Last updated:
K&L Gates
An international US law firm recognised for its corporate transactions, real estate, construction, aviation finance and infrastructure expertise.
About K&L Gates
K&L Gates is an international law firm with roots dating back to 1883, operating across 45 offices in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. The firm adopted its current name in 2007 following the combination of Pittsburgh-based Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham and Seattle-based Preston Gates & Ellis, subsequently expanding through additional international mergers. Its London office provides a broad range of commercial legal services, with particular expertise in corporate M&A, real estate, construction, capital markets, financial services and international disputes. Unlike US firms whose London operations focus predominantly on private equity or leveraged finance, K&L Gates maintains a diversified practice advising multinational corporations, financial institutions, investors, developers and entrepreneurs. The firm's international network enables its lawyers to advise on cross-border transactions and disputes, particularly those involving Europe, the United States and the Middle East. Its London office is also recognised for specialist capabilities in aviation finance, rail infrastructure and AIM capital markets transactions.
K&L Gates recruits up to eight London trainees annually into a two-year training programme comprising four six-month seats. The programme provides opportunities to gain experience across the firm's transactional, contentious and regulatory practices, including corporate M&A, real estate, construction, finance, litigation and intellectual property. Trainees work alongside partners and associates on live client matters, undertaking legal research, drafting documents and assisting with transaction management and dispute resolution. The firm's relatively small trainee intake allows junior lawyers to gain early responsibility while developing relationships across different departments. Seat allocations depend on business requirements and individual preferences, with trainees encouraged to explore different practice areas before qualification. Although client secondments may arise, international trainee secondments are not a standard feature of the programme. Legal Cheek's 2026–27 survey reports that international secondments were not undertaken by respondents, while approximately 8% reported client secondment opportunities.
K&L Gates supports future trainees undertaking their legal qualifications, with Legal Cheek reporting a £13,000 PGDL maintenance grant and £15,000 SQE maintenance grant. The firm also offers a range of employment benefits, including 25 days of annual leave, professional development opportunities and support for pro bono work. Trainees participate in structured learning alongside their practical experience, developing technical legal knowledge, commercial awareness and client communication skills. The firm's international platform also provides opportunities to collaborate with lawyers across different jurisdictions, particularly where matters involve clients operating in multiple markets.
Practice areas & rankings
In the 2026 edition of Chambers UK, K&L Gates achieved seven departmental rankings, with its strongest result being Band 2 for Corporate/M&A: £10–100 Million in London. The firm also received Band 3 recognition for Real Estate: £50–150 Million, Capital Markets: AIM and Transport: Rail: Projects & Infrastructure. Its aviation finance and contentious construction practices were ranked Band 4, while non-contentious construction received Band 5 recognition. The firm's official announcement additionally reported more than 15 individual lawyer recognitions, including rankings for lawyers specialising in intellectual property, corporate crime, financial services regulation, investment funds and international arbitration. These results demonstrate the breadth of the London practice, particularly its capabilities in mid-market corporate transactions, infrastructure and specialist financial services.
K&L Gates is also recognised in The Legal 500 UK 2026 across numerous London practice areas, including commercial litigation, international arbitration, private equity, financial services regulation, intellectual property and real estate. The directory recognises the firm's experience in both transactional and contentious work, complementing its Chambers UK rankings. These are directory recognitions rather than awards won; a specific recent award should be added to this section only after its winner status has been independently verified.
Ranked departmentsChambers UK
Explore the practice areas
Corporate M&A is one of K&L Gates' principal London practices, with the firm ranked Band 2 for Corporate/M&A: £10–100 Million in Chambers UK 2026. The team advises multinational corporations, private equity sponsors, entrepreneurs and financial investors on acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures and corporate reorganisations. Its expertise is particularly relevant to transactions involving real estate, energy, infrastructure and natural resources businesses. The practice regularly advises US companies acquiring businesses in the UK and continental Europe, alongside clients undertaking transactions involving the Middle East. Its international capabilities allow lawyers to coordinate legal advice across multiple jurisdictions while addressing the commercial and regulatory considerations associated with cross-border investments. Partner Paul Tetlow is individually recognised for his corporate M&A expertise.
K&L Gates' real estate practice is ranked Band 3 for Real Estate: £50–150 Million in London in Chambers UK 2026. The team advises property developers, institutional investors, commercial landlords and corporate occupiers on acquisitions, disposals, leasing arrangements and development projects. Its work includes commercial property investment, real estate financing and transactions involving significant property portfolios. The practice is supported by the firm's construction, planning and disputes teams, allowing clients to obtain advice throughout the development and management of commercial property assets. Its London lawyers also work on cross-border real estate transactions, particularly where international investors seek exposure to the UK property market.
K&L Gates' construction practice is ranked Band 4 for Construction: Contentious and Band 5 for Construction: Non-contentious in London in Chambers UK 2026. The team advises developers, contractors, investors and infrastructure businesses on construction contracts, procurement arrangements and disputes arising from major development projects. Its experience spans transport infrastructure, energy facilities, manufacturing projects and mixed-use developments. The contentious practice handles disputes involving defective works, delays, contractual obligations and construction management, including international arbitration proceedings. Its non-contentious lawyers advise on the negotiation and drafting of construction documentation, supporting clients from project planning through to completion. The team's international capabilities are particularly relevant to projects in Africa and the Middle East.
K&L Gates' capital markets practice is ranked Band 3 for Capital Markets: AIM in Chambers UK 2026. The team advises companies, investors and financial institutions on equity fundraising, public company transactions and regulatory requirements affecting businesses listed on London's Alternative Investment Market. Its work includes initial public offerings, secondary fundraisings, acquisitions and corporate governance matters. AIM is particularly important to growing companies seeking access to public capital markets, making the practice relevant to businesses operating in technology, natural resources and other growth-oriented sectors. The firm's corporate and capital markets lawyers work together on transactions involving listed companies, while its international network supports clients undertaking cross-border investment activity. Partners James Green and Paul Tetlow are individually recognised in the 2026 guide.
K&L Gates' transport practice is ranked Band 3 for Transport: Rail: Projects & Infrastructure and Band 4 for Asset Finance: Aviation Finance in Chambers UK 2026. The firm's rail team advises infrastructure developers, operators, investors and contractors on projects involving the development, financing and operation of transport assets. Its lawyers handle contractual arrangements, procurement matters and disputes arising from major infrastructure developments. The aviation finance practice advises airlines, aircraft lessors and financial institutions on aircraft financing, leasing and related transactions. These matters frequently involve complex international structures, reflecting the global nature of aviation ownership and financing. Partner Pete O'Hare is individually recognised for his aviation finance expertise.
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
K&L Gates offers both vacation scheme and direct training contract application routes. According to Legal Cheek's 2026–27 recruitment information, applications for both programmes open on 1 November 2026, with vacation scheme applications closing on 31 January 2027 and direct training contract applications closing on 31 July 2027. The firm recruits up to eight trainees annually and welcomes applications from law and non-law students, graduates and career changers. Applicants are generally expected to have achieved 128 UCAS points and a 2:1 degree, although the firm considers documented mitigating circumstances. The firm's official website still displays dates for the previous August 2028 intake, so candidates should check the recruitment portal for confirmation of the September 2029 timetable. The recruitment process begins with an online application submitted through K&L Gates' recruitment portal. Candidates must provide details of their academic achievements, previous employment and extracurricular experiences, alongside responses demonstrating their motivation and suitability for the firm. K&L Gates places particular emphasis on the sections of its application concerning drive, initiative and personal achievements, making it important for applicants to demonstrate these qualities through specific examples. Candidates should explain their interest in the firm's broad London practice, particularly its work in corporate transactions, real estate, construction and financial services. The firm expressly confirms that non-legal work experience is relevant, allowing applicants to demonstrate transferable skills developed through employment, volunteering and other activities. Applicants who do not meet the standard academic requirements are encouraged to explain any documented mitigating circumstances. The exact written questions and word limits for the 2026/27 recruitment cycle have not yet been confirmed.
How to answer why youK&L Gates: quick answers
How much does K&L Gates pay trainees?
K&L Gates pays first-year trainees £55,000, rising to £60,000 in the second year. Newly qualified solicitors at K&L Gates earn £125,000.
How many trainees does K&L Gates take on?
K&L Gates takes on around 8 trainees in each intake, so places are competitive and strong applications matter.
What tests does K&L Gates use in its applications?
K&L Gates incorporates a swift analysis test and a critical reasoning test into its London trainee assessment process. Unlike firms that require applicants to complete standalone online psychometric assessments immediately after submitting their application, K&L Gates' published recruitment guidance places these tests within the assessment centre itself. The swift analysis test examines candidates' ability to process information efficiently and reach reasoned conclusions, while the critical reasoning assessment evaluates their analytical approach to unfamiliar information. The firm has not publicly identified the assessment provider, precise question formats or time limits. Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that the critical reasoning assessment follows the Watson Glaser format, as this has not been confirmed. The tests form part of a wider assessment process that also evaluates written communication and interpersonal skills
What grades do you need to apply to K&L Gates?
To apply to K&L Gates you will generally need a 2:1+ degree. At A-level, K&L Gates asks for 128 UCAS. Requirements can flex where there are mitigating circumstances, so always check the firm's own criteria if your grades differ.
Get the tools and support you need to succeed.