Reed Smith has hired a team of disputes lawyers from K&L Gates to expand its recently launched Boston office.
The incoming team includes three partners – Jennifer Nagle, Robert Sparkes and Kathleen Parker – and two associates. The firm also added partner Loly Tor in Princeton, also from K&L Gates
The four partners bring decades of combined experience advising clients on class actions, commercial disputes, consumer litigation and employment matters across sectors such as consumer goods, retail and financial services.
Casey Ryan, Reed Smith’s global managing partner, said: “These hires reflect our strategy of building in Boston around key client relationships.
“Jennifer, Rob and Loly strengthen our capabilities in consumer class actions and complex commercial litigation, while Kathleen expands our employment offering in a market where demand continues to grow. Together, they enhance our ability to deliver the depth and practical guidance our clients expect in Boston and beyond.”
The firm opened in Boston in mid-March – its fourth opening in the last 14 months – with a clutch of finance and corporate partners hired from six Big Law rivals, including six partners and senior strategic advisor Kevin Sullivan, former co-chair of Weil’s private equity practice. The latest arrivals bring the Boston attorney count to 17.
Nagle, who made partner in 2016, brings nearly 20 years of experience leading nationwide consumer class action portfolios for major retailers and financial institutions. Sparkes, meanwhile, is a commercial litigator who defends class actions and represents retailers, financial institutions and other businesses nationwide. He leaves K&L Gates after 20 years, 12 of them as partner.
Parker, who made partner in 2021, advises domestic and international companies on a wide range of employment matters, including regulatory compliance and investigations. She regularly represents clients before administrative agencies and in state and federal courts.
Tor brings litigation experience across class actions, construction and warranty disputes. She leaves K&L Gates after 18 years, having spent periods as an associate at McCarter & English and legacy Thacher Profitt and Wood.
Julie Hardin, Reed Smith’s US managing partner, said: “We are committed to establishing a strong presence in the Boston market, built around our key clients and industry priorities.
“Class action litigation is on the rise, and the employment landscape is increasingly complex. The addition of Jennifer, Rob, Loly and Kathleen and their teams reflects our continued investment in top-tier talent and a full-service offering in Boston that can support our clients nationally.”
Nagle praised the firm’s “innovative support for complex disputes and deep bench of trial lawyers”, which she said made it an ideal fit.
“I’m looking forward to collaborating with colleagues in Boston and across the firm to support our clients as they navigate increasingly sophisticated class action risks,” she added.
Sparkes, meanwhile, praised its “collaborative approach and international platform”, as did Tor, while Parker said that joining Reed Smith at this stage of the Boston office’s growth was “a tremendous opportunity”.
K&L Gates was approached for comment.
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