Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP (K&L Gates) welcomes Nicholas J. Spaeth as partner in the firm’s Washington, DC office. Spaeth comes to K&L Gates from H&R Block, where he served as the company’s senior vice president and general counsel. Spaeth also served eight years as the elected Attorney General of North Dakota, and as law clerk to late Associate Justice Byron R. White of the United States Supreme Court.

At K&L Gates, Spaeth focuses his practice on independent investigations, financial services regulatory issues and enforcement actions. He also counsels clients in connection with state attorney general enforcement activities on behalf of consumers. Spaeth's background—which includes service as general counsel of major corporations subjected to state attorney general activity—and his tenure as a state attorney general give him unique perspective on these issues.

Chuck Miller, Administrative Partner of K&L Gates’ Washington, DC office said: “With Nick’s arrival, we add strength to an area whose importance continues to grow for our firm and for our clients in K&L Gates Washington and around the country.”

K&L Gates Chairman and Global Managing Partner Peter J. Kalis said: “Nick’s background is well-suited for our growing practice in independent investigations and enforcement actions, particularly as state attorney general enforcement activities are on the rise. We are pleased to welcome Nick to K&L Gates.”

K&L Gates comprises approximately 1,400 lawyers in 22 offices located in North America, Europe and Asia, and represents capital markets participants, entrepreneurs, growth and middle market companies, leading FORTUNE 100 and FTSE 100 global corporations and public sector entities.

www.klgates.com.