The acquisition significantly expands J&V Energy’s renewable energy platform and further strengthens its position as a leading independent power producer and green energy supplier in Taiwan.

The K&L Gates team was led by Taipei partners Billy Chen and Joseph Tseng with support from Singapore partner Marius Toime, Doha partner Simon Chan, and Taipei associate Lillian Chen.

“As Taiwan's renewable energy sector continues to evolve, acquisitions of operating renewable energy assets are playing an increasingly important role in supporting long-term growth and investment,” Chen said. “We were delighted to support J&V Energy on a transaction that strengthens its renewable energy platform and advances its strategic objectives in a dynamic and growing market.”

Jerome Tan, CIO of J&V Energy, added: “This acquisition reflects our continued commitment to building a scaled, integrated renewable energy platform in Taiwan. The portfolio complements our existing operations and strengthens our ability to deliver long-term value to customers, partners, and stakeholders. We appreciated K&L Gates’ commercial guidance and collaborative approach throughout the transaction.”

K&L Gates’ Corporate practice is one of the most substantial in the legal industry, with hundreds of lawyers in offices across the globe providing clients with practical legal solutions in the structuring, financing, and closing of domestic, international, and cross-border transactions.

This year, nine K&L Gates partners were recognized with a total of 10 “Lawyer of the Year” awards, an accolade received by only one lawyer in each practice area and region across the country, resulting in a total of nearly 550 recognitions overall for the firm.

Congratulations to the Lawyer of the Year award recipients below, as well as to all of the lawyers recognized in the 2027 edition. To view the full list of individuals recognized, please click here.

LAWYERS OF THE YEAR

Charleston

• Andrew Lloyd – Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Charlotte

• John Blair – Corporate Law
• Sean Jones – Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law; Securities Regulation
• Jared Mobley – Tax Law

Pittsburgh

• Cordelia Glenn Grabiak – Nonprofit / Charities Law
• William Kuss – Trademark Law
• David Lehman – Corporate Law

Seattle

• Peter Talevich – Litigation - Trusts and Estates

Washington, DC

• Steve Topetzes – Litigation - Securities

K&L Gates advised on the technology procurement and commercial arrangements underpinning the transaction, working closely with ResetData to address the novel issues arising from the financing and acquisition of high-value AI infrastructure.

The acquisition supports the expansion of ResetData's AI infrastructure platform and its ability to meet growing demand for sovereign AI computing.

ResetData Co-Founder and Joint-CEO Bass Salah said: “The K&L Gates team’s deep technology experience and commercial judgement gave us the confidence to navigate a number of difficult issues and deliver an outcome that will progress ResetData’s customer deployment and our AI infrastructure pipeline.”

The K&L Gates team was led by technology partner Cameron Abbott and special counsel Allison Wallace and Rob Pulham, with support from corporate partner Naomi Philp.

Now in its 25th year, the BTI Client Service A-Team is the only law firm ranking based solely on unprompted, in-depth interviews with leading legal decision-makers. The 2026 analysis draws on more than 350 interviews conducted between June 2025 and March 2026 with general counsel, chief legal officers, and other senior legal decision-makers at organizations with revenues of US$1 billion or more. K&L Gates has received recognition every year from BTI Consulting since the inception of the Client Service A-Team rankings.   

The research conducted in pursuit of assigning rankings evaluates law firms across 17 key activities that define superior client relationships, including client focus, commitment to help, understanding the client’s business, and delivering value for the dollar.   

In addition to firmwide recognition, Kansas City partner John Crossley and New York partner Marc Veilleux were named to the BTI Client Service All-Stars 2026, an honor awarded to individual attorneys identified by in-house counsel as delivering the absolute best in client service. 

This recognition follows a series of honors from BTI Consulting Group, including naming the firm an “Innovation Icon” for its forward-thinking client solutions, listing the firm among the most recommended law firms in the BTI Most Recommended Law Firms 2025 report, and recognizing the firm as a litigation leader in six categories.   

K&L Gates is recognized consistently for providing clients with the most sophisticated solutions to legal challenges around the world. For more information on the firm’s awards and recognitions, please visit: klgates.com/accolades. 

Foley brings extensive experience advising broker-dealers and other financial institutions on regulatory compliance, enforcement, and trading-related matters. His practice focuses on representing US-registered broker-dealers in matters involving the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), self-regulatory organizations, and state and foreign regulatory agencies. He also counsels financial institutions on regulatory compliance matters involving trading and sales practices, corporate transactions, internal investigations, and regulatory risk management.

Foley has deep knowledge of broker-dealer operations, including institutional trading, retail sales, fund distribution and underwriting, and investment banking. He regularly advises multinational financial institutions on equity and fixed income sales practices, mergers and acquisitions advisory work, trading and reporting rules, electronic trading, cross-border fund underwriting and distribution rules, and other marketplace regulatory issues. Foley has also conducted significant retail sales practice investigations involving complex products and alternative investments, and has represented clients in FINRA enforcement and market regulation matters involving issues such as market manipulation, fair pricing, trade reporting, and short sales.

“Tim's arrival further enhances the firm’s ability to advise asset managers, fund sponsors, broker-dealers, and other market participants navigating an increasingly complex regulatory environment,” said Mark Amorosi, a leader of K&L Gates’ AMIF practice. “His perspective adds an important dimension to our global platform and his talents will increase our value to clients operating in today’s evolving financial markets.”

David Wochner, K&L Gates’ office managing partner for its Washington, DC office, commented: “Tim will be especially valuable to the firm given his experience working with complex regulatory agencies such as the SEC and FINRA. His addition strengthens our ability to provide sophisticated, strategic counsel across the asset management, investment funds, and financial services sectors.”

Foley’s arrival follows several strategic additions to the firm’s AMIF practice in the past year, including New York partner Tamika Bent, San Francisco partner Edward Baer, Washington, DC partner Thoreau Bartmann, Hong Kong partner Huberta Chow, and London partner Marianna Tothova.

K&L Gates’ AMIF practice has more than 50 years of experience in the financial services industry and comprises more than 150 lawyers throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. These lawyers provide advice to investment companies and advisers, broker-dealers, emerging managers, and institutional investors across a range of areas, including on investment, hedge, private equity, and real estate funds, regulated funds and exchange-traded products, capital markets and derivatives, ERISA, ESG, and global regulation and distribution, among others.

Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Hainesport, New Jersey, HTG serves commercial and industrial customers across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast through a rail-served network that provides access to disposal capacity in markets facing increasing landfill constraints. Terramont Infrastructure Partners invests in middle-market infrastructure businesses across energy and power, transportation, environmental, and digital infrastructure sectors.

HTG owns and operates a network of rail-served transfer and disposal assets, as well as a federally chartered short-line railroad. The acquisition supports Terramont's investment strategy across essential transportation and environmental infrastructure assets. The transaction included debt financing provided by Fifth Third Bank.

The K&L Gates team was led by New York partners Josh Berick and Chris Bozydaj with further M&A support from New York associates Jane Steffens and Mollie Carney. New York partner Ed Dartley and New York associates Jamie Robinson, Brigitte Shaw, and Ben Augugliaro supported on fund structuring matters. Charlotte partner Aaron Rothman, Charlotte counsel Enia Gyan, and Dallas associate Devon Poage counseled on debt financing. New York partners Adam Tejeda and Chris Carson handled tax issues. New York partner David Naidu and Newark associate Julia McGowan advised on environmental matters.

“This transaction brought together a sophisticated infrastructure investor in Terramont and an experienced operator in HTG, which provides critical services in a highly specialized market,” said Berick. “We were pleased to help Terramont execute this transaction and coordinate the multidisciplinary legal work required to support the acquisition and related debt financing.”

Dartley, practice area leader for the firm’s Asset Management and Investment Funds group said, “We’ve had the honor of advising Terramont on its corporate and funds matters since the company’s inception and look forward to continuing to partner with them in their future successes.”

K&L Gates’ Corporate practice is one of the most substantial in the legal industry, with hundreds of lawyers in offices across the globe providing clients with practical legal solutions in the structuring, financing, and closing of domestic, international, and cross-border transactions.

The deal was led by London partner James Green and included Charlotte partner Sean Jones, London senior associate Robert Boughey, Charlotte associate Jeff Pititto, and London trainee solicitor Alice MacHenry.

Green commented: “We were pleased to advise CPH2 on this important fundraising, which positions the company to advance its commercial objectives and continue developing innovative hydrogen production technology. The transaction also reflects continued investor interest in companies supporting the energy transition.”

K&L Gates’ Corporate practice is one of the most substantial in the legal industry, with hundreds of lawyers in offices across the globe providing clients with practical legal solutions in the structuring, financing, and closing of domestic, international, and cross-border transactions.

Wende and Eustermann advise clients on a broad range of intellectual property matters, including patents, trademarks, designs, and utility models. Wende and Eustermann have also advised clients regarding Unified Patent Court (UPC) proceedings and coordinated patent enforcement strategies across Europe. Together, they have built a European intellectual property practice serving innovative companies ranging from startups and venture-backed businesses to multinational enterprises. Their experience includes patent prosecution, portfolio management, and disputes before the UPC, helping clients protect, manage, and enforce intellectual property rights across Europe.

“Christian and Markus have established a highly regarded intellectual property practice advising innovative companies across Europe on complex patent and other intellectual property matters,” said Dr. Martina Ortner, Co-Managing Partner, Germany. “Their addition expands our intellectual property capabilities in one of Europe's leading innovation and patent markets and further strengthens our ability to advise clients on patent protection, enforcement, and UPC-related matters across jurisdictions. We are pleased to welcome Christian, Markus, and their team to K&L Gates.”

“The team brings significant experience in patent prosecution, litigation, portfolio management, and strategic counseling across a broad range of technologies, including proceedings before the UPC,” said Jason Engel, lead practice area leader for the firm’s global Intellectual Property practice. “Their work complements our global intellectual property platform and strengthens the capabilities we offer emerging companies, investors, and multinational businesses seeking to protect, manage, and enforce intellectual property assets worldwide.”

Wende focuses his practice on patent, trademark, design, and utility model matters and has particular experience advising innovative companies in the medical technology and automotive sectors. His work includes patent prosecution, opposition and invalidation proceedings, infringement matters, and intellectual property due diligence in connection with mergers and acquisitions and venture capital transactions.

Eustermann advises clients on patent prosecution, post-grant proceedings, and patent litigation, including proceedings before the UPC. His experience spans a broad range of advanced technologies, including medical devices, automotive technologies, software-related inventions, and nanotechnology. A German and European patent lawyer and European patent litigator, he regularly advises innovation-driven businesses on protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights in Germany and across Europe.

The addition of Wende, Eustermann, and their team continues K&L Gates' strategic investment in its European platform and follows the recent additions of aviation finance partner Andrew Harper, data partner Sarah Pearce, and asset management and investment funds partner Marianna Tothova in London, as well as international arbitration partner Maria Kostytska in Paris.

K&L Gates’ IP practice boasts more than 215 lawyers and professionals – including more than 110 registered patent lawyers, agents, and technology specialists with technical or advanced science degrees, 20 with doctorates – who devote their practices to helping clients establish, enforce, and leverage their intellectual property rights worldwide. The practice filed more than 5,475 patent applications and 4,020 trademarks worldwide in 2025.

The firm received practice rankings related to their work on matters related to trademarks, intellectual property, patents, copyright and related rights, and ITC litigation across several jurisdictions. K&L Gates lawyers were recognized for their work in trademark, patent disputes, and copyright.

The jurisdictions in which the firm was recognized in the 2026 edition include:

Australia

• Copyright and related rights
• Patent Disputes
• Trademark – law firms

United Kingdom (England)

• Trademark Prosecution

United States (national)

• ITC litigation
• PTAB litigation
• Trademark Prosecution

California

• Trademark Disputes
• Trademark Prosecution

Illinois

• Patent Prosecution

Massachusetts

• Trademark

Pennsylvania

• Intellectual Property

Washington

• Intellectual Property

The K&L Gates lawyers that were recognized include:

Australia

• Jonathan Feder – trademark star
• Sally Foreman – notable practitioner
• Harrison Ottaway – rising star
• Greg Pieris – rising star
• Chris Round – notable practitioner
• Tony Watson – trademark star

Germany

• Thorsten Vormann – patent star

South Korea

• Tyler Won – notable practitioner

United Kingdom

• Arthur Artinian – trademark star
• Simon Casinader – rising star
• Millie Pierce – rising star
• Georgina Rigg – rising star

United States

Florida

• Jonathan Morton – trademark star

Illinois

• Jason Engel – rising star
• Matthew Dicke – rising star
• Jeffrey Gargano – patent star

Massachusetts

• David Byer – trademark star

Pennsylvania

• Patrick McElhinny – patent star

Texas

• Christopher Graff – trademark star

Washington

• Pam Kohli Jacobson – patent star, trademark star
• Jeffrey Johnson – trademark star, copyright star

K&L Gates’ IP practice boasts more than 215 lawyers and professionals – including more than 110 registered patent lawyers, agents, and technology specialists with technical or advanced science degrees, 20 with doctorates – who devote their practices to helping clients establish, enforce, and leverage their intellectual property rights worldwide. The practice filed more than 5,475 patent applications and 4,020 trademarks worldwide in 2025.

The admission marks a significant milestone for Amaroq as it continues to advance its mining, exploration, and infrastructure activities in Greenland and supports its next phase of growth. Amaroq believes a Main Market listing will enhance its visibility among international investors and broaden access to long-term institutional capital.

The matter was led by London corporate partner James Green and included senior associates Rob Boughey, Madeleine Williams, and Alex Woolley, associate Eklavya Sharma, and trainee solicitors Anna Carter and Alvi Elezi. 

Green commented: “We are delighted to have advised Amaroq on this milestone. Admission to the Main Market is a significant achievement for the company and a testament to the progress it has made in establishing itself as a leading mining and exploration business in Greenland.”

Eldur Olafsson, CEO of Amaroq Ltd., said: “Admission to the Main Market marks an important step in Amaroq's evolution as a producing mining company. We appreciate the support and guidance provided by James Green and the K&L Gates team throughout the process and look forward to continuing to build on our momentum.”

K&L Gates’ Corporate practice is one of the most substantial in the legal industry, with hundreds of lawyers in offices across the globe providing clients with practical legal solutions in the structuring, financing, and closing of domestic, international, and cross-border transactions.

Work highlights in this year's report include advising Olam Holdings on the sale of its India-based technology and digital services arm, Mindsprint Pte. Ltd., to Wipro Limited, India's fourth-largest technology services provider. The transaction, reportedly Wipro’s largest acquisition to date, also formed the foundation of a more than US$1 billion, eight-year digital transformation partnership between Olam and Wipro.

The report also recognizes the firm's role as counsel to Samvardhana Motherson International, one of the world's top 15 automotive OEM suppliers, on two strategic transactions: the acquisition of a 95% stake in Atsumitec, a leading Japanese manufacturer of automotive control systems and transmission components, and the investment in Rider Dome, a developer of rider assistance systems for two-wheelers.

Now in its 20th year, IBLJ’s rankings are based on extensive research conducted by seasoned researchers into the type and complexity of India-related work that international law firms have undertaken over the last 12 months. It is also based on feedback from interviews with India-focused corporate counsel around the world, as well as with partners at both Indian and international law firms.

Earlier this year, Singapore partners Raja Bose and Meraj Noor were named in IBLJ’s International A-List 2026 as two of India’s Top Foreign Lawyers for India-related matters.

To learn more about K&L Gates’ India practice, please visit our website.

The case involved confidential scientific information related to Yale's extracellular protein degradation technology platform. In addition to awarding damages, the jury found that the defendants' trade secret misappropriation was willful and malicious. The verdict highlights the importance of protecting confidential research and preserving the trust that underpins collaboration among universities, investors, and life sciences companies.

The K&L Gates team was led by New York partner Roger Crane, Charlotte partner Vincent Galluzzo, and Seattle partner Harold Storey and included Chicago associate Austin Holler, Charlotte associate Ryan Regan, and Los Angeles associates Rachel Berman and Jake Winningham. Co-counsel from Susman Godfrey, including managing partner Kalpana Srinivasan, represented Yale.

“This verdict underscores the importance of protecting confidential scientific information and the integrity of a system that depends on trust between universities and the funds and companies that seek to license and develop their innovations,” Crane said. “When universities share trade secrets and other confidential research with commercial partners, it is critical that they can trust that the information will be protected. This case was about preserving that trust and protecting the integrity of the innovation ecosystem.”

Biohaven Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Vlad Coric said: “We are grateful to the jury for its careful consideration of the evidence and to the K&L Gates team for its exceptional representation throughout this matter. Their strategic counsel and trial advocacy were instrumental in achieving this outcome.”

Astanor Growth is a global growth equity investor focused on companies advancing the future of food, agriculture, and human health. Its investment in RFI Ingredients reflects its commitment to supporting businesses driving innovation across the health and wellness sector.

The K&L Gates team was led by New York partner Josh Berick, Nashville associate Leah Eubanks, and New York associate Mollie Carney.

K&L Gates’ Corporate practice is one of the most substantial in the legal industry, with hundreds of lawyers in offices across the globe providing clients with practical legal solutions in the structuring, financing, and closing of domestic, international, and cross-border transactions.

The firm was honored as one of the top law firms in Taiwan across the following practice areas:

• Capital Markets 
• Life Sciences & Healthcare 
• Semiconductor & Advanced Manufacturing

Asia Business Law Journal highlighted the firm's role in several notable transactions, including its representation of StemCyte in its initial public offering on the Taiwan Stock Exchange and Lightel Corporation in its initial public offering on the Taipei Exchange, among other significant client matters.

Winners of Asia Business Law Journal's Taiwan Law Firm Awards 2026 were selected based on votes, references, and qualitative information received from in-house counsel and other legal professionals in Taiwan and around the world.

To learn more about the firm's Taiwan practice and capabilities, please visit our website. 

BioLife Solutions, a Bothell, WA based company, is a developer and supplier of cell processing tools and biopreservation media used in cell and gene therapy applications. According to the companies, the transaction is expected to expand Repligen's capabilities in the cell therapy market and broaden its portfolio of cell processing technologies and consumable products. 

The K&L Gates team was led by Corporate partner Michael Hedge, managing partner of the firm's Orange County office, Orange County partner Jason Dreibelbis and Nashville partner Lauren Ammons. The multi-office, cross-practice team also included Orange County partner Mattias Luukkonen, Research Triangle Park partner Michael Hinckle, San Francisco partner Ali Nardali, Seattle partners Jake Bernstein, Catherine Smith and Robert Starin, Washington, DC partner Allen Bachman, Wilmington partner Kelly Terribile, Orange County associates Kailey Ashton, Corben Brooks, Wyatt Hornstein, and Trinh Truong, and Seattle associate Henry Brockway.

K&L Gates’ Corporate practice is one of the most substantial in the legal industry, with hundreds of lawyers in offices across the globe providing clients with practical legal solutions in the structuring, financing, and closing of domestic, international, and cross-border transactions.

Erwin is a trusted advisor to employers of all sizes and across a wide range of industries. He maintains a nationwide practice counseling and representing clients on the full spectrum of employment laws and regulations. He is also an experienced litigator who represents employers in federal and state courts across the country in complex employment and business disputes.

A significant portion of Erwin’s practice is devoted to helping companies protect their most valuable information, preserve critical business relationships, lawfully recruit sought-after talent, and maintain their competitive edge. He regularly prosecutes and defends actions involving injunctive and equitable relief related to restrictive covenants, including non-competition, non-solicitation, and confidentiality agreements, as well as trade secret misappropriation, tortious interference, unfair competition, and related claims.

Erwin also conducts sensitive internal investigations involving allegations of executive misconduct and advises boards of directors, chief compliance officers, and in-house legal teams on employment, compliance, and workplace culture issues. He works closely with employers to assess risk, develop practical strategies, and support compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

“Brodie brings broad labor and employment knowledge that aligns well with the evolving challenges facing employers across industries,” said Melissa Tea, lead practice area leader of K&L Gates’ Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice. “His experience handling employment litigation, workplace investigations, restrictive covenant disputes, trade secret matters, and OSHA-related proceedings strengthens our ability to provide strategic counsel to clients on their most significant workforce and business issues.”

“Brodie is widely respected in the Raleigh legal and business communities and has developed a strong reputation as a trusted advisor to employers,” said David Lindsay, managing partner of the firm’s Raleigh office. “His addition reinforces our commitment to continued growth in North Carolina and enhances the services we provide to clients both locally and across the firm’s global platform.”

Erwin’s arrival is the latest in a series of strategic additions across the firm’s global platform and follows the arrivals of labor and employment litigator Carlos Jimenez in Los Angeles earlier this year.

Lawyers in K&L Gates’ Labor, Employment, and Workplace Safety practice and Global Employer Solutions area advise domestic and international clients in the technology, pharmaceuticals, retail, banking, manufacturing, hospitality, transportation, broadcasting, construction, mining, energy, financial services, and health care industries, among others, on a variety of regional and cross-border labor and employment issues. K&L Gates’ Global Employer Solutions team counsels corporations and entities across numerous countries and jurisdictions in meeting the challenges of their global business needs. The practice also publishes its annual Global Employer Guide, which offers a concise, easy-to-read summary of employment law across numerous countries.

In his new role, Crosky will work with the firm’s leadership to help drive the firm's operations and strategic direction across Europe while working closely with colleagues across the firm to support clients' evolving business needs. His appointment reflects the firm's continued focus on supporting clients across key markets throughout Europe and beyond.

Crosky is a partner in the firm's Finance practice and served as a practice group coordinator for its Restructuring and Insolvency practice. A structured finance lawyer, he advises clients on a broad range of financing transactions and has extensive experience supporting cross-border matters across Europe, the Middle East, the United States, Australia, and Asia.

Global Managing Partner Stacy Ackermann said: “Sean brings deep experience, sound judgment, and a proven ability to lead. Through his work advising clients and helping lead one of our core practices, he has earned the trust and respect of colleagues across the firm. We are confident Sean will build on the firm’s momentum and continue advancing client service across Europe. We are also grateful to Tony for his leadership and many contributions to the firm, which have helped build a strong foundation for continued growth and opportunity across Europe.”

“It is a privilege to serve as Regional Managing Partner for Europe,” Crosky remarked. “Europe remains a dynamic and important market for many of our clients, and I look forward to working with colleagues across our offices to continue strengthening our capabilities, deepening client relationships, and supporting growth across key markets. We have exceptional talent throughout Europe, and in my new role I will work very closely with our Co-Managing Partners for Germany on the continued growth of our platform in Europe, building on the strong foundation we already have in place.”

Griffiths will continue with the firm, focusing on clients and supporting the continued development of the European platform.

Griffiths added: “It has been a privilege to serve as Regional Managing Partner for Europe and the Middle East and to work alongside such talented colleagues across the firm. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful for the relationships we have built with our clients and one another. Sean is an outstanding leader, and I am confident he will continue to build on the firm’s momentum across Europe and guide it into its next chapter.”

SevenCanyon operates several established British prize competition platforms, including 7days Performance, Redline Competitions, and UK Carp Competitions. In its last fiscal year, SevenCanyon generated operating earnings (EBITDA) of more than GBP 10 million.

K&L Gates advised on all aspects of the transaction with integrated teams in London and Frankfurt, including on a EUR 40 million acquisition financing provided by Deutsche Bank.

The transaction was jointly led by Frankfurt partner Boris Kläsener and London partner John Elgar. They were supported by London partners Richard Dollimore, Giles Bavister and Richard Hardwick, Frankfurt partner Dr. Matthias Grund, Frankfurt senior associate Marlena Bitner, London senior associates Emma Cooper and Ayesha Gill, London associates Eklavya Sharma, Courtney Hunter, and Amelia MacHugh as well as trainee solicitor Alice MacHenry. Lawyers from the firm's Dubai and Melbourne offices also advised on the transaction.

Through the acquisition, San Luis Aviation became a consolidated subsidiary of JVCKENWOOD Corporation, supporting the company's full-scale entry into the hybrid domain of wireless systems by integrating broadband Push-to-Talk communications with professional radio systems. The transaction is intended to help accelerate growth in JVCKENWOOD Corporation's communications systems business, particularly in North America, by expanding secure, interoperable communications capabilities.

The K&L Gates deal team was led by Seattle partner Adam Heyd and associate Mark Lively with assistance from Washington, DC partner Guillermo Christensen, Washington, DC associate Brian Hopkins, Seattle partners Karrie Johnson Diaz, Catherine Smith, Mark Wittow, Whitney McCollum, Rob Starin, and Johnny Carlson, along with Seattle associates Kali Peeples, Rachel Morowitz, and Scott Launius, and Palo Alto associate Alaina Bailey.

“We were pleased to advise JVCKENWOOD Corporation on this strategic acquisition,” Heyd said. “The transaction enhances the company's ability to deliver secure and interoperable communications solutions while supporting its long-term growth objectives in North America and beyond.”

K&L Gates’ Corporate practice is one of the most substantial in the legal industry, with hundreds of lawyers in offices across the globe providing clients with practical legal solutions in the structuring, financing, and closing of domestic, international, and cross-border transactions.   

The acquired portfolio comprises 13 product registrations approved by the US Food and Drug Administration across four therapeutic categories: critical care, ophthalmology, specialty oral products, and hematology and oncology, together with related intellectual property, trademarks, regulatory dossiers, and customer relationships. The transaction completed on 1 June 2026. 

The K&L Gates team was led by New York partner Whitney Smith with assistance from New York partners Chris Bozydaj and Adam Tejeda, Research Triangle Park partner Michael Hinckle, Washington, DC partner Andrew Ruskin, Dallas partner Sheila Armstrong, Raleigh partner Andrew Reibman, Washington, DC counsel Amanda Smith, New York associate Mollie Carney, and Charlotte associate Jacob Markham. 

“The transaction brings together a portfolio of established, FDA‑approved products with the operational framework needed to support continued commercialization in the United States, and positions The J. Molner Company to expand its presence across hospital, specialty pharmacy, and retail channels,” said Smith. “Executing the transaction required careful coordination of regulatory and commercial elements to ensure uninterrupted supply and a seamless transition of the business, while aligning the acquired platform with the company’s broader growth strategy.”

“This acquisition represents a significant milestone for The J. Molner Company and advances our strategy of building a diversified portfolio of high-value pharmaceutical products for the US market,” said Jason Grenfell-Gardner, founder of The J. Molner Company. “The addition of these established products complements our existing commercial and development portfolio, expands our presence across key therapeutic areas, and provides a strong foundation for continued growth. We appreciate the K&L Gates team’s strategic guidance and dedication in helping us successfully complete this important transaction.”

The Centuria Sydney CBD Prime Office Fund is the largest single-asset closed-ended unlisted fund that Centuria has launched, and the capital raising has been well supported by Centuria's domestic investor base and Japan-based institutional investors.

K&L Gates advised on all aspects of the transaction including the establishment of the Centuria Sydney CBD Prime Office Fund, cross-border capital raising and the 50% interest in the 680 George Street and 50 Goulburn Street, Sydney CBD office assets.

Centuria Capital Group's Chief Investment Officer Andrew Essey said: "Naomi and the team are consummate professionals. There was seamless collaboration between the corporate, funds and property teams here in Australia and abroad. It was highly valuable for us to be able to utilise one single law firm with the breadth and expertise required for this matter."

The K&L Gates team was led by Corporate and Investment Funds partner Naomi Philp, with support from M&A partner Nick Ramage, Investment Funds partner Lisa Lautier, Corporate partners Adam Levine (FIRB) and Ayman Guirguis (ACCC), special counsels Jacob Blakely and Scott Allen, senior associates Whitney Jiang and Gloria Tam, and lawyers Aibelle Espino and Tom Farinelli. Support on the cross-border capital raising was provided by of counsel Yuki Sako (Tokyo) and partners Edward Bennett (Singapore) and Scott Peterman (Hong Kong).

Brookfield was advised by Minter Ellison.

* All Singapore lawyers are members of K&L Gates Straits Law LLC, the Singapore office of global law firm K&L Gates.

Bent brings extensive private practice, in-house, government, and academic experience in derivatives and financial regulation. Her clients include funds, commercial end-users, banks, broker-dealers, swap dealers, security-based swap dealers, futures commission merchants, and trade associations. Bent regularly counsels buy-side and sell-side clients on ISDA documentation and negotiation, and on the Commodity and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulatory frameworks under the Dodd-Frank Act. Throughout her career, Bent has advised on trading agreements, loan-linked and deal-contingent hedges, total return swaps, and structured repurchase facilities. 

Bent’s service as Chief Counsel to former CFTC Commissioner Kristin N. Johnson gives her firsthand insight into regulatory policy and supervisory expectations. In that role, she oversaw the work of the agency's Market Risk Advisory Committee and informed the agency’s approach to market developments, including prediction markets, digital assets, artificial intelligence, disintermediation, and vertical integration. 

Bent brings deep knowledge of the commercial and operational realities of global derivatives markets. As senior counsel and executive director at Natixis, she led legal support for the bank’s Global Markets derivatives business, including overseeing the firm’s derivatives documentation function. Bent also served as an adjunct professor at New York Law School, teaching derivatives documentation and US financial regulation.  

“Tamika’s arrival adds important depth to our global AMIF practice, particularly at the intersection of derivatives and financial regulation,” said Mark Amorosi, a leader of the firm’s global AMIF practice. “Her experience advising a broad range of market participants on highly complex transactional and regulatory matters, which includes swap dealer issues, clearing, and CFTC and SEC regulatory requirements, will be a tremendous asset to clients navigating an increasingly sophisticated and closely scrutinized marketplace.” 

“Tamika’s international experience and deep understanding of global financial markets make her an outstanding addition to our firm,” said John Bicks, managing partner of K&L Gates’ New York office. “New York is both a key office for K&L Gates and one of the most important financial centers in the world, and Tamika’s ability to advise clients across jurisdictions and market structures will further enhance the support we provide through our global platform.” 

Bent's arrival follows several additions to the firm’s AMIF practice in the past year, including San Francisco partner Edward Baer, Washington, DC partner Thoreau Bartmann, Hong Kong partner Huberta Chow, London partner Marianna Tothova, and New York partner Robert Leonard. 

K&L Gates’ AMIF practice has more than 50 years of experience in the financial services industry and comprises more than 150 lawyers throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. These lawyers provide advice to investment companies and advisers, broker-dealers, emerging managers, and institutional investors across a range of areas, including on investment, hedge, private equity, and real estate funds, regulated funds and exchange-traded products, capital markets and derivatives, ERISA, ESG, and global regulation and distribution, among others. 

Wait represents lenders and borrowers in a broad range of commercial real estate financings, with a particular emphasis on Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (CMBS) and agency servicing. His practice centers on advising clients across a variety of financing transactions, including managing complex engagements and negotiating sophisticated agreements that support successful operations and long-term growth.

“Gavin’s arrival reflects our continued investment in Charleston and our ability to attract talented lawyers with strong finance capabilities,” said Jared Mobley, managing partner of the firm’s Charleston office. “His experience representing both lenders and borrowers in real estate finance transactions will enhance the services we provide to clients in the region and across our global platform.”

“Gavin brings valuable experience in commercial real estate finance and a practical approach to addressing complex legal and business challenges,” said Christine Hoke a leader of the firm’s Finance practice. “His addition strengthens our CMBS and agency servicing team and our ability to support clients across a broad range of financing matters.”

The addition of Wait builds on the firm’s continued growth in its Finance practice since the start of last year with the addition of London partners Andrew Harper and Gareth McCarter, Charlotte-based partner Seth Ivey, Sydney partner Rob White, and Charlotte of counsels Sean Corcoran and Scott Rudd.

K&L Gates’ global Finance practice integrates the many disciplines involved in financing and restructuring transactions across markets and industries around the globe. With lawyers in offices across Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, the practice maintains a balance between buy-side and sell-side representation in its work on behalf of lenders, borrowers, servicers, collateral managers, trustees, rating agencies, investors, and other participants in a wide array of financing transactions.

The transaction establishes a new investment venture between Cromwell and the Asia-Pacific investor, with Cromwell retaining a 5% co-investment and continuing to manage the asset through its integrated real estate platform.

K&L Gates advised Cromwell on all aspects of the transaction, including the joint venture agreement, investment mandate, and property acquisition.

The team was led by Capital Markets and Investment Funds partner Naomi Philp, with support from Real Estate partner Jennifer McCosker, Investment Funds partner Lisa Lautier, special counsel Scott Allen, and lawyer Aibelle Espino.

Mallesons acted for the institutional investor.

Knapp is an accomplished corporate transactional lawyer with extensive experience advising public companies, private equity-backed portfolio companies, and family offices on mergers and acquisitions, financings, and complex commercial transactions. His practice is particularly focused on the energy sector, including upstream, midstream, and downstream infrastructure and related commercial arrangements.

Prior to joining K&L Gates, Knapp served as executive vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary of a NASDAQ-traded, Dallas-based energy and infrastructure company, where he led legal, compliance, and risk functions and guided numerous strategic transactions.

Over the course of his career, Knapp has represented clients in significant transactions involving energy infrastructure development, asset acquisitions and divestitures, and complex commercial arrangements. His clients include independent refiners, marketers, infrastructure providers, and family offices, and his work involves matters throughout the United States and internationally.

“Pat brings a strong combination of private practice and in-house leadership experience that aligns well with our clients’ evolving needs, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors,” said Beth Petronio, managing partner of K&L Gates’ Dallas office. “His deep transactional experience further strengthens our ability to support clients across Texas and the broader energy market.”

K&L Gates’ presence in Texas spans more than 50 years with offices in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. Knapp’s arrival follows the addition of Austin partner Kate Goodrich, who held key legal and policy roles within the Texas Legislature, including serving as deputy general counsel and policy advisor to the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. Globally, the firm’s Corporate practice recently welcomed data partner Sarah Pearce in London and M&A partner Yang Wang and capital markets partner Guiping Lu in Hong Kong.

“Pat’s arrival enhances our corporate M&A capabilities, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors where clients are continuing to navigate complex transactions and evolving market conditions,” said Adam Tejeda, leader of K&L Gates’ global Corporate practice. “His experience advising public companies, private investors, and energy-focused businesses strengthens our ability to support clients on sophisticated transactions across key markets.”

K&L Gates’ Corporate practice is one of the most substantial in the legal industry, with hundreds of lawyers assisting clients in the structuring, financing, and completion of domestic, international, and cross-border transactions. The group serves as counsel to a broad array of Global 500, Fortune 100, FTSE 100 corporations, privately held and venture-backed companies, partnerships, private equity firms, other investment funds, management groups, and entrepreneurs, helping to earn K&L Gates the distinction of Corporate “Law Firm of the Year” in the 2024 and 2022 editions of Best Law Firms®. 

Harper is an asset finance lawyer, with a particular focus on fixed-wing and rotary aircraft finance and leasing transactions. His experience includes secured debt and export credit agency-supported financings and operating, finance, and tax-based lease structures, as well as aircraft sales, purchases, and portfolio transfers.

His clients include major international banks, export credit agencies, lessors, airlines, arrangers, funds, private equity investors, and manufacturers that engage across the full spectrum of aviation finance transactions, including JOL and JOLCO structures.

Additionally, Harper’s broad perspective and skill set includes the experience he gained through an in-house secondment at a leading aircraft manufacturer. Outside of aviation, his transportation finance experience includes advising on rail, shipping, and equipment financings.

“Andrew joins us at a time of sustained growth and increasing complexity in the aviation finance market, where strong demand for aircraft, constrained supply, and evolving capital sources are reshaping how transactions are structured,” remarked Paul Callegari, managing partner of K&L Gates’ London office. “Clients are navigating more sophisticated multi-source financings, while also responding to regulatory and sustainability pressures. Andrew’s extensive experience positions us to support clients through this next phase of market evolution.”

Matthias Grund, the lead practice area leader of K&L Gates’ global Finance practice, commented: “Andrew brings a highly relevant combination of technical capability and market insight at a time when aviation finance is becoming more structured, selective, and globally interconnected. As leasing platforms consolidate and portfolio and secondary trading activity accelerates, his experience enhances our ability to support clients on complex, cross-border transactions. At the same time, his broader transportation finance background and industry insight are highly relevant as clients adapt to evolving sustainability requirements and long-term fleet transition strategies.”

Harper’s arrival follows recent London office additions, including data partner Sarah Pearce, asset management and investment funds partner Marianna Tothova, and finance partner Gareth McCarter. More broadly, the firm has continued to bolster its global Finance practice since the beginning of last year with the addition of partners Seth Ivey in Charlotte and Rob White in Sydney, as well as of counsel Sean Corcoran and Scott Rudd in Charlotte.

“We're thrilled to welcome Andrew to the firm and leverage his valuable experience, particularly in Japanese operating lease (JOL) and JOLCO structures, which have long been a cornerstone of aircraft financing,” said Robert Melson, a practice area leader for the firm's Finance practice and head of the global Aviation Finance practice group. “As European lenders, lessors, and airlines increasingly look to diversify capital sources and access Japanese investor liquidity, his deep familiarity with these structures and cross-border execution will be highly relevant to clients in London and across Europe as well as Asia seeking more sophisticated, capital-efficient financing solutions.”

K&L Gates’ global Finance practice integrates the many disciplines involved in financing and restructuring transactions across markets and industries around the globe. With lawyers in offices across Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, the practice maintains a balance between buy-side and sell-side representation in its work on behalf of lenders, borrowers, servicers, collateral managers, trustees, rating agencies, investors, and other participants in a wide array of financing transactions.

Joel McMahon will continue as the owner and board member of the company, which serves customers across North America from multiple service locations in the Southeastern United States, including Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, Muscle Shoals, Jacksonville, and Oklahoma City. 

The transaction aligns with Carousel Capital’s focus on partnering with family-owned businesses in the Southeastern United States and providing capital solutions to support growth and long-term value creation. 

“K&L Gates was a terrific partner during the transaction,” said Tyler Moses, Principal at Carousel Capital. “Together, we were able to reach a successful outcome that positions the business for continued growth. We’re excited to build on the strong foundation that Joel McMahon and his team have created.”

“The K&L Gates team is proud to have supported Carousel Capital in its recapitalization of Jay Industrial Repair,” said K&L Gates partner, Britt Doolittle. “Our team has had the privilege of working alongside Carousel on numerous transactions that reflect the Carousel team’s collaborative, solutions-oriented approach and strong partnership with management teams. This transaction underscores that approach and we are excited to see what Carousel and the Jay Industrial team accomplish in the future.” 

The deal team was led by Charlotte partners Britt Doolittle and Kevin Stichter with support from Charlotte partners Christine Hoke and Jared Mobley, Raleigh partner Stanford Baird, Charlotte associates Ryan Beachum and Brooke Stewart, Pittsburgh associate Gloria Chibueze-Azinge, and Raleigh associates Caitlin Sarpal and Holly Jacobs.

K&L Gates’ Corporate practice is one of the most substantial in the legal industry, with hundreds of lawyers in offices across the globe providing clients with practical legal solutions in the structuring, financing, and closing of domestic, international, and cross-border transactions.    

Raleigh partner Margaret Westbrook, Miami partner Jeff Kucera, and Charlotte partner Sean Jones led the K&L Gates team with support from Boston partner John Cotter, Raleigh partners Andrew Reibman, Leann Walsh, and Emily Steele, Charlotte partners Coleman Wombwell, Barry Price, and Jon Edel, Harrisburg partner David Fine, Wilmington partner Steve Caponi, Pittsburgh partner Lucas Tanglen, and Raleigh counsel Mary Kristen Kelly. Miami associate Carly Everhardt, Boston associate Maggie Cooney, and Charlotte associates Alden Glass, Anna Sgrignoli, and Kristin Taylor also assisted on the matter.

The amicus brief urged the state’s highest court to clarify the trial courts’ gatekeeping role in assessing the reliability of an expert’s methodology, arguing that such disputes should be resolved by the court rather than submitted to a jury.

In its decision, the New Jersey Supreme Court confirmed that trial courts must meaningfully evaluate the reliability of an expert’s methodology, including in medical cases where experts rely on a differential diagnosis to establish causation of injury.

The US Chamber of Commerce and its coalition partners regularly participate in appellate litigation to address issues affecting the business community, including evidentiary standards that shape civil litigation nationwide.

“The court’s decision underscores the importance of rigorous judicial review of an expert’s methodology and reinforces the critical role trial judges play in ensuring that such evidence meets appropriate standards before reaching a jury,” said Varu Chilakamarri, a partner in K&L Gates’ Washington, DC office.

The K&L Gates team that contributed to the matter included Chilakamarri, Harrisburg partner David Fine, and Newark associate Erin Cassidy.

Established in 2013, StemCyte International, Ltd. is a leading provider of cord blood banking and stem cell-related services, supporting medical research and therapeutic applications worldwide. 

The Corporate team advising StemCyte on the listing was led by Taipei partners Cheryl Hsieh and Billy Chen, with support from Palo Alto partner Kevin Cao.

Additionally, nearly 10 of the firm’s lawyers were named to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch. This award highlights the careers of lawyers rising up in the legal profession who have been in practice less than 10 years.

The Best Lawyers guides highlight top legal talent, selected by peers within the same geographical region and legal practice area, through millions of votes a year. Click below to view the list of lawyer recognised:

The Best Lawyers in France™
The Best Lawyers in Germany™

The firm was also recognized by PitchBook among the most active law firms globally and regionally for private equity transactions, including most active in Southeast, most active in Great Lakes, and most active in financial services.

These rankings reflect the firm’s continued work advising clients across the financial services sector on complex, strategic transactions spanning mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and private equity.

“K&L Gates’ recognition in these league tables highlights our ability to deliver commercially focused legal guidance to clients operating in an increasingly dynamic financial services landscape,” said Brent Williams, a Chicago-based partner in the firm’s Corporate practice with a focus on asset management. “We are proud to support clients as they navigate strategic transactions and pursue growth opportunities across markets and geographies.”

K&L Gates’ Corporate practice delivers pragmatic, value-driven legal solutions, helping clients navigate an increasingly complex global economy. Our counsel is grounded in strategic insight and aligned seamlessly with our clients’ business priorities, ensuring advice that is both practical and forward-thinking.

Coordinated globally, our highly integrated Corporate team is comprised of hundreds of skilled lawyers strategically positioned to best serve our clients. We are trusted advisors to public and private companies, private capital investors, and boards across key industries, enabling clients to execute their most complex domestic and cross-border transactions.

Bhasker brings a combination of national security, regulatory enforcement, and advanced technology experience, including executive service in multiple White House administrations. His background includes advising on artificial intelligence, digital assets, and cybersecurity, as well as leading complex investigations and policy initiatives involving emerging technologies.

At the Department of Justice, Bhasker worked on digital currency and emerging technologies, leading investigations and providing nationwide guidance on digital asset matters, including anti-money laundering compliance and ransomware. He also worked closely with policymakers and industry stakeholders on issues involving artificial intelligence, digital identity, and cybersecurity.

“Sanjeev brings an exciting blend of frontline enforcement experience and policy leadership at the highest levels of government,” said Michael Scanlon, a leader of K&L Gates’ global Policy & Regulatory practice area. “His work on matters spanning artificial intelligence, digital assets, and national security gives him a multidimensional perspective that will further enhance our ability to help clients anticipate and respond to complex regulatory developments.”

Previously, Bhasker held leadership roles at the White House, including serving as Acting General Counsel in the Office of the National Cyber Director for the Trump and Biden administrations. In that capacity, he served as chief legal advisor on cybersecurity and emerging technology policy, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, and post-quantum cryptography, and contributed to key national policy initiatives and executive actions related to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital financial technologies. This included serving on the President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets and the Chief AI Officer Council, advising on policy, security, and industry engagement.

“Sanjeev’s background reflects a deep understanding of how emerging technologies are shaping enforcement priorities and national policy,” said David Wochner, managing partner of the Washington, DC office. “His experience across the Department of Justice and the White House strengthens our presence in Washington and positions us well to counsel clients on evolving risks and opportunities across cybersecurity, digital assets, and cross-border matters.”

Bhasker also served as an Assistant United States Attorney, where he led cyber and national security investigations, prosecuted complex criminal matters, and handled digital asset-related cases.

Bhasker’s arrival builds on the momentum following the recent hire of government affairs advisor Emily Lavery and the announcement of Hayden Haynes, Chief of Staff for US Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, joining the firm’s Washington, DC office. Other recent hires in the firm’s Public Policy and Law practice include partner Kate Goodrich in Austin and partners Marne Marotta and David Skillman, government affairs advisor Dr. Alexis Gutierrez, and of counsel Varun Jain in Washington, DC.

With a significant team of bipartisan lawyers and policy professionals who have more than 500 years of combined government experience, members of K&L Gates’ Public Policy and Law practice work with clients through the entire policy life cycle—from legislation to regulation and Congressional investigations and agency enforcement actions. The group is one of the largest public policy practices of any global integrated law firm.

Leen’s election marks a significant milestone in his career and reflects his longstanding commitment to public service and leadership within the legal profession. As a partner in the firm’s Labor, Employment, and Workplace Safety practice, Leen brings extensive experience across federal, state, and local government, as well as the private sector. 

In his inaugural address, Leen emphasized his goal of fostering a more inclusive legal profession, noting that his presidency will be dedicated to enhancing disability inclusion and accessibility across the profession and in the court system. 

Leen stated: “It is a true honor for me to serve as the 139th President of the Bar Association of the District of Columbia, and I am grateful for the support of K&L Gates as I undertake this important office. As I noted in my inaugural address, I look forward to working with the BADC and the broader legal community to advance a profession that is more accessible and fully inclusive of people with disabilities.” 

David Wochner, office managing partner of K&L Gates’ Washington, DC office, said: “Craig’s election to lead one of the nation’s oldest bar associations is a meaningful recognition of his leadership and service to the Washington, DC legal community. We are proud to see him take on this important role and continue advancing accessibility and inclusion across the profession from here in the nation’s capital.” 

Leen is a partner in K&L Gates’ Labor, Employment, and Workplace Safety practice, where he co-leads the firm’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs and Affirmative Action Compliance area of focus and serves as the Washington, DC office’s Pro Bono Coordinator. Before joining the firm, Leen served as Director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs at the US Department of Labor, where he reported directly to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Labor and helped guide the agency’s enforcement and compliance assistance efforts. His prior public service also includes serving as City Attorney for the City of Coral Gables and as Chief of the Appeals Section and Chief of the Federal Litigation Section at the Miami-Dade County Attorney’s Office. 

Pearce is an experienced cyber, privacy, and data security lawyer focused on regulatory compliance, incident response, and AI governance. She advises multinational organizations on global data privacy regimes (including, in particular, those in the UK and the EU), cyber security risks and incident response, regulatory investigations, and data governance. She assists clients in identifying and managing risks associated with data privacy and security and has extensive experience supporting data strategies and compliance programs, including international data transfers, marketing-related requirements, and risk management associated with the collection and use of data.

Pearce has managed multiple high-profile international security incidents and counsels clients on incident preparedness, as well as regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings. She has deep familiarity with the EU digital regulatory frameworks such as NIS2, DORA, the Cyber Resilience Act and the AI Act, and advises on privacy and data security considerations in complex commercial and technology agreements, including in the context of corporate transactions.

“Sarah’s arrival reflects the strategic expansion of our London office and growing client demand in the UK and across Europe for sophisticated advice on data, technology, and regulatory risk,” said Paul Callegari, managing partner of K&L Gates’ London office. “London is a key hub for our corporate, tech, and regulatory practices, and Sarah’s experience advising on complex, cross-border data and cybersecurity matters will further strengthen our offering to clients in this market.”

Adam Tejeda, leader of K&L Gates’ global Corporate practice, commented: “Sarah brings a highly relevant combination of corporate, privacy, and cybersecurity experience at a time when data risk is a core consideration in transactions and ongoing business operations. Her experience advising on privacy and data security issues in complex commercial arrangements and M&A strengthens our global Corporate practice and enhances our ability to support clients navigating regulatory change and technology-driven growth.”

Pearce’s arrival follows other strategic hires to the firm’s London office over the past two years, including Asset Management and Investment Funds partner Marianna Tothova and Finance partners Gareth McCarter and Sonya Van de Graaff.

K&L Gates’ Corporate practice is one of the most substantial in the legal industry, with hundreds of lawyers assisting clients in the structuring, financing, and completion of domestic, international, and cross-border transactions. The group serves as counsel to a broad array of Global 500, Fortune 100, FTSE 100 corporations, privately held and venture-backed companies, partnerships, private equity firms, other investment funds, management groups, and entrepreneurs, helping to earn K&L Gates the distinction of Corporate “Law Firm of the Year” in the 2024 and 2022 editions of Best Law Firms®.

The case arose from challenges by an activist investor seeking to invalidate governance provisions adopted by closed-end funds, and relied on Section 47(b) to bring the claims. The Supreme Court reversed the lower court ruling, holding that Section 47(b) does not authorize private lawsuits to rescind contracts alleged to violate the Investment Company Act.

K&L Gates represented two of the four petitioners in the case and was involved in the litigation from the District Court through the US Court of Appeals and ultimately before the Supreme Court. The team, led by Washington, DC partners Steve Topetzes, Jennifer Gonzalez, and Varu Chilakamarri, included lawyers from the firm’s Policy and Regulatory, Appellate, and Asset Management and Investment Funds practices, reflecting the firm’s depth in complex regulatory and appellate matters.

In a joint statement, the K&L Gates team remarked: “Congress says what it means, and it means what it says. By reinforcing the now-established general rule against implied private rights of action, the Court has restored some stability to the registered fund space. The notion that activist shareholders or others could pursue a broad range of claims to rescind contracts, bylaw provisions, or other agreements they deem to violate any provision of the Investment Company Act not only undermined the Congressionally-determined role of the SEC as the enforcer of the statute, but also threatened a wide range of improper attacks on closed-end funds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and other investment companies or businesses covered by the Act.”

The decision is expected to have a significant impact on private litigation involving registered investment companies by limiting the ability of private plaintiffs to bring claims under Section 47(b) and reinforcing existing statutory boundaries.

Cannatrek is a leading Australian medicinal cannabis company with a strong domestic cultivation and distribution platform, while Little Green Pharma is a vertically integrated ASX-listed operator with an expanding international footprint.

On implementation, Little Green Pharma will own 100% of Cannatrek, creating one of the largest integrated medicinal cannabis businesses in the country, combining complementary cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution platforms to scale operations domestically and overseas.

This transaction reflects continued consolidation in Australia’s medicinal cannabis sector, as operators seek scale, vertical integration, and improved distribution capabilities in a highly regulated environment.

The deal team was led by Melbourne Corporate partner Harry Kingsley, with support from senior associates Rami Maserow, Mathika Perera, and Alex Garfinkel, and lawyer Seb Kostas. Health and life sciences regulatory advice was provided by Paris Petranis and Julia Baldi, and litigation strategy was spearheaded by Stephen Hume and Anna Smith.

Advocacy at the first and second court hearings was handled by external counsel Dr. Oren Bigos KC and Harry Hill-Smith.

Kingsley stated: “We congratulate Cannatrek on reaching this pivotal milestone and look forward to supporting the combined venture throughout its next phase of growth. This transaction demonstrates the continued maturation of Australia’s medicinal cannabis market, where scale, operational capability, and regulatory expertise are critical to long-term success.”

Paula Butler, CFO of Cannatrek, added: “This was a complex transaction spanning legal, regulatory and business workstreams, and we certainly appreciated the guidance of the exceptional team at K&L Gates.”

The deal team was led by Pittsburgh partner Jeffrey Acre with assistance from Nashville partner Lauren Ammons and Miami associate Stephen Vinson. Pittsburgh partner Steve Barge and associate Vicki Wu advised on tax matters. Charlotte partner Sean Jones, Pittsburgh partner Scott Graham, Wilmington partner Kelly Terribile, Boston partner Lance Dial, New York partner Marc Veilleux, and of counsel Keri Riemer advised on legal opinion matters. 

“This transaction is a testament to ATI’s continued ability to access the capital markets as a means to successfully manage its balance sheet. The transaction required close coordination to execute efficiently in a dynamic environment,” said Acre. “We were pleased to support ATI on this offering, drawing on our global platform and cross-disciplinary team to help guide the transaction through completion.” 

K&L Gates’ Corporate practice is one of the most substantial in the legal industry, with hundreds of lawyers in offices across the globe providing clients with practical legal solutions in the structuring, financing, and closing of domestic, international, and cross-border transactions.   

As a firm, K&L Gates was recognized in the following categories:

• Alternative/hedge funds
• Aviation and air travel - finance
• Construction (including construction litigation)
• Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense: advice to corporates
• Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense: advice to individuals
• Delaware counsel
• E-discovery
• Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: design
• Energy litigation: oil and gas – mid-market ($0-500m)
• Energy regulation: electric power
• Energy regulation: oil and gas
• Energy: renewable/alternative power
• Energy transactions: electric power – mid-market ($0-500m)
• Environment: litigation
• Environment: regulatory
• Environment: transactional
• Financial Services Regulation: Banking
• Fintech
• General commercial disputes – mid-market ($0-250m)
• Government relations
• Healthcare: Service providers
• Insurance: Advice to policyholders
• International arbitration
• Life sciences (firm to watch)
• M&A litigation: defense
• M&A: middle-market ($500m-999m)
• Mutual/registered/exchange-traded funds
• Patents: litigation (full coverage)
• Patents: prosecution (including re-examination and post-grant proceedings)
• Private equity buyouts: middle market (Up to $500m)
• Private equity funds (including venture capital)
• Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: consumer products (including tobacco)
• Real estate – mid-market ($0-500m)
• Shipping - litigation and regulation
• Trademarks: non-contentious (including prosecution, portfolio management and licensing)
• US taxes: non-contentious

Along with the firm’s rankings, 11 K&L Gates lawyers were identified by The Legal 500 as either a “Hall of Fame” member, “Leading Partner,” “Next Generation Partner,” or “Leading Associate” in their respective practice areas. These lawyers, and the categories in which they were recognized, are:

• Leah Baucom - M&A: middle-market ($500m-$999m) [Next Generation Partner]
• Calvina Bostick - M&A: middle-market ($500m-$999m) [Leading Partner]
• Mark Goshko - Mutual/registered/exchange-traded funds [Hall of Fame]
• Victoria Hamscho - Government relations [Leading Associate]
• Tanner Honea - Shipping: litigation and regulation [Next Generation Partner]
• George Kontakis - Shipping - litigation and regulation [Next Generation Partner]
• Ndenisarya Meekins - Mutual/registered/exchange-traded funds [Leading Partner]
• Karishma Page - Government relations [Leading Partner]
• Michael Scanlon - Government relations [Leading Partner]; Shipping - litigation and regulation [Leading Partner]
• Elle Stuart - Shipping - litigation and regulation [Leading Associate]
• Scott Waxman - Delaware counsel [Leading Partner]

To view the firm's full rankings, including the listed lawyers, visit The Legal 500 United States 2026 edition.

Lavery is a skilled strategic policy counselor and lobbyist with a focus on Senate Republican and Republican Administration engagement. She has cultivated a successful practice with clients including Fortune 500 companies, leading trade associations, major financial services companies, and large-scale real estate funds.

Lavery previously served as a senior policy advisor to US Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and as staff director for the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure. During her time on Capitol Hill, she advised on tax, trade, judiciary, and economic policy, including on the drafting and passage of legislation related to the Opportunity Zone tax incentive. She served in the Senate throughout several rounds of reconciliation, the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, multiple historic pandemic relief bills, and the passage of the FIRST STEP Act, among other landmark legislative events. Throughout her Senate career, Lavery secured the enactment of multiple bills spanning across the tax, trade, judiciary, energy, and natural resources policy spheres.

Lavery was also formerly a vice president and investment advisor at one of the largest global private wealth management firms. In that role, she directly managed client assets in excess of $100 million, designed custom investment portfolios, executed trades, and provided analysis on capital markets, federal tax policy, and macroeconomic and geopolitical developments.

Lavery’s arrival closely follows the announcement of Hayden Haynes, Chief of Staff for US Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, joining the firm. Other recent hires in the firm’s Public Policy and Law practice include partner Kate Goodrich in Austin and partners Marne Marotta and David Skillman, government affairs advisor Dr. Alexis Gutierrez, and of counsel Varun Jain in Washington, DC.

“Emily brings together an incredibly strong combination of policy and political insight and advocacy talent that is highly relevant to our clients,” said Karishma Shah Page, a leader of K&L Gates’ Public Policy and Law practice. “She understands how policy developments intersect with business priorities and brings a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach to addressing complex issues in Washington.”

David Wochner, managing partner of the firm’s Washington, DC office, commented: “Emily has built a reputation for developing effective strategies in a shifting policy environment. Her experience working across Congress, regulatory agencies, and the private sector adds to the depth of our team and enhances our ability to support clients on critical legislative and regulatory matters.”

With a significant team of bipartisan lawyers and policy professionals who have more than 500 years of combined government experience, members of K&L Gates’ Public Policy and Law practice work with clients through the entire policy life cycle—from legislation to regulation and Congressional investigations and agency enforcement actions. The group is one of the largest public policy practices of any global integrated law firm.

Baer brings extensive experience advising exchange-traded funds (ETFs), investment companies, and asset managers on a wide range of compliance, regulatory, governance, operational, and capital markets matters. His practice spans the full lifecycle of fund development and operation, including product structuring, compliance frameworks, board governance, ETF trading, and creation and redemption mechanics. He also has significant experience advising clients on digital assets and cryptocurrency-related matters, including fund structuring, regulatory considerations, and investments tokens, as well as emerging products and market structures.

Earlier in his career, Baer served as managing director and senior counsel for the world’s largest global asset manager and as chief legal officer of the largest US ETF platform, where he oversaw legal and compliance matters for more than 300 ETFs representing approximately US$800 billion in assets under management at the time. In his previous roles, Baer led work across ETF registration, exemptive relief, exchange listing and trading issues, and innovative product development, including novel ETF structures and strategies.

“Edward’s deep experience across both traditional ETF structures and rapidly evolving digital asset products makes him an outstanding addition to our practice,” said Clair Pagnano, a leader of the firm’s global AMIF practice. “Clients are increasingly navigating the intersection of regulated funds and next-generation investment vehicles, and Edward brings valuable insight into both.”

Baer’s arrival follows several additions to the firm’s AMIF practice in the past year, including Washington, DC partner Thoreau Bartmann, Hong Kong partner Huberta Chow, London partner Marianna Tothova, and New York partner Robert Leonard.

“Edward has spent his career at the forefront of ETF product development, regulation, and innovation, and he brings a level of depth and practical experience that is rare in this space,” said Matthew Mangan, managing partner of K&L Gates’ San Francisco office. “His arrival reflects our continued commitment to the California market and strengthens our ability to meet the evolving needs of clients across asset management and digital assets.”

K&L Gates’ AMIF practice has more than 50 years of experience in the financial services industry and comprises more than 150 lawyers throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. These lawyers provide advice to investment companies and advisers, broker-dealers, emerging managers, and institutional investors across a range of areas, including on investment, hedge, private equity, and real estate funds, regulated funds and exchange-traded products, capital markets and derivatives, ERISA, ESG, and global regulation and distribution, among others.

Published annually, the guide recognizes the top lawyers and law firms across the United States, with rankings based on thousands of in-depth interviews conducted with lawyers and clients to assess the reputations and experience of lawyers around the country.

K&L Gates, as a firm, was recognized in the following categories:

Nationwide Rankings

• Construction
• Corporate/M&A: Highly Regarded
• Energy: Electricity (Regulatory & Litigation)
• Environment
• Government Relations: Federal
• Healthcare: Highly Regarded
• Hedge Funds
• Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Policyholder
• Investment Funds: Investor Representation
• Investment Funds: Regulatory & Compliance
• Leisure & Hospitality
• Litigation: General Commercial: Highly Regarded
• Offshore Energy
• Oil & Gas Litigation
• Private Equity: Fund Formation
• Registered Funds
• Sports Law
• Transportation: Aviation: Finance
• Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Regulatory

State Rankings

• Antitrust - Illinois
• Banking & Finance: Corporate Regulatory - Massachusetts
• Bankruptcy/Restructuring - North Carolina; Washington
• Construction - Pennsylvania; Tennessee
• Corporate/M&A - North Carolina: Charlotte & Surrounds; Oregon; South Carolina; Tennessee; Washington
• Corporate/M&A & Alternative Entities - Delaware
• Corporate/M&A & Private Equity - Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh & Surrounds
• Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation - Pennsylvania; Washington
• Energy & Natural Resources - Pennsylvania; Washington
• Environment - New Jersey; Pennsylvania; Tennessee; Washington
• Healthcare - North Carolina; Tennessee
• Hedge & Mutual Funds - Massachusetts
• Immigration - Texas
• Insurance - New Jersey; Pennsylvania
• Intellectual Property - Illinois; Massachusetts; North Carolina; Pennsylvania; Washington
• Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets - Illinois; Texas
• Labor & Employment - Massachusetts; New Jersey; North Carolina; Washington
• Life Sciences - Massachusetts
• Litigation: General Commercial - Massachusetts; North Carolina; Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh & Surrounds; Tennessee; Texas: Dallas, Fort Worth & Surrounds; Washington
• Litigation: White-Collar Crime and Government Investigations - Pennsylvania
• Real Estate - Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh & Surrounds; South Carolina; Washington
• Tax - Illinois, North Carolina; Washington
• Tax: Litigation - Texas
• Tax: State & Local - Texas

K&L Gates individuals recognized were:

• Mark Amorosi - Registered Funds, Nationwide
• Curt Anderson - Corporate/M&A & Private Equity, Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh & Surrounds
• Stanford Baird - Environment, North Carolina 
• Jake Bernstein - Privacy & Data Security, Nationwide
• Leonard Bickwit - Government Relations: Federal, Nationwide
• Thomas Birsic - Litigation: General Commercial, Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh & Surrounds
• Lindsay Bishop - Litigation: General Commercial, Massachusetts
• Nathaniel Bolin - International Trade: Export Controls & Economic Sanctions, Nationwide
• April Boyer - Labor & Employment, Florida
• Sasha Burstein - Private Equity: Fund Formation, Nationwide
• Michael Caccese - Hedge & Mutual Funds, Massachusetts; Investment Funds: Regulatory & Compliance, Nationwide; Registered Funds, Nationwide
• Amanda Cashman - Energy & Natural Resources, Pennsylvania
• Jackie Celender - Litigation: General Commercial, Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh & Surrounds
• Christopher Centurelli - Intellectual Property, Massachusetts
• Won-Han Cheng - Tax, Washington
• Limo Cherian - Healthcare, Illinois 
• Shiau Yen Chin-Dennis - Corporate/M&A, Oregon
• Randy Clark - Tax, North Carolina
• Jonathan Cohen - Insurance: Policyholder, District of Columbia
• Gail Conenello - Environment, New Jersey
• Stephan Coonrod - Corporate/M&A, Washington
• John Cotter - Intellectual Property, Massachusetts
• John Crossley - Projects: Renewables & Alternative Energy, Nationwide
• Daniel Crowley - Government Relations: Federal, Nationwide
• Amanda Darling - Transportation: Aviation: Finance, Nationwide
• Darlene Davis - Healthcare, North Carolina
• Karrie Johnson Diaz - Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation, Washington
• Lauren Donahue - Antitrust, Illinois
• Brittany Doolittle - Corporate/M&A, North Carolina: Charlotte & Surrounds
• Jon-Luc Dupuy - Hedge & Mutual Funds, Massachusetts
• Daniel Eliades - Bankruptcy/Restructuring, New Jersey
• Maria Faconti - Energy: State Regulatory & Litigation (Electricity), Texas
• Eric Feldman - Corporate/M&A: Alternative Entities, Delaware
• David Fine - Litigation: Appellate, Pennsylvania
• Kimberly Frank - Energy: Electricity (Regulatory & Litigation), Nationwide
• David Fusco - Litigation: Product Liability, Pennsylvania; Product Liability: Toxic Torts, Nationwide
• Vincent Galluzzo - Intellectual Property, North Carolina
• John Gardner - Bankruptcy/Restructuring, North Carolina
• Jeff Gargano - Intellectual Property, Illinois
• Rick Giovannelli - Corporate/M&A, North Carolina: Charlotte & Surrounds
• Mark Goshko - Hedge & Mutual Funds, Massachusetts; Registered Funds, Nationwide
• Christopher Graff - Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets, Texas
• Brian Graham - Immigration, Texas
• Geoffrey Greeves - Insurance: Policyholder, District of Columbia
• Philip Guess - Litigation: General Commercial, Washington
• Julie Anne Halter - E-Discovery & Information Governance, Nationwide
• Michael Hart - Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation, Pennsylvania
• Cliff Histed - Litigation: White Collar Crime & Government Investigations, Illinois
• Timothy Hobbs - Environment, Tennessee
• Brent Hockaday - Labor & Employment, Texas
• Nicholas Hodge - Hedge Funds, Nationwide
• Lee Hogewood III - Bankruptcy/Restructuring, North Carolina
• William Holmes - Energy & Natural Resources, Oregon
• Nate Howe - Energy & Natural Resources, New Jersey
• Nathan Huff - Litigation: General Commercial, North Carolina
• Pam Jacobson - Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation; Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright & Trade, Washington
• Mary Beth Johnston - Healthcare, North Carolina
• Sean Jones - Corporate/M&A, North Carolina: Charlotte & Surrounds
• Donald Kaplan - Energy: Electricity (Regulatory & Litigation), Nationwide
• Jeffrey King - Oil & Gas Litigation, Nationwide
• Michael King - Real Estate, North Carolina
• Gary Kocher - Corporate/M&A, Washington
• George Kontakis - Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (New York), Nationwide
• Steven Kowal - Antitrust, Illinois
• Hannah Koyfman - Intellectual Property, Massachusetts
• Jeffrey Kucera - Bankruptcy/Litigation, Florida
• Anthony La Rocco - Insurance, New Jersey
• Dawn Lamparello - Environment, New Jersey
• John Lawrence - Healthcare, North Carolina
• Robert Leonard - Hedge Funds, Nationwide
• David Lindsay - Labor & Employment, North Carolina
• David Lu - Intellectual Property, Massachusetts 
• Michael Lubic - Bankruptcy/Restructuring, California
• Tad Macfarlan - Environment, Pennsylvania
• Pablo Man - Hedge & Mutual Funds, Massachusetts; Hedge Funds, Nationwide
• Michael Martinez - Antitrust, Illinois 
• Michelle McCreery - Corporate/M&A & Private Equity, Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh & Surrounds
• Brendan McDonnell - Corporate/M&A, Oregon
• Patrick McElhinny - Intellectual Property, Pennsylvania
• David McGonigle - Insurance, Pennsylvania 
• Ndenisarya Meekins - Registered Funds, Nationwide
• Alyssa Moir - Environment, Washington
• Brian Montag - Environment, New Jersey
• David Naidu - Environment, New York
• Ali Nardali - Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation, California: San Francisco, Silicon Valley & Surrounds
• Christopher Nasson - Litigation: White Collar Crime & Government Investigations, Massachusetts 
• McNair Nichols - Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations, North Carolina
• Margaret Niles - Investment Funds: Investor Representation, Nationwide
• Karishma Shah Page - Government Relations: Federal, Nationwide
• Clair Pagnano - Hedge & Mutual Funds, Massachusetts
• Clayton Parker - Corporate/M&A & Private Equity, Florida: South
• Michael Pavlick - Labor & Employment, Pennsylvania
• Jessica Pearlman - Corporate/M&A, Washington
• Brian Peterson - Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Washington
• Beth Petronio - Litigation: General Commercial, Texas: Dallas, Fort Worth & Surrounds
• Mark Pomfret - Labor & Employment, Massachusetts
• Charles Purcell - Tax, Washington 
• Stanley Ragalevsky - Banking & Finance: Corporate & Regulatory, Massachusetts
• Natalie Rainer - Food & Beverages: Regulatory & Litigation, Nationwide
• David Raphael - Environment, Pennsylvania
• Andrew Reibman - Intellectual Property, North Carolina
• Marla Tun Reschly - Litigation: General Commercial, North Carolina
• Adriana Reyes - Immigration, Texas
• Ellery Richardson - Environment, Tennessee
• Pierce Richardson - Real Estate, Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh & Surrounds
• Jason Richey - Construction, Pennsylvania
• David Rieser - Environment: Mainly Transactional, Illinois 
• Erin Rigney - Labor & Employment, Illinois
• Emanuel Rouvelas - Government Relations: Federal, Nationwide; Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Regulatory, Nationwide
• Charles Royce - Real Estate, Washington
• Mark Ruge - Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Regulatory, Nationwide
• Mark Rush - Litigation: White Collar Crime & Government Investigations, Pennsylvania
• Andrew Ruskin - Healthcare, District of Columbia
• Thomas Ryan - Energy & Natural Resources, Pennsylvania; Litigation: White Collar Crime & Government Investigations, Pennsylvania; Oil & Gas Litigation, Nationwide
• David Rybicki - Litigation: White Collar Crime & Government Investigations, District of Columbia
• Brandy Sargent - Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Oregon
• Michael Scanlon - Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Regulatory, Nationwide
• Slade Sevier - Construction, Tennessee
• Adam Smith - Banking & Finance: Regulatory, Tennessee 
• Robert Smith - Environment, Washington
• Steven Sparling - Offshore Energy, Nationwide; Projects: LNG, Nationwide
• Rob Starin - Tax, Washington
• Kevin Stichter - Corporate/M&A, North Carolina: Charlotte & Surrounds 
• Robert Tammero - Banking & Finance: Corporate & Regulatory, Massachusetts
• Lucas Tanglen - Insurance, Pennsylvania
• Melissa Tea - Litigation: General Commercial, Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh & Surrounds
• Adam Tejeda - Tax, New York
• Elizabeth Thomas - Energy & Natural Resources, Washington
• Hayley Trahan-Liptak - Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations, Massachusetts
• Christopher Valente - Litigation: General Commercial, Massachusetts 
• Kari Vander Stoep - Energy & Natural Resources, Washington
• Artoush Varshosaz - Litigation: General Commercial, Texas: Dallas, Fort Worth & Surrounds
• C.J. Voss - Corporate/M&A, Washington
• Leann Walsh - Labor & Employment, North Carolina
• Scott Waxman - Corporate/M&A: Alternative Entities, Delaware 
• Cynthia Weed - Public Finance, Washington
• Mitchell Weiss - Tax, Illinois
• David Weitman - Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Texas 
• Matthew Weldon - International Arbitration: Counsel; International Arbitration: Enforcement, Nationwide
• Margaret Westbrook - Bankruptcy/Restructuring, North Carolina
• Timothy Weston - Environment, Pennsylvania
• Brent Williams - Corporate/M&A, Illinois
• Craig Wilson - Environment, Pennsylvania
• John Wilson - Sports Law, Nationwide
• David Wochner - Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation), Nationwide
• Andrew Wright - Government Relations: Congressional Investigations, Nationwide
• George Zornada - Hedge & Mutual Funds, Massachusetts; Registered Funds, Nationwide
• Robert Zutz - Registered Funds, Nationwide

To view the firm's full rankings, visit the Chambers USA guide.

In his role as Chief of Staff, Haynes has served as the Speaker’s principal advisor and senior manager during Speaker Johnson’s entire tenure, leading all strategic, legislative, communications, and administrative functions of the Speaker’s Office. He has overseen a team of more than 100 staff across leadership, district, and political operations and has coordinated closely with Congressional leadership, committee chairs, and the Executive Branch from the current and previous administration to advance key legislative priorities.

Haynes has extensive experience navigating high-stakes legislative negotiations and crisis situations, representing the Speaker in complex policy discussions and coordinating with national and international leaders, including heads of G7 parliaments and multiple US presidential administrations, on initiatives addressing global and domestic challenges.

“From my first campaign to the Speaker’s Office, Hayden has been with us every step of the journey,” said US House Speaker Mike Johnson. “He is an extraordinary leader, an exceptionally talented political and policy strategist, and is widely respected on the Hill by both Members and staff. While we are sad for his departure, we’re also excited for his future as he and his family move into the next stage of his career. He will remain like family to us as well.”

Throughout his career, Haynes has contributed to the passage of major legislation across administrations, including foreign aid packages for Ukraine and Israel and the Working Families Tax Cuts. Prior to his tenure in House leadership, he served in senior roles advising Member offices, directing legislative strategy, and managing political operations.

Karishma Shah Page, a leader of K&L Gates’ global Public Policy and Law practice, stated: “Hayden brings an exceptional depth of experience at the highest levels of government, with a firsthand understanding of how policy is developed, negotiated, and implemented. He has operated at the center of complex legislative and political dynamics, and his strategic insight and relationships will further strengthen our ability to help clients navigate an increasingly complex and fast-moving policy environment.”

Haynes’ arrival builds on the continued growth of the firm’s Public Policy and Law practice, including the recent addition of government affairs advisor Dr. Alexis Gutierrez in Washington DC, partner Kate Goodrich in Austin, and of counsel Varun Jain in Washington, DC.

“Hayden’s experience advising House leadership and managing high-stakes legislative priorities will be a tremendous asset to our clients,” said David Wochner, managing partner of the Washington, DC office. “His ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and deliver results in challenging circumstances enhances our team’s ability to support clients facing evolving regulatory and public policy issues.”

With a significant team of bipartisan lawyers and policy professionals who have more than 500 years of combined government experience, members of K&L Gates’ Public Policy and Law practice work with clients through the entire policy life cycle—from legislation to regulation and Congressional investigations and agency enforcement actions. The group is one of the largest public policy practices of any global integrated law firm.

Wang focuses his practice on cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and venture capital investments, with a specific focus on matters across the Greater China region. He also has substantial experience with capital markets transactions, including initial public offerings on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and de-SPAC transactions on NASDAQ, as well as other corporate, regulatory, and dispute resolution matters.

His clients include private equity funds, multinational companies, family offices, investment banks, Chinese private companies, Hong Kong and US public companies, as well as state-owned enterprises that operate across the manufacturing, life sciences, TMT, and food and beverage industries.

Vincent Tso, Hong Kong office managing partner, stated: “We are delighted to welcome Yang to the firm. His extensive experience advising on cross-border M&A transactions across Greater China scales up our cross-border capabilities and comes at a time of renewed deal momentum in the Greater Bay Area. The region’s synergistic ecosystem – linking Hong Kong’s capital markets and international connectivity with Shenzhen’s technology innovation and Guangdong’s advanced manufacturing and life sciences capabilities – is increasingly driving GBA deal activity. Yang’s multi-sector corporate experience positions us well to support clients navigating this evolving landscape and capture opportunities emerging from this next phase of growth.” 

Ryan Dwyer, regional managing partner, Asia, said: “Yang’s addition strengthens our ability to support clients on complex, cross-border transactions across Asia, particularly in high-growth sectors such as manufacturing, life sciences, and technology. These industries are driving significant deal activity across the region, and Yang’s experience neatly fits with our strong regional service capabilities and footprint. His practice enhances our ability to deliver integrated, regional and global solutions to clients pursuing strategic opportunities across Asia and beyond.” 

Adam Tejeda, Corporate practice area leader, added: “Yang’s arrival strengthens our Corporate practice in Asia and reinforces our commitment to the Hong Kong market. We continue to see meaningful cross-border activity involving China and the broader region, including investors accessing opportunities through Hong Kong and companies pursuing international expansion. Yang’s experience, particularly in dynamic sectors across Asia, enhances our ability to support clients on both inbound and outbound transactions. He will be a valuable addition to our team as we help clients navigate complex, multi-jurisdictional matters through our integrated platform.”

Wang is the fourth partner to join the firm’s Hong Kong office since 2025, following the arrival of Corporate partner Guiping Lu and Asset Management and Investment Funds partner Huberta Chow earlier this year, and Capital Markets partner Janney Chong’s arrival in April 2025. Recent regional additions also include Corporate counsel Crystal Kwok and April Liu in Hong Kong and Intellectual Property counsel Yuxuan Royce Wang in Shanghai.

K&L Gates’ Corporate practice is one of the most substantial in the legal industry, with hundreds of lawyers assisting clients in the structuring, financing, and completion of domestic, international, and cross-border transactions. The group serves as counsel to a broad array of Global 500, Fortune 100, FTSE 100 corporations, privately held and venture-backed companies, partnerships, private equity firms, other investment funds, management groups, and entrepreneurs, helping to earn K&L Gates the distinction of Corporate “Law Firm of the Year” in the 2024 and 2022 editions of Best Law Firms®.
 

Salwa REIT Fund is licensed by the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and regulated by the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA). It represents the first REIT in Qatar, providing investors with an efficient and accessible route to invest in income-generating real estate assets.

Subject to receipt of all required regulatory approvals, Salwa REIT is expected to be listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), marking a significant milestone in the continued development and diversification of Qatar’s capital markets.

The establishment of Salwa REIT required close coordination with Qatar’s key regulatory authorities, including the QFC Authority, the QFCRA, the Qatar Financial Markets Authority, and the QSE. K&L Gates advised on the transaction’s complex legal, regulatory, and structural aspects, including establishing Qatar’s first REIT under the QFCRA’s Collective Investment Scheme Rules, setting a precedent for future REITs and similar investment structures in Qatar.

The firm advised HMK Capital LLC on all aspects of the fund’s establishment and proposed listing, including REIT structuring and preparation of core fund documentation, including the prospectus, articles of association, fund management agreement, and subscription documents.

Sheikh Hamad Mohamed Khalid Al-Thani, Chairman and Founder of HMK Capital said: “HMK Capital is committed to working within the capital market ecosystem in Qatar to contribute to market development. The launch of Salwa REIT aims to offer investors diversified exposure to income generating properties in addition to increasing liquidity and transparency in the real estate market and contributing to the resilience of the real estate sector.”

Mohammad Tayyem, the company’s CEO added: “For HMK Capital, Salwa REIT is about turning a clear market opportunity into a practical, investable platform. Our focus has been to build a durable structure that investors can understand, rely on and grow with over time. Bringing Qatar’s first REIT from concept to reality required patience, discipline and conviction, and we are proud to have helped take this important step.”

The K&L Gates team was led by Doha-based senior partner Amjad Hussain together with Dublin partner Shane Geraghty. They were primarily supported by corporate, asset management, and regulatory team members across the firm’s Doha, Boston, and Dublin offices, including Simon Chan, Rhydian Wyn, Reine Haidar, Jonathan Landers, Randa Shiblaq, and Kristene Siena.

Commenting on the transaction, Hussain said: “We are delighted to have advised HMK Capital on the establishment of Qatar’s first REIT, a landmark transaction for the country’s real estate and capital markets sector. This reflects the continued evolution and sophistication of Qatar’s regulatory and investment landscape and demonstrates the strong collaboration between market participants and regulators in bringing innovative investment structures to the market. We believe Salwa REIT creates an important platform for broadening institutional and investor access to income-generating real estate assets in Qatar and will help support the continued development of the local funds and capital markets industry.”

Salwa REIT is expected to distribute returns to investors through income generated from its underlying property portfolio. The launch of this pathfinder fund is expected to enhance the range of regulated investment products available in Qatar and further reinforce the country’s position as an increasingly sophisticated regional financial center.

The firm earned recognition across eight jurisdictions, highlighting the strength of its integrated global patents platform and the depth of its bench across prosecution, litigation, and strategic counseling. This recognition includes 19 lawyers who were ranked based on client feedback and their strengths across various patent practices.  

The jurisdictions in which the firm was recognized include:   

International 

• Recommended firms 

Australia 

• Litigation 

United States: National 

• Recommended firms – Trade Secret Litigation

United States: Illinois 

• Litigation 

• Prosecution 

United States: North Carolina 

• Firms

United States: Pennsylvania 

• Litigation 

• Prosecution  

• Transactions 

United States: Washington 

• Litigation 

• Prosecution 

China: Foreign 

• Firms

The K&L Gates Individuals Recognized Include: 

Australia 

• Chris Round – Litigation 

United States: National 

• Christopher Centurelli – Patent 

• Vincent Galluzzo – Litigation 

United States: Illinois 

• Robert Barrett – Prosecution 

• Thomas Basso – Prosecution 

• Matthew Dicke – Prosecution 

• Jason Engel – Litigation 

• Jeffrey R. Gargano – Litigation 

• James Shimota – Litigation 

United States: North Carolina 

• David Easwaran – Prosecution 

• Vincent Galluzzo – Litigation 

United States: Pennsylvania 

• Roberto Capriotti – Prosecution 

• George Dickos – Transactions 

• Patrick J. McElhinny – Litigation 

• Anna Shabalov – Prosecution 

• Christopher Verdini – Prosecution 

United States: Washington 

• Pam Jacobson – Prosecution 

China: Foreign 

• Henry Wang – Litigation 

• George Summerfield – Litigation 

Hong Kong 

• Jay C. Chiu – Litigation

K&L Gates’ IP practice boasts more than 215 lawyers and professionals – including more than 110 registered patent lawyers, agents, and technology specialists with technical or advanced science degrees, 20 with doctorates – who devote their practices to helping clients establish, enforce, and leverage their intellectual property rights worldwide. The practice filed more than 5,475 patent applications and 4,020 trademarks worldwide in 2025. 

First Sentier Investors is part of First Sentier Group which as of 31 March 2026 had assets under management (AUM) of AU$190.7 billion, inclusive of affiliate investment teams and 100% AlbaCore Capital Group AUM. This third ETF product, managed by First Sentier Investors, offers investors exposure to actively managed cash and money market securities, broadening access to institutional grade cash management capabilities that were previously less accessible to retail investors.

Units in First Sentier Active Cash Fund Active ETF commenced trading on the ASX on 7 May under the ticker symbol “FSCF”.

The K&L Gates team was led by Sydney-based, Asset Management and Investment Funds partners Matthew Watts and Lisa Lautier, with the assistance of Tax partner Stuart Broadfoot.

Rebecca Paton, Product Director (Australia) at First Sentier Investors, said: “This latest launch builds on First Sentier Investors’ growing presence in the ETF market and underscores increasing investor demand for active strategies in traditionally defensive asset classes such as cash and money markets. We thank K&L Gates’ continued support and technical guidance throughout the process.”

Watts said: “This launch reflects the continued growth in the Australian ETF market, particularly in products designed to meet investor demand for stability and income in uncertain market conditions. We are pleased to support First Sentier Investors as it continues to grow its ETF platform.”

The notes were issued in a private offering to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. The offering included the exercise in full of the option granted to the initial purchasers to purchase up to an additional US$187.5 million aggregate principal amount of notes.

In connection with the offering, Tyler Technologies entered into capped call transactions to increase the effective conversion price of the notes and completed a repurchase of its common stock.

The K&L Gates deal team was led by Charlotte partner Coleman Wombwell and included Nashville partner Lauren Ammons, New York partner Anthony Nolan, Charlotte partner Sean Jones, Wilmington partner Kelly Terribile, Boston partner Lance Dial, and Pittsburgh partner Steven Barge, as well as Nashville associates Justin Kleckner and Mary Blomquist, Miami associate Stephen Vinson, Pittsburgh associate Vicki Wu, and New York associate Mollie Carney.

“This transaction reflects a longstanding relationship with Tyler Technologies and required close coordination across capital markets, derivatives, tax, and regulatory disciplines,” Wombwell said. “We were pleased to support Tyler in executing a complex financing that advances its strategic objectives.”

“K&L Gates has been a valued legal advisor to Tyler Technologies, and their team brought thoughtful guidance and strong coordination to this transaction,” said Brian Miller, Tyler’s executive vice president and chief financial officer. “Their understanding of our business and ability to manage a complex financing process helped us move efficiently and support our long-term strategic objectives.”

K&L Gates’ Corporate practice is one of the most substantial in the legal industry, with hundreds of lawyers in offices across the globe providing clients with practical legal solutions in the structuring, financing, and closing of domestic, international, and cross-border transactions. 

Presented annually by the Global M&A Network, the Turnaround Atlas Awards recognize outstanding transactions, firms, and professionals in restructuring, bankruptcy, and distressed investing. Winners are selected based on transaction complexity, restructuring results, stakeholder impact, and overall execution. The award was presented at the 18th Annual Turnaround Atlas Awards ceremony held on 12 May 2026 at the Metropolitan Club of New York.

In addition to Bender, the K&L Gates team was led by Seattle partner Mike Gearin (ret.) and associates Michael Meredith, Madisyn Uekawa, and Clara Virden. 

A publicly traded German bank, pbb specializes in the financing of commercial real estate and public infrastructure across Europe. Recognized for its experience in structured finance, the bank focuses primarily on logistics, office, and residential properties, with a growing emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria.

The first transaction, totaling €113 million, was completed on behalf of the joint venture between Valor and QuadReal Property Group. It involves a portfolio of nine last-mile logistics assets representing approximately 63,400 m², strategically located within key logistics hubs in the Paris and Lyon metropolitan areas. This portfolio, which features a mixed profile combining core, value-add, and development assets, reflects a strong commitment to supporting long-term ESG strategies.

The second transaction, totaling €35 million, was completed on behalf of the joint venture between Valor and RSF Partners. It is backed by a portfolio of two fully leased last-mile logistics assets, representing approximately 30,900 m² in the northern Paris region. These assets, leased under long-term leases to leading tenants, feature energy performance that meets the most stringent environmental standards in the logistics real estate market.

These strategic transactions demonstrate pbb’s ability to structure and execute complex transactions within a highly competitive environment.

The K&L Gates team advised on financing and real estate matters and was led by Paris partner Thomas Ehrecke, with support from Paris office managing partner Denis Charles, counsel Elodie Seddoh, and associates Pauline Ducousso and Rizelène Ali-Moussa.

“PBB has placed its trust in us for many years, and these two transactions provide further evidence of that. They illustrate the quality of the relationship we strive to maintain with our clients,” said Ehrecke.

“As a firm, we are very pleased to be advising a leading player in the banking sector,” added Charles. “It is a partnership of which we are particularly proud.”

AllianceBernstein is a leading global investment management firm that offers diversified investment services in major world markets. It is one of the largest global investment management firms, with approximately US$839 billion in assets under management as of March 2026. 

Initially launched in 2024, AB Global Strategic Core Equities Fund – Active ETF has been quoted for trading on Cboe as a 'dual access model' ETF and provides investors with access to AllianceBernstein’s global equity strategy through the ETF structure. The new ETF aims to achieve its investment return objective by investing in equities anywhere in the world including developed and emerging markets. Units in AB Global Strategic Core Equities Fund – Active ETF commenced trading on Cboe on 14 April 2026 under the ticker symbol "SCOR".

The K&L Gates team was led by Sydney Asset Management and Investment Funds partner Matthew Watts, with additional support from associates Michelle Huo and Dorothy Sam.

Watts said: "We congratulate AllianceBernstein on the successful launch of this second dual access ETF, which positions them to capture increasing demand for active ETF strategies in Australia. We enjoyed partnering with the local and international teams at AllianceBernstein, whose strong market knowledge and practical approach supported a smooth and efficient launch."

The K&L Gates team intervened on behalf of the client in Koloa Rum Co. v. Noem, a lawsuit filed in the US District Court for the District of Columbia challenging the Department of Homeland Security’s enforcement of the Jones Act, the federal law requiring that transportation of goods between domestic US ports be conducted on US-built, owned, and crewed vessels.  

The plaintiff alleged that enforcement of the statute violated the Constitution’s Port Preference Clause and Equal Protection Clause. Over the objections of both the plaintiff and the federal government, the court permitted the K&L Gates team to intervene and subsequently granted the motion to dismiss, holding that the claims were time‑barred under the Administrative Procedure Act’s six‑year statute of limitations and otherwise without legal merit.  

The matter was led by Nashville partner Tim Hobbs, Washington, DC partner Varu Chilakamarri, and Seattle associate David Wang. Washington, DC partners Mark Ruge and Elle Stuart and government affairs counselor Darrell Conner also provided support on the matter.  

“Defending this case required close coordination across offices and disciplines, as well as a clear focus on the statutory and procedural framework governing the claims,” Hobbs said. “We were pleased to work with American Maritime Partnership to present a concise and effective defense of the Jones Act on their behalf.”

Global law firm K&L Gates LLP has appointed Jake Bernstein to the newly created role of Global AI and Innovation Partner, effective immediately. In this role, Bernstein will lead the firm’s global artificial intelligence strategy, governance, and innovation operations, including AI platform selection, workflow development, and data and knowledge management, working in coordination with the firm’s technology and security functions. The role formalizes global responsibility for the firm's AI strategy and innovation roadmap under a single practicing partner leader.

Bernstein will also serve as co-chair of the firm’s AI Solutions Group, alongside Shiau Yen Chin-Dennis, who leads firmwide leadership coordination and AI-driven revenue growth, and Guillermo Christensen, who is responsible for global policy, cybersecurity, and geopolitical considerations. Together, they will guide the firm’s AI vision, governance, and implementation, ensuring alignment across practices, regions, and client needs.

“Jake’s appointment reflects a deliberate choice about how this firm leads in AI: with a practicing partner, accountable for outcomes, working in close partnership with our technology and security functions,” said Stacy Ackermann, Global Managing Partner of K&L Gates. “Agentic AI is moving from concept to deployment in months, not years. The market demands a partner driving this work who is in the practice every day, who understands what clients need, and who can move at the pace this moment requires.”

K&L Gates earned ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification in March, making it among the first law firms globally to do so, and has deployed its primary AI platform, Legora, across all practices and offices. The firm's broader stack includes Vincent, Westlaw Advance, Relativity Analytics, CoCounsel, and Microsoft 365 Copilot. The firm's AI Forward℠ framework establishes the expectation that lawyers reach for AI first on their own work, within firm policy.

“The AI Forward℠ posture is straightforward: lawyers should be using these tools every day, on their own work, within governance the firm has built and certified,” Bernstein stated. “What's coming next, agents that can plan and execute multi-step workflows on a matter, makes supervision the central partner-level question of the next 18 months. The firms that build that fluency now will lead what follows. The firms that wait will not.”

Bernstein is a partner in the firm’s Technology Transactions and Sourcing and Data Protection, Privacy, and Security practice groups, where his work spans data privacy and cybersecurity compliance, SaaS agreements, AI/ML addenda and responsible AI frameworks, technology licensing, and IT outsourcing. He holds CISSP and CIPP/US certifications, serves on the firm's General Counsel team advising on AI and technology matters, and is an active user of the firm's AI platforms in his own practice.

The project was procured by Zweckverband Nahverkehr Westfalen-Lippe (NWL), the public transport authority for the region. Under the leasing structure, Rock Rail NnW Limited & Co. KG will provide the trains to an operator selected by NWL and Landesnahverkehrsgesellschaft Niedersachsen mbH (LNVG). Financing is provided through equity from John Laing and Rock Rail and debt financing from various infrastructure debt investors.

Manufactured by Siemens Mobility, the state-of-the-art battery electric multiple units (BEMUs) represent the latest generation of rolling stock and are scheduled to enter service across the Northern Westphalia  Network (NnW) in December 2029. The project will deliver what is currently the second-largest BEMU fleet in Germany and marks a significant step in the modernization of regional rail transport and the transition to more sustainable mobility.

K&L Gates regularly advises Rock Rail Holdings Limited on the acquisition and financing of rolling stock for regional passenger transport projects in Germany.

The K&L Gates team that advised Rock Rail Holdings Limited and Laing Investments Management Services Limited was led by Frankfurt partner Dr. Frank Thomas and Munich counsel Anne Thümmel-Barz. They were supported by Berlin partners Christoph Mank, Dr. Annette Mutschler-Siebert, and Dr. Anja Rösch, Berlin counsels Marion Baumann and Dr. Patricia Prelinger, Munich senior associate Patrick Glück, and Berlin senior associate Maxim Horvath.

Calamos previously launched the world’s first ETF designed to replicate the investment profile of autocallable structured notes in the United States in June 2025. The firm’s suite of US Autocallable ETFs now exceeds US$1 billion in total assets under management.

Matt Kaufman, Global Head of ETFs at Calamos Investments, said: “What began as the world’s first autocallable ETF in the US is now available to investors globally through a UCITS structure. K&L Gates’ cross-regional ETF experience was instrumental in bringing this product to market.”

The K&L Gates team was led by Dublin partner Hazel Doyle and included lawyers from the firm’s US and European ETF practices, including Nicola McCaffrey (Dublin) and Kevin Gustafson (Chicago).

Doyle commented: “We are delighted to have advised Calamos on the structuring and approval of this first of its kind autocallable UCITS ETF. The product demonstrates the growing sophistication of the ETF market and increasing demand for innovative, outcome-oriented investment solutions.”

In a profile, The Fashion Law editors write that K&L Gates “maintains a global Consumer Goods & Services practice that brings together attorneys across its international offices to advise fashion and luxury clients” and “offers multidisciplinary counsel spanning intellectual property, regulatory compliance, real estate, M&A, technology, data protection, and international trade.”

According to the editors, K&L Gates’ “large practice group, deep engagement in the fashion law community through industry events and programming, and broad full-service capabilities position it as a leading fashion law firm.”

Michael Murphy, a leader of K&L Gates' global Consumer Goods and Services industry group, said: “We're proud to be recognized as a leading law firm in the consumer goods and services space. The honor reflects our team’s deep industry knowledge and our commitment to helping clients navigate an increasingly complex and fast-moving consumer landscape.”

The asset is a boutique A grade commercial office building located in the western corridor of Sydney's central business district, near Barangaroo, Wynyard, and Town Hall stations. Originally constructed in 1886, the property has been redeveloped into a modern office asset while retaining its historic structure, blending heritage architecture with contemporary A grade office standards – an approach that has proven attractive to both investors and tenants.

K&L Gates advised on all aspects of the transaction, providing comprehensive legal support throughout the divestment process. The deal team was led by Sydney Real Estate partner Samuel Brown with support from special counsel Karen Yuan, senior associates Christina Tohme and Whitney Jiang, and lawyer Olivia Cen. Additional support was provided by Finance partner Alex Smith and Tax partner Matthew Cridland.

Brown said: “We are very pleased to have supported Milligan Group through this transaction. Having navigated the challenges presented by COVID during the development process, the near-fully occupied building represents an attractive example of adaptive reuse – successfully preserving heritage elements while meeting the expectations of today’s premium office market."

Lawyers in K&L Gates’ large, diversified Real Estate practice advise clients on a broad range of real estate investment, land use, planning and zoning, development and construction, financing, leasing, tax, and litigation matters around the world.

The Dumarey Group plans to acquire and continue operating the site, including maintaining all employees. During a transition period, existing production will continue under a contract manufacturing arrangement before being gradually transferred to other AUMOVIO locations. At the same time, the Dumarey Group intends to expand the facility to support new products and activities across additional industrial sectors.

The transaction is part of AUMOVIO’s consolidation of its European manufacturing footprint. It remains subject to customary information and consultation procedures, as well as regulatory approvals, including antitrust clearance.

K&L Gates previously advised AUMOVIO on the sale of its Italian drum brake manufacturing site to Mutares.

The matter is led by Berlin partners Dr. Thomas Lappe and Dr. Thomas Nietsch. They are supported by Brussels partner Jeroen Smets, Frankfurt partner Rainer Schmitt, Munich partner Dr. Michael Kreft, Berlin partner Dr. Annette Mutschler-Siebert, Berlin counsel Marion Baumann, Frankfurt counsel Ulrike Elteste, Berlin senior associate Dr. Gabriella Piras, and Berlin associate Johannah Bittenbinder.

IBLJ’s International A-List identifies the top lawyers based outside of India who are recognized for their work on India-related matters. The A-List was compiled by IBLJ’s seasoned editorial team following extensive market research, drawing on feedback from hundreds of lawyers at Indian law firms and thousands of India-focused in-house counsel within India and abroad.

The full International A-List 2026 is featured on IBLJ’s website.

**All Singapore lawyers are members of K&L Gates Straits Law LLC, the Singapore office of global law firm K&L Gates.

Alongside these recognitions, four Australian partners were recognised with “Lawyer of the Year” awards, an accolade that is particularly noteworthy, as it is only bestowed on one standout lawyer for each practice area in each jurisdiction.

The Best Lawyers® guides highlight top legal talent, selected by peers within the same geographical region and legal practice area, through millions of votes each year. Congratulations to the Lawyer of the Year award recipients below, as well as all lawyers recognised in the 2027 editions – resulting in nearly 180 total recognitions for the firm.

LAWYERS OF THE YEAR

Melbourne

• Alan Maclean – Asset Finance Law
• Cameron Abbott – Outsourcing Law
• Christien Corns – Legal Malpractice Litigation

Sydney

• Richard Gray – Equipment Finance Law

The Corporate team advising on the transaction was led by Miami partner Clayton Parker with support from Miami partner Erin Fogarty.

“This transaction underscores Dolphin Entertainment’s commitment to accelerating strategic growth across its marketing and content-driven businesses. We were pleased to support them in securing investment from a partner aligned with its long-term vision,” said Parker.

K&L Gates’ Corporate practice is one of the most substantial in the legal industry, with hundreds of lawyers in offices across the globe providing clients with practical legal solutions in the structuring, financing, and completion of domestic, international, and cross-border transactions.

As part of the broader transaction, the Olam Group has also awarded an eight-year services contract to Wipro Limited, drawing on their industry expertise to advance the Olam Group’s transformation across its ‘farm to fork’ value chain by deploying industry-specific solutions aligned with its business priorities.

The Olam Group is headquartered in Singapore and operates in over 60 countries. It is one of the leading global agri-business and food ingredient majors, ranking among the world’s largest suppliers of cocoa, coffee, cashew, rice, and cotton.

Primarily based in India, Mindsprint provides technology, cybersecurity, and digital solutions. It serves multiple clients across the food and agri-business, manufacturing, retail, consumer packaged goods, healthcare, and life-sciences verticals, including large enterprise accounts across the United States, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East.

Wipro Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wipro Limited, a New York and Bangalore-listed AI-powered technology services and consulting company.

K&L Gates co-led the transaction with India law firm Trilegal. The Singapore deal team was led by Corporate partners David Kuo and Meraj Noor, with support from counsel Ying Chern Tan and senior associate Esther Neo.  Australian legal advice was provided by Sydney partners Ayman Guirguis (Antitrust and Competition), Cameron Abbott (Technology Outsourcing), and Dan Atkin (Corporate).

Kuo stated: “We were honored to assist Olam on the sale of Mindsprint.  This marks a further step in the group’s broader business simplification and portfolio optimization, as it progresses with the planned separation and carve-out of its operating businesses.”

K&L Gates’ Corporate practice is one of the most substantial in the legal industry, with hundreds of lawyers in offices across the globe providing clients with practical legal solutions in the structuring, financing, and completion of domestic, international, and cross-border transactions.

* All Singapore lawyers are members of K&L Gates Straits Law LLC, the Singapore office of global law firm K&L Gates.

The transaction prevented the imminent shutdown of the chemical plant in Leuna. The site will be preserved, as will more than 430 of the approximately 500 jobs.

At the end of December 2025, the three German subsidiaries of the Belgian Domo Chemicals Group, headquartered in Ghent, filed for insolvency, including DOMO Caproleuna GmbH. The chemical company produces organic base chemicals (e.g., caprolactam, phenol, acetone) and polyamide 6 plastics that, after further processing, are used in the automotive industry as well as in the electrical and electronics sectors. The insolvency administrator, Prof. Dr. Lucas F. Flöther of Flöther & Wissing, succeeded in maintaining operations until the very end.

Frankfurt partner Dr. Georg Bernsau stated: “We are very pleased that, thanks to the constructive cooperation of all parties involved, it was possible to preserve the business operations and more than 400 jobs despite the tight timeline.”

Dr. Christof Günther, Managing Director of InfraLeuna GmbH, explained: “The acquisition has made it possible to avert significant damage to the Leuna chemical site. The site and material integration can be maintained. This preserves the industrial functionality of the site—a key prerequisite for its further development.”

“This was a last-minute rescue in a process that was unusual in every respect,” emphasized the insolvency administrator Prof. Dr. Lucas Flöther. “With LEUNA – Polyamid GmbH, an investor was found who will continue operations at the site and preserve a large portion of the jobs. The sale of the assets represents a positive conclusion to the insolvency proceedings. In particular, the preservation of jobs and the continuation of the site under new, viable structures are a good outcome for all parties involved.”

The transaction was led by Frankfurt partner Dr. Georg Bernsau and counsel Dr. Angelika Bartholomäi. They were supported Berlin partners Dr. Christian Hullmann, Dr. Annette Mutschler-Siebert, Nils Neumann, LL.M., Berlin counsels Marion Baumann, Dr. Ulrike Elteste, Oda Elmoutaouakil, Munich counsels Jennifer Hock and Dominik Sailer, Berlin senior associates Leonie Abendroth, LL.M. and Maxim Horvath, Frankfurt associates James Schütze, LL.M., Isabel Häntsch, Lilly Reichwein, and Berlin professional support lawyer Tobias Schneider. 

The case arose from the CEO’s undisclosed attempt during COVID-19 lockdown to take for himself a corporate acquisition opportunity that belonged to ZipBy. Although the district court enjoined the CEO from proceeding with the acquisition, the seller ultimately withdrew from the transaction, which prevented ZipBy from completing the deal. The CEO’s conduct violated agreements with ZipBy regarding use of confidential information and breached his fiduciary duty to ZipBy, resulting in the damages awarded by the jury.

With the First Circuit affirming both the damages and fee award, the ruling represents a validation of ZipBy’s claims following years of litigation. The defendant’s assets remain frozen and are expected to satisfy much of the judgment.

The K&L Gates team was led by Boston partner John Cotter with assistance from associate Joshua Andrews.

“ZipBy is very pleased that the appeals court recognized the former CEO’s misuse of confidential information and upheld the US$1.5 million damages award for that violation and the award of attorneys’ fees,” Cotter said.

Released annually, Legal 500 rankings highlight the practice area teams and practitioners that provide the most cutting-edge and innovative advice to corporate counsel. Research is based on feedback from clients worldwide as well as interviews with leading private practice lawyers.

K&L Gates was ranked in the following practice categories. In addition, the firm was recommended as a “Firm to Watch” in Germany for Intellectual Property: Trade Marks and in Italy for Investment Funds.

Belgium 

• Aviation
• Competition: EU and global 
• Customs, trade, WTO and anti-dumping
• Industry focus: Transport 

France 

• Dispute resolution: Commercial litigation 
• Dispute resolution: International arbitration
• Employment
• Industry focus: IT and Internet 
• Insurance
• Real estate

Germany 

• Banking and finance: Lending and borrowing 
• Corporate and M&A: Corporate
• Corporate and M&A: M&A: mid-sized deals 
• Intellectual property: Trade marks (Firm to Watch)
• Media: Entertainment
• Public sector: Public procurement
• Real estate and construction: Real estate
• Transport: Advice to the transport sector

Ireland 

• Investment funds

Italy

• Banking and finance: Borrower side 
• Banking and finance: lender or arranger side
• Commercial, corporate and M&A
• Dispute resolution
• Employment
• Industry focus: Energy
• Investment funds (Firm to Watch)
• Real estate and construction 
• Restructuring and insolvency 
• Tax

Luxembourg

• Banking, finance and capital markets 
• Investment funds

Qatar

• Banking, finance and capital markets
• Commercial, corporate and M&A
• Dispute resolution 
• Projects, real estate and construction

United Arab Emirates 

• Construction 
• Corporate and M&A
• Dispute resolution: Arbitration and international litigation 
• Employment

Eleven K&L Gates lawyers were identified by Legal 500 as either a “Leading Partner,” “Next Generation Partner,” or “Leading Associate” in their respective practice areas. These lawyers, and the categories in which they are recognised, were:

• Nazanin Aleyaseen – Employment, United Arab Emirates [Leading Partner]
• Anna Amprimo – Real estate and construction, Italy [Next Generation Partner]
• Gayle Bowen – Investment funds, Ireland [Leading Partner]
• Simon Chan – Banking, finance and capital markets, Qatar [Next Generation Partner]
• Friederike Gräfin von Brühl – Media: Entertainment, Germany [Next Generation Partner]
• Amjad Hussain – Commercial, corporate and M&A, Qatar [Leading Partner] 
• Jaime Oon – Commercial, corporate and M&A, Qatar [Leading Associate]
• Paweł Piotrowski – Projects, real estate and construction, Qatar [Leading Partner]
• Vittorio Salvadori Di Wiesenhoff – Tax, Italy [Leading Partner]
• Francesco Sanna – Real estate and construction, Italy [Leading Partner]
• Jonathan Sutcliffe – Dispute resolution: Arbitration and international litigation, United Arab Emirates [Leading Partner]

To view the firm's full rankings, including the listed lawyers, visit The Legal 500 EMEA 2026 edition. To view the firm’s rankings in the UK, please visit The Legal 500 United Kingdom 2026 edition, published in October 2025.

The transaction forms part of Vietnam Airlines’ long-term fleet modernization strategy and underscores its focus on expanding capacity, enhancing service quality, and improving operational efficiency. The investment also reflects the continuing growth in commercial engagement between Vietnam and the United States, and the increasing role of cross-border transactions in strengthening bilateral economic ties.

The Boeing 737-8 aircraft are designed to deliver improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, reflecting Vietnam Airlines’ commitment to sustainable development and environmentally responsible growth. The new aircraft are expected to be deployed primarily on domestic and regional routes across Asia, responding to growing passenger demand and strengthening network connectivity.

As part of its broader long-term development strategy, Vietnam Airlines has also engaged in discussions regarding potential future investments to support the expansion of its international operations and long-haul network.

The deal team was led by Singapore partner and director Duc T. Nguyen and included colleagues from across the firm’s global aviation, finance, and regulatory practices, including Finance practice area leader Robert Melson (Tokyo) and counsels Eric Yong (Singapore) and Misha Kovacevic (Seattle).

Nguyen said: “K&L Gates is one of the largest global law firms in the United States with a strong and long-standing focus on Vietnam and the broader Asia-Pacific region. We were pleased to support Vietnam Airlines on this significant transaction, which forms part of a broader pattern of increasing cross-border investment and deepening economic cooperation between Vietnam and the United States. This deal underscores Vietnam Airlines’ long-term vision for sustainable growth and fleet modernization and reflects the increasing sophistication of aircraft procurement in the Asia-Pacific region.”

K&L Gates’ involvement in this transaction highlights the breadth and depth of its global aviation capabilities, specifically across the United States and Asia.

The firm’s Aviation Finance practice represents financial institutions, leasing companies, and airlines around the world in connection with aircraft finance and leasing transactions, including the structuring, documenting, and negotiating of aircraft finance transactions and cross-border transactions involving multiple jurisdictions. The team works closely with colleagues in the tax, regulatory, and litigation support practice groups to advise and assist financial institutions, leasing companies, and airlines on a variety of aviation matters.

The nominations, representing more than 100 participating companies, were judged by an independent panel of industry experts, with the awards presented in March.  

Raleigh partner Margaret Westbrook, a Restructuring and Insolvency practice group coordinator, Miami partner Jeff Kucera, Boston partner John Cotter, Raleigh partner Andrew Reibman, and Charlotte partners Coleman Wombwell and Sean Jones, a Capital Markets practice group coordinator, led the team that advised Akoustis in the deal.  

Now in its 20th year, M&A Advisor has been recognizing achievement, providing thought leadership, and connecting the elite professionals in turnarounds, restructuring, mergers and acquisitions both domestically in the United States and internationally. 

The following K&L Gates practices and lawyers are ranked:

Chambers Europe

• Ireland: Investment Funds 
• Italy: Corporate/M&A: Mid-Market
• Italy: Real Estate 
• Chiara Anceschi – Real Estate: Finance, Italy; Restructuring/Insolvency, Italy
• Vanessa Boato – Public Law: Zoning & Planning, Italy
• Gayle Bowen – Investment Funds, Ireland
• Francesco Carloni – Competition: EU, Belgium
• Hazel Doyle – Investment Funds, Ireland
• Shane Geraghty – Investment Funds, Ireland
• Roberto Podda – Employment, Italy
• Giampaolo Salsi – Corporate/M&A: Mid-Market, Italy
• Vittorio Salvadori di Wiesenhoff – Tax, Italy 
• Francesco Sanna – Real Estate, Italy
• Paul Tetlow – Corporate/M&A: Mid-Market, UK
• Bruno Vascellari – Corporate/M&A: Mid-Market, Italy

Chambers France

• France: Insurance
• Barthélemy Cousin – Insurance, France 
• Louis Degos – International Arbitration, France 
• Thomas Ehrecke – Real Estate: Finance, France 

Chambers Germany 

• Germany: Corporate/M&A: Mid-Market 
• Germany: TMT: Media 
• Germany: Transportation: Rail & Aviation Asset Finance
• Annette Mutschler-Siebert – Public Law: Public Procurement/PPP, Germany 
• Andrea Spellerberg – Real Estate: Finance, Germany
• Frank Thomas – Transportation: Rail & Aviation Asset Finance, Germany

These rankings are in addition to the practices and lawyers ranked in the 2026 edition of the Chambers UK guide, which released in October 2025.

To view the firm’s full rankings, visit the Chambers Europe, Chambers France, or Chambers Germany guides.

Jimenez concentrates his practice on representing employers in California wage and hour class actions and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) matters, drawing on extensive experience in both state and federal courts. He has also contributed to California superior courts’ efforts to streamline case management in complex employment disputes. This background positions Jimenez to help clients navigate California’s ever-evolving employment landscape efficiently and strategically.

In his previous role, Jimenez represented employees in a range of wage and labor-related matters, providing him with considerable perspective in employment cases from both the plaintiff and defense sides of these disputes.

Gene Ryu, a leader of the firm’s Labor, Employment, and Workplace Safety practice area, commented: “Carlos is one of the leading wage and hour class action litigators in California and brings a wealth of experience to our global platform. The State of California is especially nuanced regarding labor and employment law, and we are confident that Carlos’ deep subject matter knowledge will be valued across our global platform as he settles into his new role.”

Christina Goodrich, managing partner of K&L Gates’ Los Angeles office, stated: “Carlos is a highly regarded employment lawyer with deep knowledge guiding employers through complex workplace issues, and his knowledge of California’s evolving regulatory landscape will be an immediate asset to our clients. His addition underscores our continued investment in California and strengthens our ability to deliver seamless, business-focused counsel across the region and around the world.”

Lawyers in K&L Gates’ Labor, Employment, and Workplace Safety practice and Global Employer Solutions area advise domestic and international clients in the technology, pharmaceuticals, retail, banking, manufacturing, hospitality, transportation, broadcasting, construction, mining, energy, financial services, and health care industries, among others, on a variety of regional and cross-border labor and employment issues. K&L Gates’ Global Employer Solutions team counsels corporations and entities across numerous countries and jurisdictions in meeting the challenges of their global business needs. The practice also publishes its annual Global Employer Guide, which offers a concise, easy-to-read summary of employment law across numerous countries.

In a profile on the firm, Lexology editors write that K&L Gates' Data Protection, Privacy, and Security group "advises across the full lifecycle of data work – advisory and compliance, complex technology and commercial transactions, incident response, investigations and litigation. Its industry expertise spans AI, digital health, financial services and more.”

Partners leading the practice and identified in the profile include Melbourne partner Cameron Abbott and Seattle partners Whitney McCollum and Jake Bernstein.

Editors note the team is present in the US, Europe, Asia, and Australia and describe the practice’s leaders as having “an unusual geographic spread, reflecting the nature of the work it undertakes.”

K&L Gates’ Data Protection, Privacy, and Security practice boasts more than 50 lawyers and professionals with experience in various technologies and methodologies. From assessing risk to incident response, breach, and crisis counseling globally, the team is qualified to handle most data privacy and security compliance issues. The practice also assists with cross-border mergers and acquisitions and specialized services focused on emerging areas such as biometric data compliance and defense.

The full K&L Gates profile can be read at Lexology 100: Data 2026 (subscription required).

London private equity partner Julian Grant led the team that assisted Flywheel on the transaction, assisted by senior associate Vijesh Parmar, associate Courtney Hunter, and banking partner Michael Anderson.

“It was an absolute pleasure advising longstanding client Flywheel on its milestone transaction with Solina,” Grant commented. “This deal demonstrates the strong value Flywheel built since its investment, alongside an exceptional management team. We are delighted to see Natural Innovations gain a market leading partner in Solina and we look forward to the next exciting phase of growth. This transaction underlines our private equity team’s ability to execute complex transactions, driving value for our sponsor clients.”

Daniel Greenaway, partner in the K&L Gates London private equity team and relationship partner for Flywheel, remarked: “We are delighted to have supported longstanding client Flywheel on this significant transaction. We have worked closely with the team over many years and look forward to continuing our partnership as they build their firm and pursue further successful acquisitions.”

Avital Lobel, Managing Partner at Flywheel Partners, said: “The team at K&L Gates was exceptional throughout the transaction and delivered a successful outcome in what was a complex transaction. We thank them for their commitment and ongoing support and look forward to continuing working with them on future opportunities.”

K&L Gates’ Corporate practice is one of the most substantial in the legal industry, with hundreds of lawyers in offices across the globe providing clients with practical legal solutions in the structuring, financing, and closing of domestic, international, and cross-border transactions.

“Theo’s impressive qualifications and accomplishments speak for themselves,” Governor Ferguson said. “His colleagues praise his legal expertise, humility and integrity. Even opposing counsel who faced him in court describe Theo as ‘the smartest lawyer I’ve ever faced,’ and a decent, honorable person. He will serve the people of Washington well on our highest court.”

Angelis is an accomplished lawyer with 25 years of legal experience. He currently focuses on appellate work, intellectual property litigation, and general litigation as a partner at K&L Gates. Angelis also engages in extensive pro bono work, for which he has received numerous awards, including the American Civil Liberties Union’s Humanitarian Award for his work on behalf of unrepresented minors in immigration proceedings, as well as Northwest Immigrant Right’s Project’s Amicus Award, the King County Bar Association’s Mentor of the Year Award, and the Kids in Need of Defense Founder’s Award.

“Throughout my career, I have worked to promote access to the courts, a genuine commitment to the rule of law, and to use the law to help those in need,” Angelis said. “I thank Governor Ferguson for the opportunity to continue my service on our state’s highest court and Justice Madsen for her pioneering work making the courts more equitable for all Washingtonians.”

With roots in Seattle dating back to 1883, K&L Gates has long served the Puget Sound community and beyond, advising emerging companies, global businesses, nonprofits, and public sector clients across a full range of legal matters. K&L Gates also has a long tradition of alumni pursuing distinguished careers in public service in the state of Washington, across the United States, and around the globe.

In Washington state, the firm’s notable public servants include Washington Governor Bob Ferguson; the late Betty Binns Fletcher, who served on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit for more than three decades; former US Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington Michael C. Ormsby; former US Senator Slade Gorton; and the late civic leader Jim Ellis.

More broadly, K&L Gates alumni have served as legislators, judges, senior government officials, and leaders of the legal profession. Among them are former US Senator Rick Santorum and longtime US Representative James T. Walsh; US District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan; former US Attorney General and Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh; and former American Bar Association President Michael S. Greco.

“Theo is a remarkable leader and public servant. We are incredibly proud of him and his contributions to our firm and to the local legal community over the past two and a half decades,” said Julie Anne Halter, Seattle Office Managing Partner at K&L Gates. “We will miss him terribly around the office, but his commitment to the people of Washington and the rule of law is unmatched. We wish him the very best as he begins his next chapter in public service.”

“While we will miss Theo as a colleague, we are immensely proud that he will continue his legal career in service to the people of Washington at the highest level,” said Stacy Ackermann, Global Managing Partner at K&L Gates. “Throughout his career, Theo has exemplified legal excellence, an unwavering commitment to public service, and a deep dedication to access to justice. These values are central to who we are as a firm, and we are confident he will bring the same integrity, judgment, and fairness to the Washington State Supreme Court.”

The certification establishes a formal framework for the responsible development, deployment, and oversight of artificial intelligence systems. Following a comprehensive independent audit, the certification confirms that K&L Gates’ AI program operates with robust controls around accountability, risk management, ethics, transparency, data protection, and regulatory compliance.

This milestone validates that governance principles are embedded across K&L Gates’ AI lifecycle—from evaluation and implementation to ongoing monitoring and improvement. As regulatory scrutiny and client expectations surrounding AI continue to evolve globally, the certification reinforces K&L Gates’ leadership in responsible AI adoption within the legal industry.

“This certification reflects our commitment to combining innovation with accountability,” said Stacy Ackermann, Global Managing Partner of K&L Gates. “Clients are embracing AI to transform their businesses, and they expect their law firms to responsibly do the same. Achieving ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification demonstrates that we have built a governance framework that prioritizes risk management, transparency, and trust while enabling us to deliver valuable insight and legal services to our clients.”

Harpreet Suri, Chief Technology Officer of K&L Gates, added: “As organizations across industries implement or evaluate AI technologies, they increasingly expect the same discipline and transparency from their legal advisers. Achieving ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification is a direct result of the dedication and rigor of our technology, security and information governance teams, whose work ensures that AI is deployed responsibly, securely, and in alignment with our professional obligations. This certification enables K&L Gates to provide enhanced confidence in how AI is thoughtfully and responsibly integrated into our client service delivery.”

In 2023, K&L Gates established a cross-disciplinary AI Solutions Group to guide its firmwide AI strategy, advising clients on developing, deploying, and investing in AI technologies. The firm also implemented a comprehensive Generative AI Policy and AI Forward℠ framework that mandates approved platforms, transparency with clients, verification of AI outputs, and mandatory training, all guided by principles of responsible innovation and human-centric excellence.

As an early adopter of generative AI, K&L Gates employs centralized governance to oversee AI deployment across its global platform, ensuring alignment with confidentiality obligations, data-governance requirements, and professional standards. AI enhances legal research, drafting, contract review, due diligence, and discovery through vetted AI platforms including Legora, Vincent, Westlaw Precision AI, Relativity Analytics, CoCounsel, and Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Firmwide adoption is supported by role-specific training with AltaClaro, as its first law firm partner, and Hotshot Legal, emphasizing AI literacy, prompt engineering, and partner supervisory oversight. The firm’s leadership extends beyond internal operations through the K&L Gates Endowment for Ethics and Computational Technologies at Carnegie Mellon University in 2016 and a founding sponsor for the AI Access to Justice Summit. In 2025, K&L Gates was named an “Innovation Icon” by BTI Consulting Group for integrating AI into its global client-service strategy. 

The firm was ranked by Bloomberg as the top legal adviser for AIM Equity Offerings by deal count and #3 for AIM Equity offerings by deal volume. For the seven consecutive quarters, the firm was once again recognized within the top 10 law firms for Australia and New Zealand Equity and Rights offerings by deal count, and the top 20 law firms for offerings by deal volume. 

London Corporate and Capital Markets partner Paul Tetlow stated, “We are proud of the continued recognition of our firm as a global leader in equity capital markets, M&A, venture capital, private equity and other corporate transactions. K&L Gates’ breadth of knowledge throughout the world and our cross-border capabilities is a key differentiator that allows us to consistently deliver exceptional service to our clients. We are most honoured to partner with so many innovative clients, including our long-standing relationships capital markets sponsors. Our team remains committed to helping clients navigate complex transactions with precision and practical insights, leveraging our regional and global platform.” 

Bloomberg 

• #1 legal adviser by deal count and #3 legal adviser by deal volume in AIM Equity Offerings.
• Top 10 legal adviser in Australia/New Zealand Equity & Rights Offerings for seven consecutive quarters. 

The Deal

• Top 50 legal advisers for Global Private Equity Deals for 10 consecutive quarters. 

Pitchbook

• Top 11 law firm most active in venture capital deals outside of the US and Europe. 
• Top 25 law firm most active in venture capital deals in Southern Europe. 
• Top 10 law firm most active in representing investors and top 20 most active representing companies in venture capital deals outside of US and Europe. 
• Top 25 law firm most active representing investors in M&A deals outside of the US and Europe. 

LSEG 

• Top 10 legal adviser in Small-Cap M&A with Australia and New Zealand involvement for three consecutive quarters.
• Top 25 legal adviser in Small-Cap M&A with a United States target.
• Top 10 legal adviser in Mid-Market M&A with Australia and New Zealand involvement. 
• Top 15 legal adviser to Companies on LBOs & Related Rounds (based on number of rounds).
• Top 20 legal adviser to Companies in private equity stages (based on number of rounds).

MergerMarket 

• Top 15 legal adviser for M&A in Australasia for third consecutive quarter. 

S&P 

• #5 M&A adviser in Specialty Finance and Mortgage REIT.  

K&L Gates’ Corporate practice delivers pragmatic, value driven legal solutions, helping clients navigate an increasingly complex global economy. Our counsel is grounded in strategic insight and aligned seamlessly with our clients’ business priorities, ensuring advice that is both practical and forward thinking.

Coordinated globally, our highly integrated Corporate team is comprised of hundreds of skilled lawyers strategically positioned to best serve our clients. We are trusted advisors to public and private companies, private capital investors, and boards across key industries, enabling clients to execute their most complex domestic and cross border transactions.

In 2025, K&L Gates advised JAPEX in connection with its equity commitment in Peoria Resources. This 2026 transaction by Peoria Resources is part of JAPEX’s plans to grow its existing oil and gas business in the US.

The K&L Gates team for JAPEX was led by Houston partner Robert George, with assistance from Houston associate Hilary Soileau, Dallas associate Devon Poage, and Nashville associate Hunter Thornton.

In addition to the fireside chat, offices across K&L Gates’ global platform will honor International Women’s Day with thoughtful client-facing, internal, and community engagement activities that support and accelerate women’s equality around the world. The firmwide programming is centered on this year’s “Give to Gain” global theme, which highlights the profound impact of reciprocity and mutual support within our communities and recognizes that when women flourish, the positive effects extend outward.

“International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made while recommitting to the work still ahead,” said April Boyer, a partner in the Miami office and chair of the firm’s global Women in the Profession Committee. “This year’s ‘Give to Gain’ theme reinforces a simple but powerful truth that when we invest in inclusion and opportunity, we strengthen our firm, our communities, and the profession as a whole."

Bicks commented: “Storytelling has the power to shape how we see ourselves and one another. I’m honored to join K&L Gates in celebrating International Women’s Day and to be part of a conversation about the importance of supporting women’s voices, sharing experiences, and creating space for authenticity—because when women are empowered to tell their stories, everyone gains."

K&L Gates continues to find ways to promote and grow opportunities for everyone at the firm because it is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone is and feels respected, heard, valued, and supported. One of the pathways through which the firm dedicates its efforts is through the firmwide Women in the Profession (WIP) Committee, which is open to women lawyers and their allies. The WIP committee empowers lawyers to reach and surpass their personal and professional goals and provides tools for lawyers to advance their careers through business development, strengthen their leadership skills, and become role models. The committee also enhances the sense of community across the firm’s global platform. K&L Gates, during women’s history month and as it celebrates International Women’s Day, honors the firm’s culture, values, and commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace, where our sense of community is as strong and resilient as each individual who is a part of it.

The K&L Gates Corporate deal team was led by Charlotte partner Sean Jones and Charleston partner Andrew Lloyd, with assistance from Charlotte associates Anna Sgrignoli and Andreas Myers. The multi-office team also included Charlotte partner Randy Clark for tax matters, San Francisco partner Rikki Sapolich-Krol for employee benefits matters, Raleigh partner Nicholle Allen-Steele for real estate matters, Raleigh counsel Mary Kristen Kelly for labor matters, and Washington, DC partner Vishal Mehta, Seattle associate Henry Brockway, and Washington, DC associate Carol Kim for antitrust matters.

“We’re proud to have advised Walex on its transformative partnership with Riverarch and look forward to the next phase of its growth,” noted Lloyd.

Jones added, “This transaction represents a testament to the foundation laid by Bill Williams and his father, Bob, almost 40 years ago, and the subsequent development of trusted brand names in a competitive industry.”

K&L Gates’ Corporate practice is one of the most substantial in the legal industry, with hundreds of lawyers in offices across the globe providing clients with practical legal solutions in the structuring, financing, and closing of domestic, international, and cross-border transactions

Eucalyptus, an Australia-based digital health leader focused on direct-to-consumer telehealth services and chronic disease management, has served more than 775,000 customers and operates a portfolio of well-known brands. The deal, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, is anticipated to close in mid-2026. 

Blackbird Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Australia and New Zealand that invests in early-stage and high-growth technology companies. Funds managed by Blackbird Ventures hold minority investments in hundreds of companies in Australia, New Zealand, and around the world. These companies are typically high-tech start-ups, focusing on software and frontier technologies such as autonomous vehicles, robotics, hardware, and the commercial space industry.

The K&L Gates team was led by Sydney Corporate partner Simon Leslie with support from senior associate Emanuel Penklis. Charlotte Corporate partner Patrick Rogers advised on US securities law issues. The firm previously advised Blackbird Ventures on its investments in Eucalyptus in 2019, 2023, and 2025, supporting the company’s growth and capital strategy throughout its development.

Simon Leslie said: "It has been a pleasure acting for longstanding client Blackbird Ventures on this transaction and to see the fruits of their earlier investments in this company. Exits like this are important not just for the company's own investors, but for the ecosystem as a whole – and demonstrate Australia's ability to build high-quality businesses with international reach."

Anthoney Duong, Head of Investment Legal at Blackbird Ventures, said: "Deals of this scale are rare in the Australian ecosystem, requiring hundreds of hours of work and exceptional legal partnership behind the scenes. K&L Gates has been with us on Eucalyptus since 2019, and their deep understanding of the business and practical, commercial advice on a complex cross-border transaction has been invaluable. It's rewarding to see years of careful work result in an outcome that benefits not just Eucalyptus and its investors, but the wider startup community, proving what's possible when Australian companies scale globally."

K&L Gates’ Corporate practice is one of the most substantial in the legal industry, with hundreds of lawyers in offices across the globe providing clients with practical legal solutions in the structuring, financing, and closing of domestic, international, and cross-border transactions.

Gilmour, a Queensland-based firm, is building an end-to-end sovereign space capability spanning the design, manufacture, test, and launch of low-cost rockets and other space technology in Australia. The company also operates a spaceport and conducts hypersonic testing.

Proceeds from the raise will be used to support continued development and qualification of its Eris orbital launch vehicle, which attempted the first launch of an Australian-made rocket into orbit from Australian soil in July 2025.

It will also enable Gilmour to scale rocket and satellite manufacturing, expand test and launch infrastructure, and grow the company’s workforce to meet global demand for space launch services.

Blackbird Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Australia and New Zealand that invests in early-stage and high-growth technology companies. Funds managed by Blackbird Ventures hold minority investments in hundreds of companies in Australia, New Zealand, and around the world. These companies are typically high-tech start-ups, focusing on software and frontier technologies such as autonomous vehicles, robotics, hardware, and the commercial space industry.

The K&L Gates team was led by Sydney Corporate partner Simon Leslie, with support from partners Paul Lalich and Tom Young, special counsels Julie Brown and Justin Chenevier, and senior associate Emanuel Penklis.

Simon Leslie stated: “We are delighted to have supported Blackbird in this landmark capital raise. Australia’s commercial space industry is entering a new phase of accelerated growth, driven by increased investor interest in high potential launch and space technologies and reinforced by sustained government support to build sovereign capabilities. This funding also shows that Australian companies are playing an increasingly important role in the global space economy.”

Gilmour's Series E round was jointly led by Blackbird Ventures and the Australian Government established National Reconstruction Fund Corporation, with additional investment from existing shareholders Main Sequence and QIC Ventures, as well as a number of first-time investors, including Australian superannuation funds.

K&L Gates’ Corporate practice is one of the most substantial in the legal industry, with hundreds of lawyers in offices across the globe providing clients with practical legal solutions in the structuring, financing, and closing of domestic, international, and cross-border transactions.