its associates. Here are some insights.

17. Vault Rankings: K&L Gates ranked #49 in the Vault Law 100 and #3 in the Best Law Firms in the Pacific Northwest. It also ranked #5 in the Best Law Firms in the Mid-Atlantic and #5 in the South Atlantic.

18. Associate Reviews: Associates at K&L Gates praise the firm for its supportive and inclusive environment. Many highlight the friendly and laid-back atmosphere, with colleagues who take an interest in each other’s personal lives.

19. Career Development: The firm encourages associates to build relationships with clients and participate in business development activities. Associates are often invited to client and potential client events early in their careers.

International Work and Notable Cases

K&L Gates handles a wide range of international legal issues and high-profile cases. Here are some examples.

20. International Work: The firm's international footprint is significant, with associates working on cross-border matters frequently.

21. Notable Cases: K&L Gates advised Dimensional Fund Advisors on three new equity ETFs listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). It also advised Lehigh Valley Health Network in its merger with Jefferson Health to create a $15 billion health system.

Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity

The firm is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Here are some initiatives and recognitions.

22. Awards for Disability Inclusion: In 2024, K&L Gates was named one of the “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion” in the Disability Equality Index.

23. Best Lawyers Recognition: More than 90 lawyers from K&L Gates in the Asia-Pacific region were recognized in the 2025 Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch Editions.

24. Health Care Capabilities: K&L Gates expanded its health care capabilities by adding its first senior scientific advisor.

Thought Leadership and Continuing Education

K&L Gates is known for its thought leadership and commitment to continuing education. Here are some initiatives.

25. Thought Leadership: The firm publishes articles and series on topics such as AUKUS, carbon quarterly, and regulatory challenges.

26. Noteworthy Work: K&L Gates advised Terramont Infrastructure Partners on an equity investment in Long Island Waste Services.

27. CLE Programs: The firm offers continuing legal education (CLE) programs that cover a range of topics, including HR perspectives, internal investigations in cases of harassment, and the implications of the Supreme Court's decision in Loper Bright/Relentless.

Career Opportunities and Firm Highlights

K&L Gates offers various career opportunities and emphasizes the importance of regulatory power. Here are some highlights.

28. Careers at K&L Gates: The firm offers positions for summer associates, diversity and inclusion directors, and administrative managers.

29. Firm Highlights: One of the firm's highlights is its emphasis on regulatory power and its impact on industries.

30. Real Estate Expansion: K&L Gates has expanded its real estate offering by adding a Sydney partner and team.

Notable Alumni and Lawsuits

The firm has notable alumni and has faced several lawsuits. Here are some details.

31. Best Lawyers in America: Nearly 430 K&L Gates lawyers were named among the 2025 Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch.

32. Corporate Practice Expansion: K&L Gates expanded its corporate practice by adding a Wilmington partner.

33. Lawsuits and Controversies: K&L Gates has faced several lawsuits from former clients, including accusations of breaching fiduciary duties, overbilling, and malpractice.

34. Settlements and Resolutions: In January 2020, a worker with anxiety and ADHD sued K&L Gates for disability bias and retaliation after seeking a work-from-home accommodation. The suit was later settled out of court.

35. Notable Alumni: K&L Gates has a notable list of alumni, including Bart Gordon, a former twelve-term U.S. Congressman, and Betty Binns Fletcher, a United States Circuit Judge of the San Francisco-based United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit between 1979 and 2012.

International Rankings and Awards

K&L Gates has received numerous international rankings and awards. Here are some highlights.

36. International Rankings: The firm was shortlisted for “International Law Firm of the Year” in both the 2013 and 2009 The Lawyer Awards, as well as “US Law Firm of the Year” in the 2014, 2011, and 2009 Legal Business Awards.

37. Mergers & Acquisitions Award: In 2013, K&L Gates was selected as “Law Firm of the Year” by Mergers & Acquisitions magazine as part of their M&A Mid-Market Awards.

38. Brand Elite Ranking: K&L Gates received a Top 15 ranking in the 2016 BTI Brand Elite: Client Perceptions of the Best-Branded Law Firms.

Client Perceptions and Global Legal Awards

The firm is highly regarded by clients and has received global legal awards. Here are some details.

39. Client Perceptions: K&L Gates was one of two firms to have earned 45 national first-tier rankings in the 2016 U.S. News & Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” survey.

40. Global Legal Awards: In 2014, K&L Gates received the Global Legal Award for “Global CSR Initiative of the Year” from The American Lawyer for its Global Day of Service.

41. Recession Performance Index: The American Lawyer ranked K&L Gates first among the world’s largest 100 law firms in the Recession Performance Index.

Vault Verdict and Collegial Atmosphere

K&L Gates is praised for its supportive environment and collegial atmosphere. Here are some insights.

42. Vault Verdict: Vault magazine praises K&L Gates for its supportive environment and opportunities for career growth.

43. Collegial Atmosphere: Associates at K&L Gates describe the day-to-day atmosphere as collegial and kind. Colleagues often stop to chat about things outside of work.

44. Autonomy and Support: Associates have a lot of autonomy over their work, schedule, and practice. The firm provides extensive support in terms of resources and technology.

45. Holistic Approach to Hiring: K&L Gates takes a holistic approach to hiring, considering not only law school and grades but also how well candidates fit into the firm's collaborative and supportive environment.

K&L Gates: A Global Legal Powerhouse

K&L Gates stands tall as a global legal powerhouse. With roots dating back to the 19th century, the firm has grown through strategic mergers and expansions. Operating in 48 offices across five continents, it boasts nearly 2,000 lawyers. The firm excels in various practice areas like corporate law, energy, finance, and intellectual property. Recognized for its client service, K&L Gates consistently ranks high in industry surveys and has received numerous awards. The firm is also known for its family-friendly policies and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Despite facing some controversies, it remains a respected name in the legal world. With a focus on career development and thought leadership, K&L Gates continues to attract top talent and serve high-profile clients. Its global reach and comprehensive legal services make it a leader in the industry.